The article discusses the gentrification and corruption in Los Angeles, focusing on the actions of city council member Jose Huizar. It highlights the transformation of the Arts District and Boyle Heights, the displacement of residents, and the involvement of developers like Carmel Partners and Shenzhen New World Group in bribery scandals. The text also mentions the efforts of local groups like Defend Boyle Heights to combat gentrification.

Melchie Dumornay, a standout in Haiti's women's soccer, has been named the young player of the year in Europe's Champions League, a significant achievement celebrated in Little Haiti.

Longtime residents of Highland Park remain skeptical about the safety of York Park, built over a former gas station site with a history of fuel leaks in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite official reports deeming the site low-risk, community members, led by activists like Mando Medina, call for further testing due to lingering concerns about soil contamination. The issue has divided the neighborhood, with some residents and experts advocating for additional assessments, while others, including local officials, believe current safety measures are sufficient. The debate underscores broader environmental justice concerns in the area, particularly in light of past industrial pollution incidents.

Usama Ajjan, a Syrian schoolteacher and part-time journalist, was kidnapped in Aleppo along with three Spanish journalists. While the Spanish journalists' abduction received international attention, Usama's plight has been largely ignored. Steve Addison, a New Zealand-based amateur journalist and friend of Usama, has been campaigning to raise awareness about Usama's abduction. Despite his efforts, including contacting Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders, media coverage remains limited. The article highlights the challenges faced by non-Western individuals in gaining media attention and the efforts of individuals like Addison to bring their stories to light.

Nearly 3000 television sets are discarded annually in Dunedin's Green Island landfill, significantly outnumbering those recycled. The high cost of recycling, compared to cheaper disposal options, is a major barrier. Despite the presence of valuable and hazardous materials in TVs, recycling efforts remain minimal. Past government initiatives temporarily boosted recycling rates, but costs reverted, reducing participation. Proposals include incorporating recycling costs into product prices and making retailers responsible for disposal. The situation highlights ongoing environmental and policy challenges.

The article by Carla Green investigates the influence of industry funding on agricultural research at the University of Otago. It highlights concerns that such funding may affect research findings and the choice of research topics. A researcher, referred to as Rebecca, shares her experience of the constraints and pressures of industry funding, including the need to 'bury' certain findings. The article also includes insights from Prof Jack Heinemann of the University of Canterbury, who suggests that industry influence is a widespread issue in academia, affecting the framing of research questions and leading to self-censorship among researchers. The University of Otago and Beef + Lamb New Zealand, an industry funder, both deny that funding influences research outcomes. The article raises questions about the balance between industry collaboration and maintaining academic independence.

Los Angeles, a city with a high renter population, often sees tenants dealing with unscrupulous landlords. This guide offers tenants tools and methods to research their landlords, similar to how journalists do. It covers key laws like California's AB-1482 and Los Angeles' Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), and provides steps to use online tools such as ZIMAS to check protections and property details. It also advises on identifying landlords through public records, business databases, and court records, and emphasizes the importance of knowing one's rights and the legal framework to better handle landlord disputes.

The article highlights six organizations in Los Angeles that are actively working against gentrification and displacement. These organizations include the Los Angeles Community Action Network, Ktown for All, Chinatown Community for Equitable Development (CCED) LA, East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice (EYCEJ), We the Unhoused, Jtown Action and Solidarity, Polo’s Pantry, and People’s Pantry. Each organization is praised for its unique contributions to supporting unhoused and marginalized communities through various forms of advocacy, outreach, and direct support. The article encourages readers to volunteer or donate to these organizations to help combat displacement and support community resilience.

Disneyland is set to reopen on April 30 after more than a year of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with strict safety measures including limited capacity, mask mandates, and social distancing. While fans and employees are eager for the return, the experience will be different with no parades, fireworks, or hugs. The reopening has been challenging for Anaheim businesses and Disneyland staff, many of whom have been furloughed or laid off. Despite the changes, there is optimism that the 'magic' of Disneyland will eventually return.

California's tourism industry, crucial for the local economy, faces unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and historic wildfires. While rural areas like Big Sur have seen a surge in visitors, urban attractions such as Disneyland remain closed, transforming cities like Anaheim into ghost towns. The shift in tourist patterns has caused tensions in small towns and a difficult choice for hospitality workers between their livelihoods and safety. Hotel occupancy rates have increased statewide, but remain lower in urban areas. Workers, like housekeeper Aurelia Gonzalez, have adopted strict routines to protect their families from potential COVID-19 exposure.

A report by the ACLU condemns the conditions of homeless shelters in Orange County, California, highlighting issues such as filth, mold, and abuse by staff. The report details infestations, neglect, and unlivable conditions, and includes recommendations for improvement. The county has faced criticism and lawsuits for its treatment of the homeless, and the ACLU emphasizes the importance of not just the availability but the quality of shelter beds. Personal accounts from former residents underscore the dire conditions and the need for systemic change.

Orange County, California, one of the wealthiest regions, has begun evicting residents from a homeless encampment near Disneyland, despite admitting to having only 250 shelter beds for potentially 1,000 people. The UN special rapporteur on adequate housing, Leilani Farha, criticized the evictions as inconsistent with a human rights approach and suggested a moratorium. The ACLU and local activists have highlighted the lack of affordable housing and the criminalization of homelessness in the county. Residents of the encampment describe it as a refuge despite the presence of violence and drug use, contrasting with the dangers they face on the streets.

Over 120,000 people across the United States participated in the second Women's March to protest President Donald Trump and his agenda, coinciding with a government shutdown. Speakers encouraged women to run for office and address issues like healthcare, reproductive rights, and climate change, linking the movement to the #MeToo movement. In Los Angeles, speakers like Viola Davis emphasized fighting for the rights of all individuals. The government shutdown, the first in history with one party controlling the White House and Congress, saw leaders from both parties blaming each other. The White House's hardline stance on immigration, led by John Kelly and Stephen Miller, was a significant point of contention.

Thousands of people returned to the streets for the Women's March, marking the anniversary of the initial protest against Donald Trump's presidency. Demonstrations took place in major cities like Washington, New York, and Los Angeles, with participants expressing continued resistance and political activism. Key speakers, including Nancy Pelosi and Kirsten Gillibrand, emphasized the importance of supporting Democratic candidates in the upcoming midterms. The event also highlighted the impact of the #MeToo movement and ongoing cultural changes regarding sexual harassment. Despite Trump's attempts to downplay the protests, the marchers remained undeterred, showcasing their determination to effect political change.

Uber's recent company-wide meeting highlighted significant internal turmoil, including CEO Travis Kalanick's leave of absence and board member David Bonderman's resignation following a sexist remark. The article underscores the plight of Uber drivers, many of whom face low wages, job insecurity, and even homelessness. Despite promises of corporate reform, the company has been criticized for neglecting its drivers' welfare, focusing instead on technological advancements like self-driving cars. The article also touches on Uber's legal battles and the broader implications of its business practices on its workforce.

Travel can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Carla Green, a professional acupuncturist and aromatherapist, offers five easy ways to relieve travel stress: practicing the relaxing breath technique, using aromatherapy with peppermint and lavender oils, applying acupressure on specific points, engaging in regular physical exercise, and listening to music. These techniques can improve general health, energy levels, and sleep patterns, making travel more enjoyable.

The North Cedar boys' track and field team secured second place at the DeWitt Central Invitational, with the article featuring photos from their performance.

Los Angeles voters approved a $1.2 billion proposition (HHH) to address homelessness, focusing on the chronically homeless who make up 30% of the city's homeless population. The initiative includes housing with built-in services like mental health counseling and job training. City official Yolanda Chavez supports a 'housing first' model, while homeless advocate Manuel Compito argues that families should be prioritized. The city plans to award the first development contracts in July.

California's Proposition 47, passed in 2014, aimed to reduce incarceration rates by downgrading certain felonies to misdemeanors, significantly impacting communities of color. While it has been successful in lowering incarceration rates, concerns remain about racial bias in drug-related charges. Proposition 64, which seeks to legalize recreational marijuana and further reform drug laws, is seen as a progressive step forward. Advocates like Donnie Anderson and Lynne Lyman emphasize the importance of these reforms for African Americans and other communities of color, though challenges and biases in the judicial system persist.

Harassment by Dunedin students has reached a critical point, prompting residents and university members to call for action. A letter co-signed by Otago bioethics PhD candidate Emma Tumilty and others highlights serious issues including racist speech, street harassment towards women, and trans- and homophobia. Former and current students recount personal experiences of verbal abuse. Detective Senior Sergeant Kallum Croudis notes a consistent stream of complaints, particularly during Orientation Week. University of Otago's vice-chancellor Harlene Hayne and Otago University Students' Association president Laura Harris emphasize the importance of education and prevention programs to address the issue.

The article explores the role of Yik Yak, a social media platform, as a reflection of student life in North Dunedin, particularly among University of Otago students. It highlights how the platform captures a range of student experiences, from humor and public service announcements to more intimate and personal thoughts. While Yik Yak has faced criticism for hosting negative interactions, the article notes that in Dunedin, the platform often fosters supportive and friendly exchanges. The narrative underscores the significance of these anonymous interactions in the student community.

Melody Madill, a second-year anthropology student at the University of Otago, experienced a seizure while on Skype with her fiancee, Anna Messner, who was in Tennessee. Messner, along with Madill's brother David Neal, sought help online via Reddit after failing to get assistance through a 911 call. Jana Hayes from Christchurch responded to Neal's Reddit post and called emergency services. Madill, who has a history of epilepsy, was confused upon regaining consciousness but later felt better. She praised her fiancee's quick thinking in the situation. Madill and Messner, who met online, plan to marry once Messner moves to Dunedin.

New Zealand is grappling with high rates of sexual violence, ranking third in a study by The Lancet. Female politicians, particularly from the Green Party, are demanding more attention to the issue. They staged a walk-out of parliament after Prime Minister John Key made controversial comments during a debate, which were perceived as trivializing sexual assault. Key initially refused to apologize but later did so. The article highlights the challenges faced by survivors and the impact of government funding cuts on support services. It also emphasizes the disproportionate rates of sexual assault among Māori women and the need for public discussion on the issue.

Otago University's new vaping ban has sparked criticism from health professor Marewa Glover, who argues that electronic cigarettes help people quit smoking and pose no significant health risks. The university's human resources director, Kevin Seales, defends the policy, citing public health advice and concerns about dual use and policy enforcement. The ban has also drawn ire from cannabis activists, who claim it targets their on-campus vaping sessions. The policy change appears to be influenced by strong opposition from the university's public health department, although some members were unaware of the decision.

Thousands of New Zealanders protested in 16 cities against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a secretive trade agreement involving 12 countries. Activists like Jen Olsen and legal scholar Jane Kelsey are at the forefront of the opposition, with Kelsey filing a legal case to force the New Zealand government to release TPP documents. The protests and legal actions reflect growing public concern and the desire for transparency in trade negotiations.

Usama Ajjan, a Syrian schoolteacher and part-time fixer for journalists, was kidnapped in Aleppo along with three Spanish journalists: Antonio Pampliega, José Manuel López, and Ángel Sastre. While the Spanish journalists' disappearance received international attention, Usama's case was largely ignored. Steve Addison, who runs an amateur news site in New Zealand, started an awareness campaign for Usama after learning of his disappearance. Despite not having met Usama in person and living far away, Addison has been in contact with Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders to include Usama in media stories and ensure he is part of any hostage negotiations. The article highlights the challenges of raising awareness for non-Western individuals in conflict zones and the lack of media attention they receive compared to Western journalists.

A rogue wave swept away a dog named Ali at St Clair Beach, Dunedin, highlighting the intensifying effects of climate change. Mrs. Bush, the dog's owner, recounted the incident and expressed concerns about global warming. Experts from the University of Otago and Victoria University explained that the unusually high waves were due to a combination of low atmospheric pressure, high tides, and climate change. The Dunedin City Council and animal services conducted a search for Ali, but the dog remains missing. The article underscores the growing risks of extreme weather events and rising sea levels for New Zealand's coast.