Mark Sackett, a longtime business owner in San Francisco, blames the city's government for failing to address the drug use, violence, and filthy streets that have led to the decline of his businesses. Sackett faces financial ruin as he struggles to refinance his mortgage and anticipates the closure of his other businesses. Despite his efforts to beautify the area, the neighborhood continues to be plagued by crime and unsanitary conditions. Sackett criticizes city leaders for prioritizing bike lanes, nonprofits, and safe injection sites over the needs of small businesses. He highlights the irony of the city cracking down on business owners while allowing homeless encampments to flourish.
Children from the evacuated Kibbutz Be'eri, which was heavily impacted by Hamas's invasion and massacre on October 7, share their experiences and emotions in an interview with Israel's Channel 12 news. The children, ranging from six to 11 years old, describe witnessing disturbing scenes and express sadness over the loss of loved ones. They criticize the school set up for them at the hotel and express disappointment in the government's response, calling it neglectful. Some children express a desire for their kidnapped relatives to be returned, while others question the prime minister's leadership and express a sense of shame over the loss suffered by their community.
Arab towns and businesses in Israel are planning a general strike on Tuesday to protest against a surge in violent crime that has resulted in the deaths of over 160 members of the Arab community this year. Municipal leaders are calling for the establishment of an emergency committee to address the issue. The strike will involve local authorities, businesses, and the education system, with students joining in protest convoys. The strike announcement follows the funeral of a prominent imam who was shot and killed, sparking further outrage. Community leaders blame the Israeli government for neglecting Arab-Israeli citizens and failing to address the crime wave.
The small town of Helena-West Helena in Arkansas has been without clean water for three weeks due to burst pipes in its aging infrastructure. Despite pleas for help from state and federal authorities, the predominantly Black community has received minimal support. The city estimates it would cost $1 million to $10 million to repair the piping system, but a $100,000 loan from the governor is not nearly enough. Residents are frustrated and forced to rely on bottled water for basic needs. The situation highlights systemic failures, racism, and government neglect in providing clean water to marginalized communities.
At least 12 inmates were killed in a gang clash in La Penitenciaría prison in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The country has been facing prison violence since 2021, with hundreds of inmates dying due to clashes between drug gangs. The government attributes the violence to gangs fighting for territory and control. President Guillermo Lasso has struggled to address the issue and has increased the presence of security forces in an attempt to control the violence.
