Tesla has received a significant permit that could enable its robotaxi service to move from testing to real-world deployment, marking a major step in its autonomous vehicle ambitions amidst fierce competition from companies like Waymo, Uber, and international players.
Women for America First, a group supporting former President Donald Trump, intentionally lied on a permit application for a protest near the White House on January 6, 2021, according to a report from the inspector general with the Interior Department. The group failed to disclose information about a planned march to the US Capitol, despite repeatedly stating otherwise during the permitting process. The report also revealed text messages indicating the group's intention to march to the Capitol. The Justice Department declined to prosecute the group for its failure to disclose this information.
The Mayor of Malibu, Bruce Silverstein, has accused Kourtney Kardashian of fraudulently obtaining a permit for a "baby shower" party that was actually a promotional event for her wellness brand, Poosh. The event planner filed an application for an "Emergency Expedited Permit for Large Event" at a rented house, claiming it was for a baby shower with 94 guests, but around 600 guests showed up. Mayor Silverstein criticized the city staff for prioritizing celebrities and the wealthy over residents and called for an internal investigation into the alleged fraud.
The EPA's Denver regional office has once again blocked the renewal of a state air pollution permit for Suncor's refinery in Commerce City, Colorado, agreeing with objections from environmental groups that the state should take stronger action against carbon monoxide dangers and past plant modifications. Suncor has a history of air and water pollution violations, and while Plant 2 will be allowed to continue production, state officials must address the EPA's objections before issuing a revised permit. Environmental groups have welcomed the scrutiny on Suncor and called for increased state oversight or even the closure of the refinery.
The city of San Francisco has filed a complaint against the company formerly known as Twitter, now rebranded as X by owner Elon Musk, for installing a flashing "X" sign on top of its headquarters without a permit. The city requires a permit for new additions to signs to ensure consistency with the building's historic nature and safety. The complaint states that the structure must be removed with a building permit or legalized. The city's Department of Building Inspection has made two attempts to access the roof but was denied. The violation could result in fees for X, although the specific amount is unknown.
The San Francisco Department of Building and Inspection has been unable to inspect a new black "X" logo on the roof of Elon Musk's social media company, formerly known as Twitter, for two consecutive days after the company denied access to the structure. The city had previously rebuffed an attempt to remove the blue-bird sign and logo from the headquarters without a permit. The department filed a notice of violation for the unauthorized work, stating that any replacement letters or symbols require a permit to ensure consistency with the building's historic nature and safety. Despite the ongoing dispute, Musk expressed his commitment to keeping X (formerly Twitter) in San Francisco.
Rick Ross has been granted a permit for his 2nd annual car show in Fayette County, after initially being denied. The permit comes with certain conditions, including a two-week limit, off-street parking, and approval from the county fire marshal for any tents. Rick's neighbors had previously sued to stop the show from coming back to his property, but a judge ruled in his favor. The event is set to take place on June 3, 2023, at his Promised Land estate in Fayetteville, GA.
Rapper Rick Ross' permit for his car show in Fayette County has been approved after it was initially denied due to traffic gridlock and complaints from neighbors. The event is not allowed to operate longer than 14 days, off-street parking is required, and outdoor lighting for activities will not be allowed at 10:00 p.m. Ross plans to shuttle attendees from satellite parking lots to the event using 63 luxury buses and 35 officers will direct traffic and help neighbors avoid any traffic.
Riot Fest announced its lineup for the 2023 festival, but the Chicago Park District says the event hasn't been given a permit yet. The park district spokesperson said organizers submitted a permit application to use Douglass Park for the popular event, but the park district has not yet issued that permit. The event has until the event begins to fulfill permit requirements. The headliners for this year's three-day event are the Foo Fighters, The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, The Cure and Queens of the Stone Age.
A Montana judge has cancelled a permit for a proposed $500m gas plant, citing its potential impact on the climate. The ruling marks the first time a US judge has cancelled a permit for a gas-fired power plant on the grounds of climate change. The judge found that state regulators had failed to adequately consider the plant's potential greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on the environment.
The Donna Foundation has received a permit for its annual Mother's Day 5K event, which will take place on May 13, 2023, as scheduled. The City of Jacksonville had asked the foundation to find a different date for the race due to concerns about potential political implications during the mayoral election. However, the city has now approved the permit, stating that its support for the foundation's work on breast cancer should not be misrepresented as political endorsement.
Residents of Bastrop, Texas are opposing a permit that would allow Elon Musk's Boring Company to dump over 140,000 gallons of treated wastewater into the Colorado River. The company is expanding its operations in Bastrop County and plans to build a company town called Snailbrook. Residents and officials are concerned about the private wastewater dumping and would prefer the company to opt into the existing local wastewater system. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality held a meeting to discuss the company's operational plans, and a final decision on the pending permit could be months away.
Louisiana officials have allowed a couple to keep their pet nutria, Neuty, after more than 17,000 people signed an online petition demanding that the state leave the animal alone. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has allowed the couple to apply for a permit to keep the 22-pound rodent, which is considered an invasive species, as a pet within the law. Nutria were introduced into North America more than a century ago and are considered a nuisance invasive species in Louisiana.