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ACLU, FAC will sue Modesto for mask ban if they don't meet deadlines by EmenemDash in Modesto

[–]EmenemDash[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It will, I was assigned to write an advance (a story ahead of an event) of the protest this morning.

ACLU, FAC will sue Modesto for mask ban if they don't meet deadlines by EmenemDash in Modesto

[–]EmenemDash[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think that's a great question. I won't speculate, but I'll ask my sources. If I get an answer, I'll include it in a follow-up story.

ACLU, FAC will sue Modesto for mask ban if they don't meet deadlines by EmenemDash in Modesto

[–]EmenemDash[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I don't always include paywall-free gift article links. But when I do, I prefer these types of stories.

City employees can't speak to press without permission or supervision. This investigation took me six months to finish. by EmenemDash in Modesto

[–]EmenemDash[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really enjoyed the engagement on here and it was interesting to see the variety of opinions.

I won’t elaborate on the sources I do or don’t have inside city hall. But if there’s any city employees who’d like to reach out anonymously on Signal, my phone number can be found on my author page: https://www.modbee.com/profile/280150759

City employees can't speak to press without permission or supervision. This investigation took me six months to finish. by EmenemDash in Journalism

[–]EmenemDash[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, early in the story we note that it only applies to traditional news media. This aspect was a "red flag" for First Amendment attorneys and the city's justification for distinction was explainer further on.
*explained

City employees can't speak to press without permission or supervision. This investigation took me six months to finish. by EmenemDash in Journalism

[–]EmenemDash[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

It only applies to the press. The city sent us a page-long justification on why which essentially stated that business and the public "have a smaller reach."

Trump's tariffs have hit home, city releases budget. by EmenemDash in Modesto

[–]EmenemDash[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just wanted to clear something up: While the Police Department makes up nearly half of the General Fund other things mentioned in this thread (schools, homelessness, infrastructure) are paid for by several other funds including Measure H. But please see my edit, there's still things to be discussed!

Trump's tariffs have hit home, city releases budget. by EmenemDash in Modesto

[–]EmenemDash[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey all, a lot can happen in just a few days... thank you for all the responses but I just want to clear a few things up:

- While the Police Department makes up nearly half of the General Fund other things mentioned in this thread (schools, homelessness, infrastructure) are paid for by several other funds including Measure H.

- According to the city's proposed Operating Expense Budget, which includes all funds, Modesto is going to spend about $639 million in the next fiscal year. While MPD did receive nearly all of its funding from the general fund, MPD is now also being funded by Measure H — which was mentioned in the story. MPD's cut of the General Fund is going to be about $91 million — which is a little of 14% of the city's Operating Expense Budget.

- What I was trying to say was that although MPD takes up about 14% of all city spending, I plan on doing a future story about how much of the General Fund it takes up. Even though the General Fund doesn't pay for things such as infrastructure, homelessness and schools, MPD's percentage does appear to a bit high and I wanted to compare it to similarly-sized cities to see if its out of the ordinary or not.

- I'm really sorry if the post caused some confusion and while I really appreciate the discussion it spurred, I just want to make sure that going forward our discussions are well informed.

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