Category: Venice

Chloe Zhao Joins Fellow Oscar Winner Bong Joon-Ho on Venice Festival Jury

“Nomadland” director Chloe Zhao will join fellow Oscar-winning filmmaker Bong Joon-ho on the main jury at this year’s Venice International Film Festival, organizers said on Wednesday. The judging line-up for the 78th edition of the festival held in the Italian lagoon city will also include “Widows” and “Harriet” actress Cynthia Erivo and filmmaker Alexander Nanau,…


Italy Bans Big Cruise Ships in Venice

Starting next month, ships over a certain size or weight or surpassing specific pollution levels can no longer ply the Giudecca Canal, a major sea artery in Venice, nor can they cruise the waters near St. Mark’s Square, the historic heart of the environmentally fragile city. Until a permanent docking place can be chosen and…


‘Enough is Enough’: Los Angeles Sheriff Urges State of Emergency on Homelessness

In an unusual move, Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva has sent a letter to the Board of Supervisors urging them to declare a local state of emergency to address the spiraling homelessness crisis in the county, citing an increase in crime, lack of sanitation, and struggling businesses. “We’ve been inundated with calls, with concerns, with…


Locals Fear Filth From Homeless Camps Adding to Water Pollution in Venice Beach

LOS ANGELES—When Brian Averill began surfing in Venice Beach 20 years ago, he said one of the best times to catch a wave was the day after rainfall. It’s not unusual to see beachgoers enjoying a swim or a jog on the first day of sunshine after a storm, but Averill soon realized he was…


The Sublime ‘Church of Gold’: St. Mark’s Basilica, in Venice, Italy

From dawn to dusk, the golden mosaics on the façade of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice shimmer and shine to differing degrees. The constantly shifting sunlight seems to bring endless dramatic effects to the mosaic pictures that depict mainly religious life. The mosaics were first created in 1071, and developed over eight centuries to cover around…


California Assembly Preps Tax Hike on Businesses to Fund Homeless Programs

California lawmakers are seeking to address the state’s growing homelessness problem with a proposed tax hike on businesses making more than $5 million annually in the state. Proponents say Assembly Bill 71 (AB 71), also known as the Bring California Home Act, would restore corporate tax rates to 1980s levels to provide an estimated $2.4…


California Assembly Preps Business Tax Hike to Fund Homeless Programs

California lawmakers are seeking to address the state’s growing homelessness problem with a proposed tax hike on businesses making more than $5 million annually in the state. Proponents say Assembly Bill 71 (AB 71), also known as the Bring California Home Act, would restore corporate tax rates to 1980s levels to provide an estimated $2.4…