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Omar S. Rashad عمر

@omarsrashad.bsky.social
505 followers 386 following 111 posts

reporter covering sf // omarsrashad.carrd.co // fresno defender

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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
"The documents provide the clearest picture yet of the scope of a federal investigation effort Newsom first disclosed in June, which he said was focused on him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom." sfstandard.com/2026/09/12/n...
sfstandard.com
Federal criminal probe of Newsom expands; Lurie’s wife Prowda named in subpoenas
Federal investigators seek six years of records involving Newsom’s international travel, outside funding, and expenditures related to his residence and personal expenses.
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Jonah Owen Lamb @jonahowenlamb.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
New subpoenas show federal criminal probe focus on Newsom’s travel and expenses sfstandard.com/2026/09/12/n...
sfstandard.com
New subpoenas show federal criminal probe focus on Newsom’s travel and expenses
Federal investigators seek six years of records involving Newsom’s international travel, outside funding, and expenditures related to his residence and personal expenses.
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Jonah Owen Lamb @jonahowenlamb.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Spent a couple days traveling to East Palestine, Ohio to report on Jed York’s arrest. This is what I wrote. sfstandard.com/2026/08/26/j...
sfstandard.com
‘We are trailer trash now’: East Palestine reacts to Jed York’s arrest
Residents of the mobile home park where the 49ers owner was arrested say they’re tired of being the punchline — first the derailment, now this.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Mayor Daniel Lurie's office doesn't think San Francisco's Homelessness Oversight Commission should have the ability to approve or reject city contracts with nonprofit homelessness service providers, or even audit problemed operators. My first for @sfstandard.com: sfstandard.com/2026/08/24/l...
sfstandard.com
Lurie rejects core reforms of homelessness oversight audit
The San Francisco Civil Grand Jury’s key recommendations aimed to increase oversight of homelessness funding and housing sites where unhoused people overdose.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
considering waking this account up! it's my first week at @sfstandard.com and i'm the newest member of the politics team. just moved to the bay area, would love to get your fave grubs, hidden gems and of course your story tips! i'm at: orashad [at] sfstandard [dot] com
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
Perfectly put by @femmfeministe.bsky.social and @mayaschenwar.bsky.social: prismreports.org/2025/11/19/p...
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
Here's my latest from yesterday evening, about a federal judge temporarily blocking the Trump administration from taking federal funding away from local governments, including the City of Fresno and Sacramento County. For @fresnoland.bsky.social: fresnoland.org/2025/08/26/f...
fresnoland.org
Federal judge grants Fresno temporary win in lawsuit over federal funding
A federal judge in San Francisco granted a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from taking federal funding away from the City of Fresno and several other agencies.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
I got my hands on an unredacted copy of the latest political disclosure filing from Fresno Future Forward, a newly formed PAC that spent thousands on disparaging mailers during a March city council special election. My latest for @fresnoland.bsky.social below: fresnoland.org/2025/08/07/f...
fresnoland.org
A mysterious company funded Fresno’s most recent political controversy
Fresno Future Forward, the political action committee responsible for sending out a disparaging mailer during a March special election, revealed its
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Fresnoland @fresnoland.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
‘The very essence of dark money:’ Could Fresno voters be misled again? Experts think so It took a month after an election to find out who was behind disparaging and misleading mailers designed to sway southeast Fresno voters. Leading up to the March 18 special election for southeast Fresno’s…
fresnoland.org
‘The very essence of dark money:’ Could Fresno voters be misled again? Experts think so
It took a month after an election to find out who was behind disparaging and misleading mailers designed to sway southeast Fresno voters. Leading up to the March 18 special election for southeast Fresno’s councilmember, a political action committee called Fresno Future Forward spent $4,439 on political mailers, accusing then-candidate Brandon Vang of having “engaged” in “statutory rape.” Vang…
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
Many long nights over the last couple months were spent working on this: I looked into misleading mailers, dark money and an Orange County company called FrontPoint Partners, LLC attempting to influence Fresno's elections. My latest for @fresnoland.bsky.social: fresnoland.org/2025/07/21/d...
fresnoland.org
Fresno election mailers raise questions about dark money in local races
It took a month after an election to find out who was behind disparaging and misleading mailers designed to sway southeast Fresno voters.  Leading up
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Fresnoland @fresnoland.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
Two Fresno homeless shelters will close by end of year, sparking uncertainty across the city Jason Throop has been homeless for over a year now. The Fresno native said he waited for about four months to get a spot at the Journey Home homeless shelter on Parkway Drive before finally landing a spot…
fresnoland.org
Two Fresno homeless shelters will close by end of year, sparking uncertainty across the city
Jason Throop has been homeless for over a year now. The Fresno native said he waited for about four months to get a spot at the Journey Home homeless shelter on Parkway Drive before finally landing a spot on Thursday.  The problem? The shelter he moved into has just announced it will close at the end of the year. The Fresno Housing Authority on Wednesday…
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james @hashtagjames.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
twenty-nine (29!!!) nyt stories were cited to support the state in the u.s. v skrmetti decision (h/t @assignedmedia.org for reporting for @objectivejournos.bsky.social) to further limit access to trans healthcare. just horrid horrid stuff objectivejournalism.org/2025/06/new-...
objectivejournalism.org
NY Times cited 29 times to justify decision limiting trans healthcare
Meanwhile, other mainstream media newsrooms treated the U.S. v. Skrmetti case as an opportunity to center coverage around the expected result.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
I just want to tell you guys, bc the nyt won't, that kurtas CAN have collars... talk about cultural competency!
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Trump is expected to sign the new congressional spending bill tomorrow, part of which cuts Medicaid funding. Here's a deep dive I wrote a few months ago exploring how that could drastically impact California's Central Valley: fresnoland.org/2025/03/11/m...
fresnoland.org
Why Fresno County could hurt more from potential Medicaid cuts
There’s no doubt amongst experts that Medicaid cuts would impact California greatly. But for Fresno County, the impacts could be dire.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Anyone else notice that in this photo, the CBP agent on the right appears to be wearing a keffiyeh?? www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Federal agents denied entry to Dodger Stadium parking lot: Here is what really happened
A resident captured pictures of vans with the same license plates at Home Depot ICE raids and Dodger Stadium, conflicting with DSH social media posts.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Most of my childhood was spent in Hawthorne, south of Los Angeles. I used to order pupusas at the restaurant, go to the bank, do groceries near 120th and Hawthorne. Hard to come up with words after learning a couple was separated by ICE right there. www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
ICE raids leave people 'scared to leave the house' in South Bay town
Immigration enforcement raids in the city of Hawthorne have sparked outrage, fear and anxiety in a town that is half Latino.
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Olivia Messer @oliviamesser.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Some of y’all noticed I’ve been uncharacteristically offline. This is why, and I remain on leave for a few weeks to handle a PTSD relapse. CJR was dogged in its pursuit of my story. Because of what I do and who I am, I felt that I had to answer their questions honestly. www.cjr.org/feature-2/we...
cjr.org
Journalists Attest to Experiences of Sexual Misconduct with Wesley Lowery
Lowery rose to prominence as a reporter and media thinker. Women in the industry say he engaged in sexual harassment and assault.
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Kate Martin @katereports.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Managers need to realize it is NEVER worth it to keep an abuser or a predator. It chases away more talent than you know. There is nobody so valuable that you have to put up with this kind of behavior and anyone who hid it who had power to stop it should be absolutely ashamed of themselves.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
The FPPC is investigating dark money PAC Fresno Future Forward for “potential violations of the campaign disclosure provisions of the Political Reform Act.” in @fresnoland.bsky.social: fresnoland.org/2025/05/13/f...
fresnoland.org
FPPC launches investigation into Fresno political group
Fresno Future Forward, the political action committee behind a controversial election mailer, is under investigation by the FPPC.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Mayor Jerry Dyer on pursuing a mega-development in southeast Fresno:
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 26/04/2025
fresnoland.org/2025/04/25/s...
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Alma Villegas @reportingmerced.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
The Central Valley has the highest number of Medi-Cal enrollees. In Merced, 52% of county residents receive benefits. Why Fresno County could hurt more from Medicaid cuts than most of the country by @omarsrashad.bsky.social fresnoland.org/2025/03/11/m...
fresnoland.org
Why Fresno County could hurt more from potential Medicaid cuts
There’s no doubt amongst experts that Medicaid cuts would impact California greatly. But for Fresno County, the impacts could be dire.
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Susie Neilson @susien.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Really enjoyed speaking with Elizabeth Arakelian at @kvprnews.bsky.social about @meganmunce.bsky.social's and my investigation into the algorithms driving widespread underinsurance among California wildfire survivors. Listen here: www.kvpr.org/podcast/cent...
kvpr.org
Apr. 25: How A Little Known Tool Has Major Implications For Your Homeowners’ Insurance Policy
We speak with reporters Susie Neilson and Megan Fan Munce about their new investigation into a system known as “360 Value.” Their reporting uncovers how major insurance companies rely on the program’s...
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Now that Bluesky is back up: The Fresno City Council moved forward with a policy to crack down on smoke shops. Fresno has over 144 smoke shops. This policy aims to reduce that number to a max of 49. Breaking story below: fresnoland.org/2025/04/24/s...
fresnoland.org
Fresno to crack down on smoke shops following narrow vote
City leaders moved forward with cracking down on Fresno smoke shops after a somewhat tense Thursday debate.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
If four Fresno councilmembers approve a proposal to regulate smoke shops, dozens of them will have to either close down or change the nature of their business by 2026. Here's my preview on what's at stake this Thursday for @fresnoland.bsky.social: fresnoland.org/2025/04/22/s...
fresnoland.org
At least 33 Fresno smoke shops could close if this policy gets OK'd
If a proposal to define smoke shops in Fresno’s city code — and also regulate them — is approved, dozens of Fresno stores could close.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
In case you missed it, the Fresno City Attorney found out his own office subpoenaed my colleague after reading Fresnoland's own reporting. www.fresnobee.com/news/local/a...
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
"The California DMV routinely allows dangerous drivers with horrifying histories to continue to operate on our roadways. Too often they go on to kill. Many keep driving even after they kill. Some go on to kill again." calmatters.org/investigatio...
calmatters.org
Why California’s dangerous drivers get to keep their licenses
The California DMV routinely allows deadly drivers to operate on our roadways, a CalMatters investigation has found.
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Sergio olmos @sergioolmos.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
Roughly 200 million people live within the zone where U.S. Border Patrol claims the right to warrantless search. "We're going to go where that threat is and where we can do the most damage to the bad people and bad things that we possibly can." -Bovino @evidentmedia.org youtu.be/m93xbICwsSM?...
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
a version of this tweet goes viral every five minutes on twitter like god forbid I have taste
Tweet that says: "an easy tell if someone uses chatgpt is if they use the long dash (—) nobody uses that"
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
NEW: Two funding sources are being used to keep afloat Fresno's program that combats illegal evictions in the city. Here's the latest on Fresno's Eviction Protection Program, for @fresnoland.bsky.social: fresnoland.org/2025/03/13/e...
fresnoland.org
Here's how Fresno is keeping its Eviction Protection Program alive
Back in February, Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz said his department needed half a million dollars more to keep eviction protection funded.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
NEW: Valley Children's Hospital has paused its annual Kids Day fundraiser one year after financial controversies. The fundraiser was questioned after the nonprofit's sky-high executive compensation and billion-dollar investment portfolio became public knowledge. fresnoland.org/2025/03/12/k...
fresnoland.org
Kids Day at Valley Children’s paused after financial controversies
A year after uproar over Valley Children’s Hospital’s finances and executive compensation, its annual Kids Day fundraiser.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Did you know Fresno County has the third highest Medi-Cal enrollment in all of California? 1 in every 2 residents here is enrolled in Medi-Cal. That's why Fresno and the most of the San Joaquin Valley could hurt more from Medicaid cuts. For @fresnoland.bsky.social: fresnoland.org/2025/03/11/m...
fresnoland.org
Why Fresno County could hurt more from potential Medicaid cuts
There’s no doubt amongst experts that Medicaid cuts would impact California greatly. But for Fresno County, the impacts could be dire.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
Many thanks to @kvprnews.bsky.social for having me on the Central Valley Daily podcast to talk about how Fresno's $20 million budget deficit has a lot to do with how city officials used temp pandemic relief funds to expand police and fire. More below: www.kvpr.org/podcast/cent...
kvpr.org
Mar. 10: How Will Fresno Cover A $20 Million Deficit?
The city of Fresno, California's fifth-largest city, is facing a $20 million deficit. In the coming months, the mayor and city council are expected to announce their plans to tackle the budget shortfa...
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jon ben-menachem @jbenmenachem.com · 10/03/2025
Federal judge just temporarily blocked removal of Mahmoud from the US www.documentcloud.org/documents/25...
documentcloud.org
KhalilOrd031025
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Carl Takei @carltakei.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
@omarsrashad.bsky.social in @fresnoland.bsky.social: Fresno Sheriff wants more cooperation with ICE. Advocates say that would erode trust fresnoland.org/2025/03/04/s...
fresnoland.org
Fresno Sheriff wants to change CA sanctuary law. Would it erode trust?
Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni said he would like to initiate contact with ICE — which state law SB54 currently prohibits.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Fresno's Eviction Protection Program may be up in the air, as the $1.5 million allocated for the program is close to running out, per City Attorney Andrew Janz. He said the program needs $500K to stay afloat until June. Much more below in @fresnoland.bsky.social: fresnoland.org/2025/02/13/e...
fresnoland.org
Fresno's Eviction Protection Program could be up in the air again
The City Attorney’s Office may not have the funds to keep Fresno’s Eviction Protection Program running until June.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
A surprise announcement today: Interim police Chief Mindy Casto was appointed to the role permanently, following a four-month search for the Fresno Police Department's next leader. for @fresnoland.bsky.social: fresnoland.org/2025/02/13/n...
fresnoland.org
New Fresno police Chief Mindy Casto takes over permanently
New Fresno police Chief Mindy Casto takes over department fulltime after the departure last year of Paco Balderrama.
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melissa-myrna.bsky.social @melissa-myrna.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
Local law enforcement confirmed they haven’t substantiated claims or obtained evidence that unhoused people are being dropped off in Fresno. @omarsrashad.bsky.social @fresnoland.bsky.social fresnoland.org/2025/02/10/m...
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
On Friday, 11 Weird Al lookalikes assembled in downtown Fresno, and the crowd chose one certain victor: a guy with long curly hair wearing a flowery vacation shirt and his grandma's accordion. Writing this @fresnoland story gave me so much joy!!
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Kori Suzuki @korisuzuki.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
This guy looks more like Weird Al Yankovic than anyone else in Fresno 😭 The reporting we all need by @omarsrashad.bsky.social. fresnoland.org/2025/01/27/w...
fresnoland.org
Fresno crowns 'Weird Al' lookalike amid stiff competition
The lookalike contest put Fresno on a list of many other cities to judge celebrity impersonators in recent months.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
On Friday, we published a breakdown of how Fresno County and the City of Fresno used about $370 million in ARPA funds. One highlight: elected officials used more than a third of federal relief funds on government costs, including salaries, overtime, facilities and equipment.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 04/01/2025
no one: adobe: one arm, one leg if you wanna keep the PDF software 😀
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Fresnoland @fresnoland.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
The city and county of Fresno got millions in free COVID money. Here’s how they spent it fresnoland.org/2025/01/03/a...
fresnoland.org
How Fresno spent millions in COVID-related ARPA funds
Here's how Fresno County and the City of Fresno allocated hundreds of millions in federal pandemic relief or ARPA funds.
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melissa-myrna.bsky.social @melissa-myrna.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
The city and county of Fresno got millions in free COVID money. Here’s how they spent it @omarsrashad.bsky.social @fresnoland.bsky.social fresnoland.org/2025/01/03/a...
fresnoland.org
How Fresno spent millions in COVID-related ARPA funds
Here's how Fresno County and the City of Fresno allocated hundreds of millions in federal pandemic relief or ARPA funds.
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danibergstrom.bsky.social @danibergstrom.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
Hey, everyone! I run a small, nonprofit newsroom called Fresnoland, and here's why you should support us on Giving Tuesday. First, 73% of our ~$850k budget goes right back into paying and supporting eight journalists, not profits for a hedge fund. fresnoland.org/donate/
fresnoland.org
Donate - Fresnoland
Support quality journalism by joining us today!
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
not drake filing a second lawsuit, this time alleging defamation 😭 this is so embarrassing www.billboard.com/pro/drake-se...
billboard.com
Drake Files Second Action Against UMG, Alleging Defamation Over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘False’ Song
Drake has launched a second legal action against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” accusing the music giant of defamation.
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Omar S. Rashad عمر @omarsrashad.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
i love how the "chill guy" tiktoks are just another version of "very mindful, very demure" and honestly the online evolution of these silly little phrases is really so much fun and wholesome!!
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