AltWeeklies Wire
Do Prisoners Count in the Census?new
Now in full swing, the 2010 Census could super-enfranchise some.
Boise Weekly |
Nathaniel Hoffman |
04-02-2010 |
Policy Issues
Consensus on the Censusnew
Every ten years, a survey is sent to each household in America to find out just how many people live here. Answering basic questions that pigeonhole you demographically might not sound that tough, but in the past it's proven to be a sweat-inducing task for many Americans.
Dig Boston |
Catherine Krug |
03-10-2010 |
Policy Issues
Sweepstakes Cafes: A Rip-Off Coming to Your Low-Income Neighborhoodnew
Since a state law passed last year created the loopholes, sweepstakes cafes have flourished throughout North Carolina. Yet that these businesses are opening is less notable than where they're opening—many of them in low-income and/or minority neighborhoods where people have little to spend and a lot to lose
INDY Week |
Lisa Sorg and Joe Schwartz |
02-25-2010 |
Policy Issues
Tribes, Tracks and Casinos Push to Widen Texas Gamblingnew
The economic crunch could mean 2011 will be the year that gambling promoters finally open up Texas (the biggest untapped market in the U.S.) to casinos and racetrack slots. If that happens, the economic effects will be felt in Oklahoma, Louisiana... and maybe even Nevada.
Fort Worth Weekly |
Dan McGraw |
02-17-2010 |
Policy Issues
While Mayor Vows to Reduce Homeless Population, City Eyes Cutting Shelter Bedsnew
Gavin Newsom has earned a reputation as someone willing to make passionate statements about plans to fix up public housing, reform the civil service system, upgrade parks, or reduce homelessness, and then quickly turn away as if he'd never said anything at all.
SF Weekly |
Matt Smith |
01-20-2010 |
Policy Issues
New Year, New Laws! Six New Laws for Oregonnew
LUCKILY, New Year's resolutions aren't legally binding. But the new Oregon laws covering everything from TVs to tenant's rights that went into effect on January 1 are, so listen up or pay the price.
The Portland Mercury |
Sarah Mirk |
01-07-2010 |
Policy Issues
In Little Rock, It's "King Chamber"new
Mysterious Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce “contractors” doing who knows what for who knows how much taxpayers' money are given preference over legitimate city functions and accountable city employees. While protecting an annual $200,000 contribution to the Chamber, the Little Rock Board of Directors has slashed the city budget ruthlessly in other areas.
Arkansas Times |
Arkansas Times Staff |
01-07-2010 |
Policy Issues
Does Wisconsin's Health Insurance Overseer Actually Protect Consumers?new
Even when it does have regulatory authority, the state's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) seems reluctant to throw its weight around. Of the 28 complaints we reviewed, in no instance did OCI instruct an insurance company to behave differently.
Isthmus |
Bill Lueders |
10-26-2009 |
Policy Issues
Thinking and Acting Smartly Everywhere but the Rust Beltnew
At a Brookings Institution forum last week, policy wonks and local government officials from places like Sacramento and Salt Lake City discussed how they used regional planning to cope with rapid growth. What can shrinking Rust Belt cities learn from the places that are stealing their populations?
Artvoice |
Bruce Fisher |
10-23-2009 |
Policy Issues
Follow the Bouncing Lotto Ball in Arkansasnew
In all the haste, headlines and hubbub about what has become the biggest political story of the year, something sometimes gets overlooked. What will the lottery really mean for Arkansas' citizens and higher education system? Here, even big backers hedge their bets.
Arkansas Times |
Gerard Matthews |
07-23-2009 |
Policy Issues
Economy and Fears of Obama Intensify Love of Guns in S.C.new
In the beginning stages of his administration, Barack Obama has barely mentioned guns. But one might think otherwise based on firearms sales and the rate of concealed weapons permitting in recent months in South Carolina.
Columbia Free Times |
Corey Hutchins |
06-26-2009 |
Policy Issues
Race for the Cure Critic Incurs Pink Wrathnew
Little Rock attorney Scott Strauss, as a man, wasn't able to officially enter the Susan G. Komen Foundation Race for the Cure and walk with his mother. He's protesting, and the result has been like a wave of Pepto-Bismol-colored napalm.
Arkansas Times |
David Koon |
06-25-2009 |
Policy Issues
Bellicose Rhetoric Masks Real Differences Over S.F. Budget Prioritiesnew
The dueling budget rallies that preceded the San Francisco Board of Supervisors hearing on the city's spending priorities officially ended the conciliatory approach offered by Mayor Gavin Newsom.
San Francisco Bay Guardian |
Rebecca Bowe |
06-24-2009 |
Policy Issues
Questions Surround Wisconsin Pro-Life Organization's Rhetoricnew
Wisconsin Right to Life's ads against proposed abortion services at a Madison clinic are seen by some as reckless and inflammatory.
Shepherd Express |
Lisa Kaiser |
06-12-2009 |
Policy Issues
Louisville Pastor's Celebration of Firearms Sparks Debate Over Guns and Godnew
Believing God and guns are fundamental parts of America's heritage, Louisville evangelical minister Ken Pagano has stirred a local and national storm of criticism by encouraging members of his congregation to bring their unloaded firearms to a rally at his church.
LEO Weekly |
Phillip M. Bailey |
06-11-2009 |
Policy Issues
