AltWeeklies Wire
Baltimore's Sustainability Commission Holds First Meetingnew
The goal of the commission, which was created last year by a City Council bill, is not just to work for a cleaner, greener footprint for the city but also to create a blueprint for meeting the economic and social needs of city residents.
Baltimore City Paper |
Joe Tropea |
06-24-2008 |
Environment
New Rule May Allow Loaded Guns into National Parksnew
The NRA's motive for pushing the law is two-fold: consistency with state laws and giving gun owners the ability to protect themselves and their family. But guns in national parks don't seem necessary to most park advocates.
Tucson Weekly |
Brian Park |
06-19-2008 |
Policy Issues
There's No Evidence That Shows Popular Youth Curfew Laws Worknew
San Diego’s juvenile curfew law was enacted as a way to cut down on gang violence, and by that standard, it has failed. After 11 years and thousands of curfew citations and arrests since the law took effect, gang-related crimes are up 23 percent this year over last, and gang-related homicides increased 61 percent during that same period.
San Diego CityBeat |
David Silva |
06-18-2008 |
Crime & Justice
Mental Health Services Threatened in Portland Areanew
Mental health provider Cascadia is in deep financial trouble, and patients could end up paying the price.
The Portland Mercury |
Matt Davis |
06-05-2008 |
Policy Issues
Court Says the U.S. Treasury Discriminates Against the Blindnew
A federal appeals court upheld a 2006 decision that the U.S. Department of the Treasury discriminates against the blind because paper money is not distinguishable by touch. The decision could mean a big change for blind citizens like Stephanie Jones and for America's paper currency.
The Memphis Flyer |
Shara Clark |
05-30-2008 |
Policy Issues
New Haven's City Budget Relies on an Unreliable Source of Incomenew
By statute, Connecticut is supposed to fund PILOT -- which compensates cities for tax-exempt property like hospitals, universities and schools -- at 77 percent of the real estate's full value. In New Haven, that adds up to big bucks. But PILOT's only been fully funded twice in the last decade.
New Haven Advocate |
Betsy Yagla |
05-20-2008 |
Policy Issues
Santa Barbara County Ventures Towards Oil Taxnew
Looking to inject Santa Barbara's cash-strapped coffers with millions in oil-derived dollars, the county's supervisors voted unanimously this week to explore the possibility of a per-barrel tax on oil harvested from beneath county land.
Santa Barbara Independent |
Ethan Stewart |
05-20-2008 |
Policy Issues
The Pledge Problemnew
Idaho Republicans to reporters: Either say the Pledge of Allegiance -- with feeling -- or get out.
Boise Weekly |
Deanna Darr |
03-26-2008 |
Policy Issues
A New Twist on an Old Tricknew
If Illinois has its way, a TIF on sales taxes means you'll be funding the rehab of Wrigley Field.
Chicago Reader |
Ben Joravsky |
03-10-2008 |
Policy Issues
Tags: public policy issues
You Don't Want to Knownew
Maryland State Ethics Commission rule on financial-disclosure forms casts shadow over access to public information.
Baltimore City Paper |
Jeffrey Anderson |
03-04-2008 |
Policy Issues
Tags: public policy issues
A Casino in Chicago May be a Sucker's Movenew
It's just a matter of time before there's a casino downtown -- the proposal for a land-based casino has already passed through the state senate and is waiting on house approval. Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) speculates that could happen sometime this year.
Chicago Newcity |
Clay Champlin |
02-27-2008 |
Policy Issues
Tags: casinos, public policy issues
Outlawing the Poornew
Nashville's new class war pits the down-and-out against up-and-comers and their powerful allies.
Nashville Scene |
Jeff Woods |
02-22-2008 |
Policy Issues
Tags: public policy issues
Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunitionnew
Dueling gun bills in Georgia show legislative sausage-making at its worst.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Scott Henry |
02-13-2008 |
Policy Issues
Tags: public policy issues
Georgia Banks on New Reservoirsnew
Critics decry the lack of conservation measures in the state's fight against the drought.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
Thomas Wheatley |
02-06-2008 |
Policy Issues
Tags: public policy issues
A Fixed Handnew
With billions at stake, the fight over Indian Gaming has turned into the most expensive in proposition history.
Los Angeles CityBeat |
Annette Stark |
02-01-2008 |
Policy Issues
Tags: public policy issues
