AltWeeklies Wire
Dr. Joycelyn Elders: Legalize Medical Marijuananew
Now almost 75, this sharecroppers' daughter from Arkansas continues to lecture across the country on sex education, universal health care and public health approaches to dealing with illegal drugs.
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
Why Don't the People of D.C. Have a Voice in Congress?new
D.C. Vote's Eugene Dewitt Kinlow and Ilir Zherka traveled to Jackson June 2, to talk with Mississippi voters about the issue.
Jackson Free Press |
Adam Lynch |
06-12-2008 |
Politics
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
