AltWeeklies Wire
GM's Bankruptcy Marks the End of an Era of Second-Best Arrogancenew
The truth is we all lose and, in a sense, it is the end of an era. But romanticizing GM's past, particularly the past several years, when we've watched it fall further and further behind Asian automakers in terms of affordability and technology isn’t healthy either.
Pasadena Weekly |
Jennifer Hadley |
06-16-2009 |
Business & Labor
How Do You Take the Rust Out of the Rust Belt?new
It's a question politicians and policymakers have been asking themselves for years. Now, with a new administration in the White House and stimulus money at the ready, local lawmakers and nonprofits are looking for ways to funnel some much-needed capital into revitalizing Great Lakes cities.
Animated Cartoon: Everywhere You Want To Benew
Some people think the government should get involved in the intimate relationship between consumers and their credit cards. Maybe they should think twice before ruining something special.
Maui Time |
Ted Rall |
06-13-2009 |
Commentary
Restive Americans Form a Nascent Resistance ... But Will Anyone Notice?
Why the anger? Six months after a new chancellor came to power amid promises of dramatic change, the Reich remains at war. Between the officially unemployed and the long-term dispossessed, 20 percent of North Americans are out of work. Auschwitz is closing and torture has been banned, but dissidents say Adolf Hitler III's reforms are merely window-dressing.
Maui Time |
Ted Rall |
06-13-2009 |
Commentary
Working the Home Price Reductionsnew
In today’s buyers' market, you hear stories of $500,000 homes selling for as little as $250,000 -- a buyer's jackpot by any standard. Price reductions are everywhere -- so how can a savvy homebuyer make the most of them?
C-Ville Weekly |
Jessie Knadler |
06-10-2009 |
Housing & Development
Overcoming Illness Is Only Half the Battle for Cash-Strapped New Mexicansnew
Through outreach work, Health Action New Mexico has discovered common scenarios that force people to fall into the trap of insurmountable health costs.
Weekly Alibi |
Simon McCormack |
06-09-2009 |
Economy
Michigan Communities Use HUD Dollars for Demolition, Rehab and Ownershipnew
In Michigan, the HUD Neighborhood Stabilization Program is funding projects aimed at offsetting some of the harmful effects that foreclosed and vacant properties have on neighborhoods, as well as increasing home ownership and redevelopment.
Metro Times |
Sandra Svoboda |
06-09-2009 |
Economy
It’s Survival Of The Fittest For Urban Pioneers in Downtown Dallasnew
Dallas dreams of a vibrant city center, where residents, shops and restaurants mingle. But this is not a report on what city officials envision. This is a look at downtown from the street-level. Restaurants are still struggling. Homelessness is still an issue. People still perceive the area as dead, although that perception is beginning to change.
Dallas Observer |
Kimberly Thorpe |
06-08-2009 |
Business & Labor
Minnesota Governor Cuts Healthcare for the Poornew
For over 30 years, General Assistance Medical Care has protected patients living far beneath the poverty line in Minnesota. But in the twilight of the legislative session, it became the victim of a line item veto from Gov. Tim Pawlenty's budget.
City Pages (Twin Cities) |
David Hansen |
06-05-2009 |
Policy Issues
Buffalo or California: Which Is the Better National Bellwether?new
It's now reasonable, and not far-fetched, to expect fiscal chaos in state and local governments in the next two years. Here's what fiscal chaos means: more Californias.
A Chance for Meaningful Change in Sacramentonew
The skunking of all five special election budget measures backed by Gov. Arnold and the Can't Shoot Straight Legislature was a clear signal that voters are way beyond fed up with half-measures, marginal fixes and smoke and mirrors in Sacramento.
Metro Silicon Valley |
Phil Trounstine and Jerry Roberts |
05-29-2009 |
Commentary
There's Nowhere in America Quite Like Detroit Right Nownew
The last few years have been really bad for Detroit. Odd as it may sound, this is why you should visit now. If and when money ever comes in, you can be sure much of its eerie beauty will be lost forever. Meanwhile, it's Beyond Thunderdome.
Chicago Reader |
Jonathan Mahalak |
05-18-2009 |
History
Looking for Work in South Texasnew
Economists now say the Rio Grande Valley may ride out the economic crisis more comfortably than the rest of the U.S. Despite such optimism, the region is still plagued by the same structural problems that have long depressed its economy.
The Texas Observer |
Kevin Sieff |
05-13-2009 |
Economy
Three of New Haven's Top Chefs Show How to Maintain Lavish Eating Habits in a Dismal Economynew
These dark days call for a Gastronomic Stimulus Package, a plan for the nation that will allow the American people to eat well on a budget.
New Haven Advocate |
Thomas MacMillan and Margaret Middleton |
04-21-2009 |
Food+Drink
It's Easy for a Homeowner's Payments to Fall Through the Cracksnew
Nancy Perez discovered that the worst thing to happen to her home was not a fire, but mismanagement among the mortgage servicers -- the companies charged with collecting monthly payments -- on her $76,000 loan.
Houston Press |
Craig Malisow |
04-08-2009 |
Economy
