AltWeeklies Wire
Tim Pawlenty's Path to the Presidency: What He Needs to Do to Become No. 45new

His political allies say Pawlenty has said he'd like to be president, but the governor is no fool. If he wants to seize the Republican nomination, experts say there are several steps he'll need to take -- and fast. Consider this his to-do list.
City Pages (Twin Cities) |
Erin Carlyle |
07-15-2009 |
Politics
Swipe Happy: How Paying Tuition With Plastic Can Cost Younew
Since February 2008, University of Virginia students have been able to pay tuitions online through Quik Pay@UVA using an e-check, which drafts money from checking accounts or credit cards. But paying by credit card involves an additional 2.75 percent convenience fee.
C-Ville Weekly |
Caitlin Speaker |
07-15-2009 |
Education
What Is Killing the East Bay's Soul Food Restaurants?new
The recession has been hard on restaurants of every type, but it's been particularly hard on the owners of soul food, Caribbean, or Louisiana kitchens
East Bay Express |
Sam Levin |
07-15-2009 |
Food+Drink
A Colorado Culinary School Offers a Taste of Realitynew

You might describe Victor Matthews as a food fundamentalist who believes in trial by fire. From a converted Colorado Springs hotel, the polarizing figure aims to take on big schools, chain restaurants and an industry that he feels has grown stagnant in many ways through the Paragon Culinary School.
Colorado Springs Independent |
Matthew Schniper |
07-14-2009 |
Food+Drink
'Half-Blood Prince' Follows a Harry Potter Who's No Innocent Kid Anymore
Half-Blood Prince is far less dense with magical action than its predecessors, and perhaps that makes it feel mostly like a stage-setter for the finale that will be Deathly Hallows. Yet it's so rich with characterization that it scarcely matters.
Salt Lake City Weekly |
Scott Renshaw |
07-14-2009 |
Reviews
Kansas City Notifies Wal-Mart That One of its Dead Stores is a Nuisancenew
Wal-Mart has abandoned hundreds of locations in the course of its aggressive expansion. Big-rig operators and others have stashed vehicles near a dead Sam's Club in Kansas City for more than a year, and city officials are finally taking notice.
The Pitch |
David Martin |
07-14-2009 |
Business & Labor
So Many Dynamos Fight Complacency and Boring Music With 'The Loud Wars'new
The band is frequently compared with postpunk acts such as the Dismemberment Plan and Q and Not U, but the Dynamos' music is much more nuanced.
The Pitch |
Annie Zaleski |
07-14-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Tags: The Loud Wars, So Many Dynamos
Despite Hopes, Incoming Soldiers Won't Bolster Colorado Springs' Housing Marketnew
Take close to 6,000 soldiers -- many with families -- and make them move to Colorado Springs. Add a federal program meant to help troops with reassigned units sell their homes, and sprinkle in some hope that the local housing market has bottomed out. You have the makings for a healthy local housing boom, save for one crucial thing: Many soldiers are in no position to buy.
Colorado Springs Independent |
Anthony Lane |
07-14-2009 |
Housing & Development
It's a Dirty Job Nabbing Horny Guys in the Park, But Somebody's Gotta Do Itnew

The Kansas City Police Department's vice squad spends a couple of days a month conducting covert stings to ferret out men seeking sex in public parks. When things go right, the job is predictable.
The Pitch |
Nadia Pflaum |
07-14-2009 |
Crime & Justice
Things Get Nasty in the Phoenix Police Department's Homicide Bureaunew
A recently unsealed 26-page affidavit makes it clear that the homicide bureau is rife with backstabbing and gossip. Are these homicide detectives, or high school girls?
Phoenix New Times |
Sarah Fenske |
07-14-2009 |
Crime & Justice
Will Backroom Deals Keep Detroit's Garbage Incinerator Burning?new
The July 1 deadline for deciding the long-term future for disposal of Detroit's garbage has come and gone, but we can't tell you with any certainty what that future will be.
Metro Times |
Staff |
07-14-2009 |
Environment
It Ain't Easy Going Green: The Headaches & Hardships of Eco-Friendly Buildingnew

While in many ways Connecticut has been very progressive, the current hodgepodge of local rules and laws are frustrating to people who are committed to building and living sustainably.
New Haven Advocate |
Betsy Yagla |
07-14-2009 |
Culture
Joe Arpaio's Immigration Raids at Water Parks Are All Wetnew
Despite the hullabaloo and expectations after the controversial Legal Arizona Workers Act went into effect, Maricopa County still has not filed any sanctions in cases against employers, nor has any of Arizona's 14 other county attorneys.
Phoenix New Times |
Paul Rubin |
07-14-2009 |
Immigration
'Bruno' Fails to Detonate With the Force of its Predecessornew
The movie's provocations connect only fitfully, and despite its comparatively strong narrative, it feels less of a piece than Borat, and more like an overlong episode of Sacha Baron Cohen's TV show.
Philadelphia City Paper |
Sam Adams |
07-14-2009 |
Reviews
Numbers Suggest New Vets Court in Colorado Will Be Busynew

No one knows how many veterans will find space in the specialized court -- which will try to identify current and former soldiers whose criminal activity is tied to combat experiences -- when it starts up Aug. 1 in Colorado Springs. But advocates say the aim is to find an alternative to stuffing vets behind bars.
Colorado Springs Independent |
Anthony Lane |
07-14-2009 |
Crime & Justice