AltWeeklies Wire
Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan's Impotent Dictator
How many Americans will continue to see Hamid Karzai as viable -- and be willing to continue to pay the price of propping him up?
In Miami's Jungle of Condo Towers, 16 People Have Jumped to Their Deathsnew
Some cities have fabled bridges where the hopeless go to end it all. Others have eerie cliffs where bodies plunge into rocky canyons. In Miami-Dade, the suicidal have found their own vehicle for death: posh, shining, and often brand-new condo towers.
Miami New Times |
Natalie O'Neill |
09-14-2009 |
Crime & Justice
Is Toronto's 'Bike War' Really a Class War?new
In the wake of Darcy Allan Sheppard's death, the debate has raged about whether the bike and the car can get along on the road. But what's really at stake are competing visions of the future of cities and democracy itself.
NOW Magazine |
Andrew Cash |
09-14-2009 |
Transportation
Ganjapreneurs Are Cashing in on Colorado's Booming Medical Pot Businessnew
To meet an increased demand, at least seventy new Colorado dispensaries have opened, forty in the metro area alone. Many of these are operated by what insiders are calling a "second wave" of ganjapreneurs -- savvy, experienced businesspeople and professionals.
Did Vermont State Troopers Go Too Far When They Shot a Paranoid Schizophrenic?new
What really happened the night Joe Fortunati was killed in June 2006 may never be entirely clear. The only first-hand accounts come from the Vermont state police troopers at the scene, nine of whom are now defendants in a federal lawsuit accusing them of using excessive force and covering up key details of the case.
Seven Days |
Andy Bromage |
09-11-2009 |
Crime & Justice
Foster Youths in L.A.: A Before-and-After Storynew
L.A. is home to the largest foster-care agency in the U.S., with many of its 7,000 employees fighting valiantly to try to fix the system and the lives of children caught in it. But with John, on a brisk night on a corner frequented by former foster youths now homeless, you notice only the system's failings.
L.A. Weekly |
Daniel Heimpel |
09-11-2009 |
Children & Families
If Curt Schilling Runs for Senate, Will He Keep His Sports-Media Perch?new
Known for his arm and his mouth, former Red Sox great Curt Schilling is now stretching his legs ... for a possible Senate run for Ted Kennedy's old seat. But he's blaming the media for getting the facts wrong, even though, as a regular contributor to WEEI-AM and weei.com, he is the media.
Boston Phoenix |
Adam Reilly |
09-10-2009 |
Media
The Ex-Gay Movement That Wasn't: Meet D.C.'s Tiniest Demographicnew
This summer, a D.C. Superior Court judge ruled that ex-gays ought to be protected under the D.C. Human Rights Act's sexual orientation clause, alongside heterosexuals, bisexuals, and gays. But are there any ex-gays in town?
Washington City Paper |
Amanda Hess |
09-10-2009 |
LGBT
Forget Reform: '9-12' Protesters Want a Revolution Against Gov'tnew
Don Rodgers is the driving force behind a local group that came together in March under the auspices of the so-called 9-12 Project, the brainchild of Glenn Beck, whose rants put Obama at the center of a vast conspiracy to steal freedom from hard-working Americans.
Colorado Springs Independent |
Anthony Lane |
09-10-2009 |
Media
Chaplain Bonnie Polley, Doing God's Work in Jailnew
Although her title is chaplain, a lot of what Polley does is remarkably not so preachy. She spends most days helping inmates and their families with the smaller dignities of jail life -- expediting visits, making phone calls, connecting people with resources.
Las Vegas Weekly |
Stacy J. Willis |
09-10-2009 |
Crime & Justice
The Case for a Gay Marriage Vote in D.C.new
Anti-gay-marriage forces have taken to advocating for a ballot initiative, hoping for a 2010 repeat of last year’s California drama. Out-of-town forces are already massing, eager to turn the nation's capital into a high-profile battleground. But despite fears, here's why D.C.'s lefties should support a gay marriage vote.
Washington City Paper |
Mike DeBonis |
09-10-2009 |
LGBT
Where's the Money? SFR Hunts for Santa Fe's Wealthiestnew
The Great Recession has thrown at least 3,300 Santa Feans out of work since last August. At that rate, one student in every Santa Fe classroom has a parent who has lost a job. The wealthy have felt the contraction, too: Yesterday's billionaires are today's ... hundred millionaires.
Santa Fe Reporter |
Corey Pein |
09-10-2009 |
Economy
The Harshest Cut: Brutal Devastation of Clear-Cutting in the Sierra Continuesnew
A decade ago, logging and forestry practices in the Sierra were big news. Media reports, protests, and legislative action focused on Sierra Pacific Industries' practice of slicing through entire large tracts of land, hacking down every tree, bush, and seedling and leaving nothing but devastation behind. But most of the news media have long since moved on to other issues -- and the clear-cutting continues.
San Francisco Bay Guardian |
Cecile Lepage |
09-10-2009 |
Environment
Soldier: Coming Home from Iraqnew
It shames me personally to think that I've become so detached from the war that I didn't realize until days later the simple cause of Rocky's candor and joy: The guy was giddy to be back safe at home. Even more so, he was thrilled to finally find a couple of guys who gave enough of a shit to ask.
LEO Weekly |
Dominic Russ |
09-10-2009 |
War
Parolees Looking for a Second Chance are Finding it More Difficult Than Evernew
With recidivism rates in the state hovering around 67 percent and the attendant costs of continuing to house prisoners, their success or failure at finding jobs, at re-entering society, becomes more than just a concern for bleeding hearts.
Las Vegas Weekly |
T.R. Witcher |
09-10-2009 |
Crime & Justice
