AltWeeklies Wire
Will a Food-Stamp Program Overhaul Bring a Change In Attitudes?new
Some worry that inadequate staffing, combined with a fixation on fraud and a fundamental misunderstanding of clients' needs, will continue to undermine how the federally funded program is run locally.
San Diego CityBeat |
Kelly Davis |
04-29-2009 |
Policy Issues
Phoenix Light Rail Operators Are Not Happynew
Phoenix Metro Light Rail operators don't have a contract — just grueling schedules and smelly passengers.
Phoenix New Times |
Sarah Fenske |
04-28-2009 |
Transportation
Tags: Phoenix Metro Light Rail, unions
Can Kansas City Turn Its Trash Problem into an Opportunity?new
In Kansas City, trash is consistently among the top citizen complaints. Landfill space is shrinking fast. And now the city's trash collection contractor is raising its prices. Kansas City is hoping to elbow its way out of the company's grasp -- and make some money doing it.
The Pitch |
Carolyn Szczepanski |
04-28-2009 |
Environment
Jurors and Prosecutors Sink a Federal Case Against Internet Pharmaciesnew
Federal prosecutors spent two years building their argument against doctors, pharmacists, and businessmen who were operating an internet pharmacy network. But midway through the trial, their efforts unraveled in spectacular fashion.
New Times Broward-Palm Beach |
Deirdra Funcheon |
04-28-2009 |
Crime & Justice
The Toyota Prius Isn't the Angel Everyone Thinks It Isnew
The Prius is one of the great success stories of the last decade, becoming the one car synonymous with "hybrid." But between serious safety and environmental concerns, some critics think it helped kill the electric car.
Houston Press |
Paul Knight |
04-28-2009 |
Transportation
A Pittsburgh School for Troubled Students Is Making Progressnew
Clayton Academy is in charge of educating the Pittsburgh's most academically and behaviorally challenged 6th- through 12th-grade students. This year, officials say there have been noticeable behavior improvements at the school. When it comes to academics, though, doubts remain.
Pittsburgh City Paper |
Chris Young |
04-27-2009 |
Education
Modern-Day Gold Rush Comes to Pennsylvanianew
Natural gas drillers are buying mineral rights from property owners across the state, but environmentalists worry about the price to be paid.
Pittsburgh City Paper |
Bill O'Driscoll |
04-27-2009 |
Environment
Going Green Means Taking Down the King of Coalnew
The general manager of Colorado's largest electricity cooperative believes that coal will keep electric bills cheap. But with cheap and easily accessible coal getting harder to come by and politicians considering a hefty carbon tax on fossil fuels, critics say a new coal plant could end up being a multimillion-dollar liability.
Westword |
Joel Warner |
04-27-2009 |
Environment
Getting Lost on the Neches Rivernew
Jim Schutze gets lost canoeing the Neches River, and finds the wildlife refuge Dallas wants to dam to secure its water supply.
Dallas Observer |
Jim Schutze |
04-27-2009 |
Environment
An Education Overhaul Opposed by the Washington Teachers' Union Wins Support in Olympianew
The Washington teachers' union vehemently opposed a new education bill, not only for its lack of an identifiable funding stream but also because of its call to redesign teacher pay, certification, and evaluation. In spite of the union's position, the bill has some high-profile supporters that are closely allied with labor.
Seattle Weekly |
Nina Shapiro |
04-27-2009 |
Education
New Mexico Religious Group Stands by Its Spiritual Leader and Waits for Deliverancenew
In April 2008, reports of inappropriate contact between three female minors and the leader of a New Mexico religious group prompted their removal from the group's property.
Weekly Alibi |
Maren Tarro |
04-24-2009 |
Crime & Justice
Tags: Michael Travesser, Strong City
A Developmentally Delayed Man Files Suit Against the System that Put Him Behind Barsnew
Though Robert Gonzales was never convicted of killing Victoria Sandoval, and though DNA evidence couldn't place him at the scene of the crime, he spent 997 days in the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center.
Weekly Alibi |
Marisa Demarco |
04-24-2009 |
Crime & Justice
Choosing a Furry Family Membernew
Adopting a pet can be great for your health. Just make sure you account for your new furry friends' health and happiness, too.
Jackson Free Press |
Andi Agnew |
04-24-2009 |
Animal Issues
Tags: pet adoption
A Blue-Ribbon Green Housenew
Two LSU architecture students win a design competition with an affordabe, sustainable house for a New Orleans area ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. The design incorporates a shipping container, a wall of recycled crab traps with oyster shells in them, and fishing nets used as balcony railings.
Gambit |
Noah Bonaparte Pais |
04-24-2009 |
Environment
Trans Community Slams Albertanew
After years of hormone therapy, a hysterectomy and surgery removing his breasts, Niq Gryphon was devastated when told by Alberta Health and Wellness that his gender reassignment surgery will not be funded by the province.
Fast Forward Weekly |
Lindsey Wallis |
04-23-2009 |
LGBT
