Government / Politics
Transportation Deal Reached
Had a deal with Sen. Tom Coburn not been reached on Friday, a shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration would have begun Saturday morning. Coburn's issue, characterized by NPR as 'flowers vs. bridges', will be dealt with in final bill.
Obama's Renewable Energy Blunder
The President went out of his way to support Solyndra's cutting-edge solar technology. When the company declares bankruptcy this week, Jon Stewart anticipates the gaffes by Obama's opposition in a very funny segment on The Daily Show.
Fed. Transpo' Extension Halted Over Bike Funding
U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, R-OK, came through with his promise to stop the clean extension of the transportation bill - and extension of the fed. gas tax, over the inclusion of what are known as 'enhancements' including bike/ped/livability programs.
Urban Village Rising in El Paso
Montecillo, a 293-acre 'urban village', is the first development to take advantage of El Paso's new Smart Code. The project launched in May, and the developer is already preparing to get Phase 2 off the ground.
A Gradual Approach to Improve a Busy San Francisco Street
San Francisco has made steps to avert cars from Market Street, but the next steps to alleviate congestion are vague. A gradual rollout of trial experiments to gauge a method's success seems the most likely answer, reports Rachel Gordon.
House Approves 'Clean' Transportation Extension Bill
After a mere 45 minutes of debate on the House floor, Obama's requested transportation bill extension was approved by voice vote - unanimously. The extension will be for six months (not four as Senate committee had approved) and extends the gas tax.
Despite Ailing Economy, Manufacturing Spurs Cities' Growth
Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Titusvilla, Florida are metropolitan areas that grew faster than the national average in 2010, reports Ben Casselman for The Wall Street Journal.
Bev. Hills Officials Lend a Hand to Struggling Bell, CA
Bell is infamous for being sucked dry by a handful of corrupt politicians. Now that the officials have been removed, Bell is struggling to find its footing. Wealthy Beverly Hills and Santa Monica have stepped up to help.
New CA Attorney General Joins EJ Lawsuit On Diesel Truck Pollution
A warehouse and distribution center adjacent to a low-income community that would generate 1,500 additional daily diesel truck trips from the Ports of LA and Long Beach is the subject of an environment lawsuit that will be joined by AG Kamala Harris.
Disaster Planning, Politics, and Payment
Half of the US population lives in coastal areas, but 100% of the population foots a portion of the insurance bill. And as storm event strength is trending upward with global warming, the inlanders are getting less excited about that payment stream.
Only Collective Actions Make a Difference
You gave up your large home for a small apartment by the train station, your car for a bike, disposable bags for your canvas one, and of course you recycle everything. Are you making a difference? Not according to this NYT column.
Obama's 'Clean Extension' Clears Senate Committee
In advance of the President's key jobs speech Thursday, the Senate committee in charge of transportation approved a 4-month extension of the current transportation bill that expired Sept., 2009. It heads to the Senate floor next.
A Closer Look at the Infrastructure Bank
The highly anticipated "job speech" by President Obama this evening will address, among other issues, the infrastructure bank. Michael Likosky argues that it is the only possible revenue stream for the nation's $600 billion infrastructure projects.
Historic Preservation Jobs Are Local
With Missouri's Historic Preservation Tax Credit on the chopping block, Citiography outlines seven reasons the state should keep this program. Creating local jobs is just one.
Jobs vs. the Environment: Can A Middle Ground Be Found?
The debate may be as old as the first environmental regulation on the federal books - do regulations kill jobs? Fresh from a Sept. 2 victory over EPA's attempt to strengthen smog regulations,Republicans will continue the effort to reduce regulations
Railing Issues in the UK
The benefits of building a new $52-million HSR that connects London to northern England are plausible but not persuasive, says The Economist.
NPR Tours The High Line With Its Founders
The two founders of New York's famous High Line give NPR an exclusive tour of the park and provide the inside scoop on the creation of the park.
Obama Axes New Ozone Rules
President Obama has directed EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to drop proposed regulations that would have reduced ozone (smog), handing a victory to Republicans and industry that had opposed them, to the dismay of the environmental community.
Walter Reed's Closure Leaves Significant Development Possibilities
Walter Reed is closing and leaving behind close to 70 acres available for redevelopment in D.C. Residents want to know, can the planners get it right?
Melbourne Ranked as Most Livable City
With high scores in five broad categories, Melbourne, Australia received the highest spot in livability rankings from The Economist's research unit.
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