Urban Planning and Development

Flaco, a Eurasian eagle-owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo, on February 15, 2023.

Finding and Losing Flaco, the Owl That Got Free Finding and Losing Flaco, the Owl That Got Free

There may never be another Flaco, but there will be other birds in the city to love. May we take better care of them.

Feb 24, 2024 / Joan Walsh

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

Hydropower Won’t Stop the Climate Crisis—It Might Make It Worse Hydropower Won’t Stop the Climate Crisis—It Might Make It Worse

The dispute over Ethiopia’s enormous dam should be a warning of what the future holds on a hotter, drier planet.

Feb 21, 2024 / Joshua Frank

Urban Surveillance Is More Menacing Than Ever

Urban Surveillance Is More Menacing Than Ever Urban Surveillance Is More Menacing Than Ever

Cameras aren’t just monitoring us in public—now they’re actually yelling at us.

Feb 16, 2024 / Column / Kate Wagner

LA’s Corporate Class Wants to Reverse Progressive Gains

LA’s Corporate Class Wants to Reverse Progressive Gains LA’s Corporate Class Wants to Reverse Progressive Gains

The LA left’s newfound electoral muscle has transformed the city into one of the most renter-friendly in the country. Business and real estate interests are fighting back.

Feb 12, 2024 / Feature / Mike Bonin and Peter Dreier

A drone view of the former stage at People's Park in Berkeley, California.

Should People’s Park Be Consigned to the Ash Heap of History? Should People’s Park Be Consigned to the Ash Heap of History?

Many argue that after five decades of resisting the University of California’s repeated attempts to reclaim the park, it’s time to let go of the past and move on. We disagree.

Jan 31, 2024 / Steve Wasserman, Paul Glusman, Judy Gumbo Albert, and Tom Dalzell

Signage outside an Amazon Go store

How Students in Seattle Got More School Counselors—Paid for by the City’s Wealthiest Corporations How Students in Seattle Got More School Counselors—Paid for by the City’s Wealthiest Corporations

Local politicians said it couldn't be done. The Seattle Times said it shouldn't be done. The students stuck to their demands and proved them wrong.

Jan 19, 2024 / Natalya McConnell

A family in masks taking pictures on smartphone.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year—From Covid Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year—From Covid

If we want to mitigate the great existential threats to our survival—from microbes to the warming planet—we’re going to need bolder thinking than “getting back to normal.”

Dec 27, 2023 / Gregg Gonsalves

Rudy Giuliani, the former personal lawyer for Donald Trump, arrives at the E. Barrett Prettyman US District Courthouse on December 15, 2023, in Washington, D.C.

The Real Tragedy of Rudy Giuliani The Real Tragedy of Rudy Giuliani

The disgraced former mayor was a racist authoritarian—even back when he was being celebrated by the mainstream media.

Dec 18, 2023 / Jeet Heer

Writer Jonathan Lethem poses for a photo against a gray background

Jonathan Lethem Returns to the Scene of the Crime Jonathan Lethem Returns to the Scene of the Crime

In his new novel, the bard of Boerum Hill interrogates the brutal truths of gentrification.

Oct 27, 2023 / Ross Barkan

Minneapolis Affordable Housing

This City Council Election Will Decide the Future of Housing in Minneapolis This City Council Election Will Decide the Future of Housing in Minneapolis

With every city council seat up for grabs in 2023, progressives hope for a veto-proof majority to pass meaningful affordable housing policies.

Oct 24, 2023 / StudentNation / Theia Chatelle

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