After Coal, a Small Kentucky Town Builds a Healthier, More Creative Economy
A complex network of local organizations helps neighbors support one another as they rebound from a dying industry.
Economy
Trump’s Budget Is Full of Contempt—and Numbers That Don’t Add Up
Trillions of imaginary dollars run throughout the budget. Never mind “fake news.” This is fake government.
Why Bernie Sanders Is Pushing for More Worker-Owners
In times when Washington is unlikely to agree on much, employee ownership offers a bipartisan approach toward building a stronger and more just economy.
School District Switches to Local and Organic Meals, Cuts Carbon Footprint—and Saves Money
A new report revealed surprising results when Oakland overhauled its lunch menu at 100-plus schools by serving less meat and more fruits and vegetables.
Don’t Let Trump Drama Distract You While Congress Dismantles Medicaid
I’m obsessed with what this Congress is doing to the funding for health care, especially Medicaid, which insures 62.3 million Americans.
Yes, We Can Choose Good Globalization
The integration of knowledge, science, hospitality, and travel can have huge benefits for human connections and peace.
But Wait, U.S. Bank Has Not Stopped Funding Pipelines
Despite announcing its intent to stop pipeline project loans, U.S. Bank still gives massive amounts of general financing to oil giants who build pipelines. Will it stop that?
How Low-Income Mothers Are Breaking Into the Tech Industry
Two-thirds of low-wage workers are women, often mothers. These programs are giving them better access to high-wage careers.
Portland, Ore., Becomes First Major U.S. City to End All New Investment in Corporations
To avoid doing business with socially irresponsible corporations, the city is willing to lose investment income—about $4.5 million a year.
Crowdfunding Real Estate Isn’t Just For Millionaires Anymore. Could It Be For You?
The relatively new equity crowdfunding seeks investors expecting a return, not donors supporting a project. But the project must improve a community.
Why a Just and Sustainable Economy Looks Like a Doughnut
This is the real-world economy for a living Earth that we must learn to structure and manage to provide a safe space for humanity.
New Budget Deal Preserves All 19 Social Spending Programs Trump Tried to Eliminate
Economic relief agencies as well as support for arts and culture got nearly a five-month reprieve from the more radical cuts proposed in Trump’s budget.
6 Ways to Put Public Interest Ahead of Big Pharma Profits
Increase access to generics, end “evergreening” drug patents, and other ways to put people before profits.
How Public Money Supports Big Pharma
Public money and public universities boost Big Pharma’s profits, so shouldn’t the public be able to afford the drugs?
Let’s Help Trump Keep His Promises
Has Trump served us all in breaking things open? Only if we use the moment for serious rethinking of policy.
Robert Reich: Do Not Pretend Trump’s Foreign Policy Is Inconsistent, Arbitrary, or Without Principle
The first principle of the Trump Doctrine: People from Muslim countries may enter the U.S. if their country contains a building with Trump’s name on it.
Winners (and Losers) in New York’s Plan to Make College Free
The first-in-the-nation scholarship program would serve about 1.5 million full-time students. But there are downsides.
In Berlin, a Model for Creative and Affordable Housing
Cities with vibrant arts, music, and social scenes are being hit hard by gentrification. But Berlin’s “co-housing culture” shows that a city’s future doesn’t have to go that way.
Extractive Economy Jobs Are Not the Good Jobs Tribes Were Promised
After the construction phase of the Keystone XL, only 35 employees would be needed to operate the pipeline.
Stereotyping Appalachians Feeds Only the Coal Industry
As a fifth-generation coal miner, I see the region’s Trump signs and pro-coal stickers as symbols of defense against a world that views us as lesser.
How to Reinflate the Dream of College-for-All
Financial aid doesn’t work unless we’re honest about costs.
CEOs Now Make 300 Times More Than Their Workers. This City Is Putting a Stop to That
Runaway CEO pay contributes to income inequality and ultimately harms companies, so local governments aren’t waiting for a federal fix.
No Rural-Urban Divide Here: We All Want Good Jobs and Strong Local Economies
Local control is a foundational conservative principle—but progressives also embrace it.
Promises to Coal Country Aside, Trump’s Budget Cuts Will End an Economic Lifeline
The Appalachian Regional Commission helps to create jobs and improve economic fortunes of “distressed counties” in West Virginia and Kentucky.
How to Keep Businesses (and Small Towns) Alive When Owners Retire
In Kansas, a new matchmaking service is helping transition small businesses to new hands. Could it be a model for the rest of rural America?
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