Urban Comeback Stories in 2 Swing States
Tales from two cities, plus the secret of the writing life
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James Fallows
356 posts
James Fallows is a longtime correspondent for The Atlantic magazine. He has reported for the magazine from around the world since the late 1970s, including extended assignments in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, and within the United States in Texas, Washington state, and California. He has written 12 books and won the American Book Award, the National Magazine Award, and a documentary Emmy. He has also done extensive commentary on National Public Radio.
A Day on the Road: A Story-Map View of Allentown
What you find is usually not quite what you were looking for.
Iron Pigs Rising
Another strand in the fibers of civic connection
Water, Water, Everywhere: Lehigh Valley Edition
Allentown deals with fiscal problems from its past with a bet about water supplies for its future
First Bowling Alone, Now Vaulting Together
From Tocqueville onward, observers have thought that informal organizations held America together. Are any of them left?
The 100% Renewable-Powered City: Too Good to be True?
Balancing substance and symbolism in the movement toward cleaner energy sources
Greening Up in Burlington, Rocking Out in Allentown
As American government seems ever more paralyzed at the national level, cities continue to find ways to grapple with real problems. Two more examples.
Countdown to Tonight’s Arena Debut in Allentown
Is the city ready for its close-up? The locals say it is.
The Eagles Come to Allentown, and So Does ‘American Futures’
Tomorrow is the first day in an old city's new life—or so the city leaders hope and believe.
California High-Speed Rail No. 11: Thinking in Time
Everybody talks about the future, but nobody does anything about it.
California High-Speed Rail No. 10: Palate Cleanser
"The decision on HSR is going to shape the future in ways we can't predict, and a touch of modesty in the arguments would be welcome."
California High-Speed Rail No. 9 and the Chairman’s Turn Again
You want to hear more about the biggest infrastructure project being considered anywhere in the country? You've come to the right place.
California High-Speed Rail No.8 and More Questions and Concerns
"Bad, bad, bad," and other critiques
The Courts Speak Up for California High-Speed Rail (No. 7)
And so do some readers.
California High-Speed Rail No. 6: Some Views From the Valley
People in Los Angeles and San Francisco often say that the initial links in a proposed north-south system would be "trains to nowhere." People from nowhere weigh in.
California High-Speed Rail No. 5: 10 Readers With 10 Views
A solution looking for a problem? A genuine leap forward? The best we can expect from messy political half-measures? Or something truly brave? Take your pick.