— IN THIS ISSUE —
We discuss how big-box retailers are crushing the middle class and making our communities less livable. We uncover the secrets behind successful public-private partnerships to expand internet access. Plus, we look at how composting can help Flint recover from its water crisis, and we offer a fond salut to this summer’s stellar crew of ILSR Interns as we highlight some of the great work they’ve been doing!
TOP FEATURES
After Three Decades of Neglect, Antitrust Is Back on the Democratic Platform
For the first time in 28 years, the Democratic Party platform calls for vigorous, stepped-up enforcement of our anti-monopoly laws. This remarkable shift in policy was made possible in part by the Bernie Sanders movement, but it’s also the product of years of advocacy by scholars and activists who believe that high levels of concentration in banking, retail, agribusiness and other sectors are ravaging our economy and democracy. Read More…
The Next President Will Likely Appoint 4 Supreme Court Justices: Who Do You Want Picking Them?
For those so distressed by their party’s choice of candidate for President that they plan not to vote, remember this: The future of the Supreme Court is at stake. Here are 22 rulings by the Court in the last 10 years that could be overturned by just a single new Justice. Read More…
Composting Will Help Flint Recover From Its Water Crisis
The city of Flint, Michigan, still has a long road ahead to heal from the 2014 water crisis, but some in the city are turning to the state’s second largest industry — agriculture — to restore the community’s water supply and its self-reliance. ILSR’s Neighborhood Soil Rebuilders Compost Trainers traveled to Flint to help community organizers start a new program to build healthy soils, and even mitigate lead contamination. Read More…
Each Summer, we invite interns to work with our team to help write articles, research projects, and produce multimedia content for our audiences. Here’s a look at the excellent work they’ve accomplished here and where their education and careers will take them next! Read More…
Podcast: How Big-Box Retailers Undercut the American Middle Class
In a recent episode of the Strong Towns podcast, Stacy Mitchell speaks about the origins of the big-box store, how the stores win public subsidies at the expense of communities, and the way they continue to undercut the American middle class. Read More…
Choices Within Monopoly – A Grid of the Future Conversation
Is it possible to give electricity customers meaningful choices within a monopoly grid model? John Farrell invited Jon Wellinghoff, former chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, to speak to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission about the grid of the future. In particular, Wellinghoff outlines the five key principles for guiding the rules of the 21st century electricity system. Read More…
UPCOMING EVENTS
August 8 – California Resource Recovery Conference – SACRAMENTO, CA
Neil Seldman will speak at the annual conference. The title of his talk will be “Recycling and Community Development in the Circular Economy”. Read More…
October 18-20 – Broadband Communities Regional Conference
Christopher Mitchell will participating in a panel at the annual regional conference with the theme “Fiber For The New Economy.” Read More…