Documentary: Manufacturing Returns to Columbus, Mississippi
A documentary about Columbus, Mississippi produced for the American Futures project.
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Articles & News
Civic Engagement Talk in America’s Original Engaged Communities
The Chautauqua Institution is one of America’s great centers for civil, cultural, and intellectual engagement. A talk about 21st-century American renewal, at a place whose history traces to a great 19th-century reform movement.
Can America Put Itself Back Together? Kicking Off Another Season
Across the country, people think America is going to hell—but things look better here locally. Why the general tone of the moment's politics is wrong.
America’s Libraries: Old Institutions Becoming Very New Again
Most people associate libraries with fustiness, quiet, and a previous era in technology. But across the country, they're embracing new technology to fill important new civic roles.
Another Look at Maine Maritime: Who is Providing Value, to Whom, and How?
In response to our series of posts about Maine Maritime Academy, we heard from a reader who pushes back on the notion that the merchant-marine academies provide very high career-earnings value to their students, at a low cost.
Wondering Why We Like Fresno?
Some people are smug about the coolness of New York or San Francisco. Those places are nice, but Jim Fallows much prefers "the kick-ass spirit" of Fresno.
Jim and Deb Fallows Talk “American Futures” with Kai Ryssdal
An interview on the collaboration between Marketplace and The Atlantic.
A Library Writes Its Own Story
A California library becomes a living legend.
Gone Swimmin’
How public swimming pools show you the heart of a town
An Innovative Library in Oregon, and Other Reports From the Road
Kicking off reports from the inland Northwest, plus a happy birthday to James Baldwin
A Library of Good Ideas
Formula for success in Central Oregon: know the users, spot the opportunities, act with vigor.
Why an F-16 Hit a Cessna, and Some More-Upbeat Updates
Sobering news from the NTSB, but encouraging news from Maine to California
The New New York Public Library
Preserving tradition while expanding offerings for a bigger, broader audience.
The Good Ol’ Days of the Motor Hotel Are Back
The metamorphosis of a Bend, Oregon, motel—from its classic origins, to crack house, to upscale rustic elegance
The San Bernardino Story: Fire Fighters Weigh In
Who is to blame when a struggling city runs out of money? A public-safety worker says it's unfair to point the finger at him and his colleagues. Plus, a young resident of the city discovers reasons to hope.
When High School Means a Build-It-Yourself Education
A charter school in Oregon encourages students to shape their own learning