A New Vocabulary for American Towns
Three 21st-century words that are driving the nation's most dynamic municipalities
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Deborah Fallows
158 posts
Deborah Fallows is a writer, linguist and fellow at New America. She has written extensively on language, education, families and work, China, and travel for The Atlantic, National Geographic, Slate, The New York Times, The LA Times, and The Washington Monthly.
A Field Trip to America’s Public Libraries
How they serve the needs of their communities
America’s Tiniest Innovators: Report from Pittsburgh
Teaching technology and life lessons in an urban elementary school
California Dreamin’: How Collaboration Builds Communities
In Winters, California, a library, a swimming pool, and a school make a big difference in the quality of life.
What a Library Levy Means to a West Virginia Town
Charleston votes to save a community pillar.
Pittsburgh’s City of Asylum
In the City of Bridges, an eclectic community embraces writers in exile.
The Flying Housewife
50 years ago, Jerrie Mock became the first woman to fly solo around the world.
Going Home to Columbus
A generation returns to build lives and a town.
A Creative Way to Educate Low-Income Students
In Columbus, Ohio, an innovative school has patched together state funds, work study, and grants to give at-risk kids a high-quality education.
Not Your Mother’s Library
How Columbus, Ohio, is building community spaces for the 21st century
The Iron Pigs Come to Allentown
Changing the spirit of a town with sports
Vaulting to Great Heights in Allentown
How girls from the Lehigh Valley become world-class gymnasts
Build Your Own 3D Printer
High-school science projects from Mississippi
The Modern Orphans of Mississippi
"Actually, the children live very well."
A Real Story of Memorial Day
The origins of this weekend's holiday, linking Mississippi and The Atlantic
Students From Mississippi Write About Their State
"MSMS is often referred to as the most diverse square mile in the state of Mississippi, alluding to academic interests, ethnicities, belief systems, aspirations, and much more," a high school senior writes. "It's true."