The Past, the Future, the Present: Updates from Coast to Coast
A Fellow named, college services goes big, and scenes from a Day of Enlightened Living—here are three updates on stories we've been following on this site over the years.
Posts by author
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.
Bringing a City Together: How Leaf Blowers Did It
This is the story of how citizens worked together toward a common goal in Washington, D.C. The story involves a change on the local level with significant, positive implications for other parts of the country and beyond.
A Southern City Shows How to Deal With the Past
This is how it looks when a community, its faith and civic organizations, and some of its leading citizens face difficult truths.
The Quiet Competence That Makes the Country Run
Being "inside the clouds" is stressful. But when you break into the clear, you see things you might not have noticed before. A view of the "soft skills" part of America's human infrastructure, and their difference from those in China and elsewhere.
In Honor of Charly Jupiter Hamilton
A person who became the soul of his community, explains his vision—in art, and in memorable words.
Bring in the Refugees
The most encouraging front-page headline I’ve seen in the New York Times in a long time was this, from Labor Day. It was on a story by Miriam Jordan and Jennifer Steinhauer, and…
A New Host for Mountain Stage
The founder of a popular and influential NPR program brings on a new host.
Living Through History: a Reading List
The 1880s, the 1930s, the 1950s—they dramatically reshaped America. The 2020s are likely to do so as well.
‘A New Citizenry Around Truth’
How can the people who invented digital mapping technology avoid worrying about writing the next chapter in the history of disinformation?
Why Maps Matter, Starting in Childhood and Even More Now
A "geo-historical narrative" captured the imagination of many children in mid-20th century America. Maps have always had power to shape perceptions of reality. A memoir about their influence--and an introduction of what's to come.
The Rise of the Kingsbury Journal, and the Future of Local Journalism
A local paper with a longer history than its home state suddenly shut its doors, for good, during the pandemic. How an entire community willed a new publication into existence--and avoided becoming one more American "news desert."
Learning from a Prairie State
Small cities, potentially big lessons. What a state that is home to 800,000 people can demonstrate to the country as a whole.
The Editor Behind the Story of ‘Own Towns’
Few people outside the publishing world knew of Dan Frank. Many benefitted from his vision, and skill—including anyone visiting this site.
‘New Old Ideas’: A Modern CCC
American history doesn't repeat, but it rhymes. Crises keep cropping up—and so do ideas and solutions. Many innovations from the 1930s have new relevance for the post-pandemic 2020s. Here is an example, and the thinking behind it.
A Plan to Grow 90,000 Trees in Los Angeles
Using tree planting as an axis to connect job creation, climate sustainability, urban renewal, and economic equity and inclusion.
‘My Friends’: Communications and a ‘National Family’
What the presidential addresses of 1933 tell us about the America of 2021.