Articles by Grist staff

Hundreds of U.S. car dealerships going out of business

The economic slump and its attendant credit woes, combined with America’s declining love for the automobile, have already shuttered some 590 new-car dealerships this year, as well as 430 last year. Before 2008 is over, 110 more U.S. dealerships are expected to close their doors for good. May we suggest a nice bike shop instead?

Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens found guilty on corruption charges

Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) has been found guilty on seven counts of lying about free house renovations and gifts received from an oil-contractor friend between 1999 and 2006. The impact on Stevens’ reelection race against Democrat Mark Begich remains to be seen. Stevens, going strong at age 84, is the longest-serving Republican in the Senate.

Climate change making for salty seas, says study

Climate change is making the Atlantic Ocean more salty, according to research being published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. Increased evaporation and reduced rainfall are to blame. Keep an eye out for even saltier sea dogs, me hearties. Yar!

Britain’s eco-town plans are on shaky ground

Thanks to the shaky economy, a struggling construction industry, and strong local opposition, sources close to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s eco-town plans say that only “one or two” of the 15 shortlisted sites are likely to go forward.