Cities

Auto destruct: How Detroit went bankrupt, and how it could rise again

Detroit has always represented the America we aren't comfortable with. Maybe it now has a chance to shake off our projected dreams and nightmares.

Heather Smith Cities

Talking trash: Baltimore students speak out against waste-burning power plant

The state of Maryland has given a New York-based company the go-ahead to build a garbage incinerator near two public schools. Students have a few things to say about the matter.

Brentin Mock Cities

Last-minute settlement spares key environmental justice standard

A housing discrimination suit will not get its day in the Supreme Court -- and that is probably a good thing for civil rights.

Brentin Mock Cities

These beautiful toilets are actually raising awareness about public restrooms

San Francisco nonprofit wants everyone to have access to public facilities. So they raised awareness with a parade of art toilets.

Jess Zimmerman Cities

Vancouver is making doorknobs illegal

Vancouver is phasing out doorknobs in favor of easier-to-use levers, to make the city more accessible.

Sarah Laskow Cities

Saving the city from climate change, one house at a time

New York City’s chief urban designer struggles to protect his house from future floods, and gets a taste of just how unprepared we really are.

Greg Hanscom Cities

You can’t ignore the smog in China

The one embarrassing problem China is taking seriously.

Joshua Keating Cities

London is going to use excess heat from the subway to heat homes

Now Brits can warm their toes with the stinky heat of the London Underground! It's the next best thing to a crackling fire.

Holly Richmond Cities

A fresher Philly: Fruits and veggies make a comeback in the city’s corner stores

With 31-year-old Brianna Almaguer Sandoval at the helm, the Healthy Corner Store Initiative is adding nutritional value to some of the city's poorest neighborhoods.

Andrea Appleton Cities

Get paid $100 a day and improve your city by writing reviews of public bathrooms

Improve public facilities through public shaming by becoming a professional bathroomologist!