U.S. cities are still highly segregated and this isolation is aggravating social problems. According to census figures, the Buffalo Niagara community is one of the most segregated regions in the nation.
"The Buffalo Niagara region is one of the whitest and most segregated communities in America, an analysis of Census 2000 data shows...Buffalo Niagara's diversity problems are compounded by housing patterns in its suburbs...Experts agree the United States still is highly residentially segregated, but differ over whether the country is making strides toward integration...The concentration of poverty in urban ghettos is one of the most direct and far-reaching effects of residential segregation...this isolating effect exacerbates the social problems often associated with poverty - education and employment disadvantages, poor housing conditions, loss of commercial businesses and crime, to name a few. "
Thanks to Dan Tasman
FULL STORY: Black and white worlds

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
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