Mid-sized Massachusetts cities, many thriving industrial towns in the 1950s, have faced decades of severe decline.
"But, if there is any such renaissance underway in Brockton and similar medium-sized cities around Boston and in Central and Western Massachusetts, it is coming on the heels of a long period of stagnation and decline. Median incomes rank near the bottom of the state in Brockton and 12 other medium-sized Massachusetts cities, according to an analysis of Census 2000 data. All 13 of the cities, except for Fitchburg, rank at the bottom of the state for income growth since 1990. In eight of the cities - Brockton, Chicopee, Fall River, Lawrence, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Springfield, and Worcester - median income declined from 1990 to 2000."
Thanks to Laura Kranz
FULL STORY: Urban renaissance eludes the state's mid-sized cities

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.

Minneapolis Bans Rent-Setting Software
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Oakland to Add 244 New EV Chargers
Oakland plans to launch its new charging network at eight locations by the end of 2025.

Jane Goodall Inspires with Message of Hope, Resilience, and Environmental Action
Speaking in Pasadena, Jane Goodall offered a hopeful and inspirational message, urging global compassion, environmental responsibility, and the power of individual action to shape a better future.
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