Post-election, infrastructure question looms over Germany's flood-damaged regions

Sep 27, 2021
The town of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler illustrates many of the climate change and infrastructure issues that have been part of the election's talking points.
A man rides his bicycle on streets destroyed by the flood in Bad Neuenahr, western Germany on August 25, 2021, weeks after heavy rain and floods caused major damage in the Ahr region.
INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images

Latest census data finds population growth in metro areas

Aug 13, 2021
But how accurate are the figures, collected as the pandemic started, when some people began to relocate?
Phoenix grew at a faster rate in the last decade than any other major metropolitan city in the U.S., new census data shows.
Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images

Infrastructure bill carries funding potential for clean energy

Aug 2, 2021
Federal money could be set aside for electric vehicles and charging stations. The solar industry, however, still has questions.
A new electric vehicle charging station is seen near San Francisco city hall.
Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

What’s the payoff to hosting the Olympics?

Jul 23, 2021
The Tokyo Olympics is likely to lose money — potentially in the billions. Tokyo won't be the first host city to take that hit.
People take a photo of the Olympic Rings outside the stadium during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan.
Lintao Zhang via Getty Images

White House unveils strategy for bringing environmental justice to underprivileged communities

Jul 21, 2021
Memo tasks 21 federal agencies with combining two of the administration's top priorities in how energy and environmental funds are spent.
A memo released Wednesday tasks agencies with ensuring that disadvantaged communities receive much of the benefit of energy and environmental spending.
Drew Angerer via Getty Images

What does equitable infrastructure look like in communities of color?

Jul 20, 2021
"Marketplace" host Kai Ryssdal speaks with Christopher Tyson about the history behind urban renewal projects and the role of the public sector in rebuilding America’s infrastructure.
An aerial view overlooking the financial district of downtown Baton Rouge is shown. Christopher Tyson, president and CEO of Build Baton Rouge, is advocating for public investment in infrastructure to promote equity.
graphiknation

Lagging care economy "makes us uncompetitive," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo says

Jul 15, 2021
Raimondo discusses the infrastructure packages moving through Congress and the semiconductor chip shortage.
"If we're able to land the plane on these packages, it'll be a great day in America," says Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo about the Biden administration's infrastructure plan.
Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Fortune/Time Inc.

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Chemical tax to clean up toxic sites gets new life as part of infrastructure deal

Jul 2, 2021
Environmental justice groups hope the deal will restore a funding source to clean up Superfund sites: an excise tax on chemicals.
Revenue from a new excise tax on chemicals like Benzene and Mercury would go into the Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund to clean up hazardous sites.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Extreme heat, urgent need for AC challenges infrastructure

Jun 28, 2021
Nonprofit Climate Central estimates that home air conditioning use will increase almost 60% over the next 30 years.
A heat wave is scorching the Pacific Northwest. In Seattle, only about 44% of homes have air conditioning.
Stephen Brashear via Getty Images

Earmarks are back, and they could be key to Biden's infrastructure plans

May 13, 2021
Earmarks — money members of Congress request for projects back home — could make it easier for lawmakers to get on board.
Earmarks benefit lawmakers' constituents and could entice more members of Congress to support infrastructure spending.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images