Coal is still the largest power source in the United States: 45% of our energy comes from it. News21 has an evocative multimedia site exploring our inescapable dependence on coal.
News21 digs deep to tell the story of American coal from the mine to your outlet. Miners and mining towns play a big part in the telling, people who are struck by the tragedy of coal mining (worker deaths, poisoned wells) but also the jobs and income that drive their towns. A video called "Wyoming to Chicago" traces a mine in Wyoming's Powder River Basin directly to the Fisk Generating Station in a low-income community in Chicago, where they estimated $117 million in health problems are attributable directly to the power plant.
"It fuels the world 'til they find something better," says one interviewee.
FULL STORY: Coal: A Love Story

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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