Forbes
Senior editor of Changing Gears as well as a contributor to Forbes and Atlantic Cities; editor of Curbing Cars, a new research project on why people are driving less; author of The End of Detroit: How the Big Three Lost Their Grip on the American Car Market; aviation correspondent, and former Detroit Bureau Chief, for the New York Times
Detroit Ruled Eligible for Bankruptcy "This once proud and prosperous city can't pay its debts." So said Judge Steven Rhodes in Detroit today, ruling that America's former industrial powerhouse is eligible for bankruptcy protection. Micheline Maynard is former Detroit bureau chief for the New York Ties, now contributor to Forbes and editor of Curbing Cars : Rethinking How We Get Around.
Detroit Becomes Biggest Municipal Bankruptcy in US History Detroit , one of America's iconic cities — former capital of the auto industry and soul music's Motown Sound — has been in trouble for 60 years. Now, once America's fourth largest city -- with just 40% of its peak population, a shadow of its former self and $18 billion in debt — it is the biggest American city ever to declare bankruptcy. What will yesterday's action mean for residents, city workers and retirees? What more will it take for Detroit to get a "fresh start?"
Michigan's Right-to-Work Laws and the American Middle Class On Tuesday, Michigan became the 24th state to pass right-to-work laws , which prevent unions from compelling workers to pay union dues. It's a big hit to organized labor, which has historically had a strong hold in Michigan, the birthplace of the United Auto Workers Union. Advocates say that right-to-work laws stimulate economic growth, but opponents argue that they undercut pay for middle class workers. Only 12 percent of American workers belong to a union. What's behind the dramatic changes in labor union power? Who benefits from right to work laws? What role did politics play in Michigan?
Michigan's Right-to-Work Laws and the American Middle Class On Tuesday, Michigan became the 24th state to pass right-to-work laws , which prevent unions from compelling workers to pay union dues. It's a big hit to organized labor, which has historically had a strong hold in Michigan, the birthplace of the United Auto Workers Union. Advocates say that right-to-work laws stimulate economic growth, but opponents argue that they undercut pay for middle class workers. Only 12 percent of American workers belong to a union. What's behind the dramatic changes in labor union power? Who benefits from right to work laws? What role did politics play in Michigan?
Michigan Right-to-Work Bill Heads to Governor's Desk In Michigan, long considered a stronghold of organized labor, the state legislature today approved a right-to-work bill limiting union strength in the public sector. Another bill focusing on the private sector was approved last week. Republican Governor Rick Snyder is expected to sign both as early as tomorrow. Hundreds of protestors gathered at the state capitol today, shouting, "Shame on you," even though the outcome of the vote was considered a foregone conclusion. Micheline Maynard is senior editor of Changing Gears, a public media project exploring the re-invention of the industrial Midwest, and a contributor to Forbes .
Michigan Right-to-Work Bill Heads to Governor's Desk In Michigan, long considered a stronghold of organized labor, the state legislature today approved a right-to-work bill limiting union strength in the public sector. Another bill focusing on the private sector was approved last week. Republican Governor Rick Snyder is expected to sign both as early as tomorrow. Hundreds of protestors gathered at the state capitol today, shouting, "Shame on you," even though the outcome of the vote was considered a foregone conclusion. Micheline Maynard is senior editor of Changing Gears, a public media project exploring the re-invention of the industrial Midwest, and a contributor to Forbes .
Is Mitt Romney a Winner or a Survivor? Mitt Romney won Arizona big time in yesterday's voting, but he took his home state by only three points — and the final count may show that Rick Santorum won an equal number of delegates. Now it's on to caucuses in Washington State on Sunday -- and 10 states on Super Tuesday next week — with more delegates at stake than the total number in contests so far.
Is Mitt Romney a Winner or a Survivor? The Detroit News says, Romney's front-runner status has been "restored." The American Spectator says, "The front runner is bleeding." Mitt Romney won Arizona big time in yesterday's voting, but he took his home state by only three points and the final count may show that Rick Santorum won an equal number of delegates. Now it's on to caucuses in Washington State on Sunday -- and 10 states on Super Tuesday next week -- with more delegates at stake than the total number in contests so far. Did Romney win or did he escape a home-state defeat that could have meant curtains? Does he have the momentum to get by Santorum in Ohio and Newt Gingrich in Georgia? As the process drags on, will it lead to a winner, as it did for the Democrats four years ago, or is the GOP flirting with political disaster?
Manufacturing: Heritage of the Past or Wave of the Future? After years of decline, all the talk about a "service economy" and predictions that it might never return, manufacturing is making a comeback in the United States. The Obama Administration is making the most of it, planning a forum tomorrow on what it calls " Insourcing of American Jobs " by companies returning from foreign shores. But will the jobs of the future bring back the Middle Class that made the US a superpower in the half-century after World War II? What industries are on the upswing? What kind of training will they require? What role should — or should not — be played by the federal government?
Hole in Fuselage Forces Qantas Jet to Land At an altitude of 29,000 feet, passengers on Qantas Flight 30 heard a loud bang and saw debris fly through the cabin. After a controlled descent to a lower altitude, the jet changed course from Hong Kong to Melbourne and landed safely in Manila. Micheline Maynard is aviation correspondent for the New York Times .
DOING ‘BIG’ BETTER When it comes to getting big things done in California, the Bay Bridge between San Francisco and Oakland offers important lessons about what not to do.
Enter Gavin Newsom A look at how California's new governor may interact with the legislature.
