Economics

Battling the Indignities of Detroit’s Water Shut-Offs

Families Forced to Live Without Indoor Plumbing Are Robbed of Their Rights

I never considered myself a politically active type. In fact, I abhorred politics for three decades. But about 25 years ago, I realized that I couldn’t fight my personal health insurance issues without dealing with the many other human rights issues I’d heard people debate on C-Span not realizing how they were affecting my life.

So I got involved with my local Democratic party here in Detroit, then in fighting for school reform. After that, I began speaking out as a volunteer advocate for people who face water shut-offs because …

by Valerie Burris |

Read More

The Muddy Ethics of Detroit’s Water

The City’s Future Looks Grim as Access to Clean Water Becomes a Rich Person’s Commodity

by Valerie Vande Panne |

One early morning last week, I was groggily brushing my teeth when I realized the water pouring out of my faucet was yellow. Like urine.

I dry heaved. Spit the toothpaste …

What Life in Detroit Without Water Looks Like

These Photographs Show a City Twitching With Discomfort and Uncertainty

Last spring, the city of Detroit’s Department of Water and Sewerage announced a massive effort to shut off water to residents and businesses that were more than 60 days delinquent …

Detroit’s Dangerous Water Woes

Mass Shut-Offs Threaten the Safety of Already-Struggling Residents, and No City Officials Have a Plan of Escape

by Dalondo Moultrie |

Janet Bunting thought she had caught a lucky break.

In 2010, Detroit was reeling from the recession and foreclosure signs were shooting up like skyrockets at the city’s riverfront July 4 …

How U.S. Colleges Can Make the Grade

Professors, Administrators, and Education Innovators Describe What an Ideal American University Would Look Like

Higher education in America could be headed for rock bottom. Tuition has continued to rise at a steady pace, and years of deep cuts in state funding have forced colleges …

Can Two People Hold California’s Higher Education Hostage?

Why the State’s Universities and Colleges Desperately Need a New Master Plan

by Daniel J.B. Mitchell |

As its official budgeteers measure it, the University of California has a $27 billion operating budget—of which a little under $3 billion comes from the general fund of the state. …


By continuing to use our website, you agree to our privacy and cookie policy.

✕

Get More Zócalo

No paywall. No ads. No partisan hacks. Ideas journalism with a head and a heart.

You may opt out or contact us anytime.

×