The Tri-Cities are Richland, Pasco and Kennewick—3 cities clustered near one another in the vast plains and deserts of Washington state, to the east of the Cascade Mountains. It’s a region that seems like it would have little to attract newcomers—it’s largely remote, prone to dust storms, not close to any major city. But, over the decades, this area has drawn people from the world over, and, in this episode, we’ll explore how and why.
Quaint storefronts along Main streets, covered bridges over clear streams, cows from dairy farms dotting green valleys: across the state, these are the iconic images of Vermont. But beyond its pastoral beauty, this is a place that prides itself on its independent spirit. In this hour, we’ll hear a range of stories of the way Vermont’s “small town state” identity manifests: from finding new ways to treat mental health problems, to a gallery with a surprising monthly ritual to dealing with the most devastating natural disaster the state has ever seen.
Cleveland, OH. Photo: courtesy of stateofthereunion.com
Cleveland, Ohio is a city that was made by entrepreneurs, but for decades, it’s been known as a city that’s a shell of its former manufacturing-era glorious self. However, Cleveland is being embraced by a new generation of entrepreneurs as a place to put their dreams in motion. This is a now a city of entrepreneurship in a range of incarnations… in their kids’ education, in the environment, even in beer. This is an hour of entrepreneurial stories, taking a look at that go-get-em-seize-your-dreams energy in a variety of forms.
People are few and far between in Wyoming. Those that do live here prize tradition, self-reliance, and their connection to the land. So when change comes to the high plains—an oil boom, a minister with new ideas—communities here are tested. And neighbors have to strike a balance between preserving their independent way of life, and learning to rely on one another. We trek to the small towns and remote ranches of Wyoming, meeting people as they adapt to the New Old West.
The Bronx has long been seen as a symbol of America’s failings. For many people here, ‘making it’ means escaping the crime and poverty of their borough. But some have refused to flee. This episode shines a light on the hold-outs and the dreamers, people who’ve committed their lives to keeping chaos at bay in the Bronx
Famous for its beaches and clubs, Miami is also the 3rd poorest city in the nation. If you own a store in South Beach, your customers are equally likely to be billionaires or homeless people . . . and likely to have started life somewhere else. Although Miami is an incredibly international city—instead of working towards assimilation and blending with one another, ethnic communities exist as a patchwork, remaining like isolated microcosms of their homeland.
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Refugees, entrepreneurs, visionaries—these are the historic roots of Oakland, California. The city has long been home for people building new lives and imagining even better ones. But dreams deferred also haunt this place, in its empty post-boom skyscrapers, its infamous homicide rates and deep budget cuts. In the face of entrenched problems, though, the people of Oakland characteristically answer back with diverse, revolutionary solutions. Everywhere you can feel the forces of idealism, the belief that people working together can make this place with such enormous potential work better. And in a city where the government hasn’t managed to tackle the biggest problems, people know that if they really want change, they’ll have to make it happen themselves. In this episode we explore the rewards—and costs—for people dreaming big in Oakland.
John Laird. Photo: courtesy of California Natural Resources Agency
JD Hillard sits down with State Senator Bill Monning to discuss health care policy, CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) reform, unlicensed contractors, and the state of California’s education.
John Laird, California Secretary for Natural Resources, also joins us to discuss new proposals for the Bay Delta Conservation Plan that aim to create & preserve 50-100 thousand acres of wetlands. Critics worry that this amount of land would infringe on established business in the area as well as decrease their access to water that is necessary for their crops. The new plan places an emphasis on creating a balance between conservation and export but without firm knowledge of the impact of this project would bay area citizens see an increase in cost of water? If successful this project would be able to allow a greater amount of water to be exported as well as creating new areas in which to farm fish. Both of these enhancements would allow for an increase in revenue and a decrease of costs but there is no certainty when it comes to environmental restoration.
For more on the Bay Delta Conservation Plan Click Here
A couple of decades ago, Utica, New York, was dying, by even its residents diagnosis: a popular bumper sticker in the ‘90s read “Last One Out of Utica, Please Turn Out the Lights.” Once a bustling textile city perched on edge of the Erie Canal, Utica lost its mills in the mid-20th century, and has been losing population ever since. But something has changed in recent years, with a surprising influx of refugees to this part of snowy, cold upstate New York—the newcomers have given Utica hope for second chance.
Settled by Spanish conquistadors in 1598, the area’s rich cultural past is still evident today in its music, art, and way of life. But changing demographics, along with a shift in the local economy has left many residents without land, water, and a sense of identity. State of the Re:Union travels to the Española Valley of Northern New Mexico to explore the area’s history of dispossession, and to discover what the rest of the country can learn from this still vital region of the American Southwest. From ancient water distribution methods to low riders, SOTRU goes to find out.
