The U.S. Economy, Four Reports

 

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February 21, 2010

Op-Ed Contributors

The U.S. Economy, Four Reports

By LAN SAMANTHA CHANG, TOBY BARLOW, SHEELAH KOLHATKAR and MARC FITTEN

The Federal Reserve on Feb. 18 raised interest rates, signaling its confidence in our economic recovery. But are Americans feeling as confident? The Op-Ed editors asked four writers from around the country to provide quarterly snapshots of their local economies. Here are their final dispatches.

The Lottery in Winter

By LAN SAMANTHA CHANG
At an Iowa crisis center, people in need line up to win a $100 repreive.

Snowbirds Come Home to Roost

By TOBY BARLOW
After retiring in Florida, returning to Detroit seemed more promising.

Have Keyboard, Will Travel

By SHEELAH KOLHATKAR
Watching the spread of the migratory journalist in New York.

Life Underwater

By MARC FITTEN
In Atlanta, a homeowner goes from amassing wealth to a wealth of trouble.