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How the closings of two auto plants changed Hamtramck and Detroit's Poletown

Aug 14, 2019
When the Dodge Main plant closed in 1979, local leaders offered GM tax breaks and more land to move in. Now the GM plant is closing, too.
"The Spirit of Detroit" monument sits downtown. In the background is the Renaissance Center, where GM is headquartered.
Tommy Andres/Marketplace

Banks sue a California city trying to take over underwater mortgages

Aug 8, 2013
Richmond, Calif., is trying to help distressed homeowners by reducing the principal on their mortgages using eminent domain.

California city tries using eminent domain to help underwater homeowners

Aug 8, 2013
Richmond, California is attempting to keep homeowners in their homes by using eminent domain to buy underwater mortgages, and the banks don't like it.

California's high-speed rail meets opposition over eminent domain

May 28, 2013
Residents of California's Central Valley are trying to stop a high-speed rail system that would connect San Francisco to Los Angeles from cutting through their land.

Can officials seize mortgages to save homeowners?

Jun 27, 2012
A hard-hit Southern California county is giving serious consideration to a plan to seize troublesome mortgages.

New highway may leave Illinois homeowners in the dust

May 10, 2012
Lawmakers in Illinois are poised to take up a bill to hasten construction on a new expressway. But to get the land for the highway, lawmakers may use a controversial method known as quick-take power.