Read more about the article Renee Downing: Getting a Handle on a Scientific Mystery

An abnormally high number of children in Sierra Vista, Ariz., were getting leukemia, but government agencies had repeatedly declined to investigate the cause of the cancer cluster. Freelance writer Renee Downing stepped into the breach. In her article for Tucson Weekly, "Cancer Wars," she discusses two scientists' research exploring a possible environmental link as well as the politics surrounding the identification of a cancer cluster. This is the sixth in a "How I Got That Story" series highlighting the AltWeekly Awards' first-place winners.

Continue ReadingRenee Downing: Getting a Handle on a Scientific Mystery

The Oct. 19 issue spotlights the newspaper's past, from top stories to the "massive rhetorical demolition derby" of letters to the editor. Sarah Klein describes the "strange characters" who have staffed the office, W. Kim Heron provides updates on where some of those characters have gone, and in the editor's column, Ric Bohy and the present staff reflect on the aims of the Metro Times and the importance of alternative journalism. A special pullout section featuring artists' interpretations of the Metro Times is available as a PDF.

Continue ReadingDetroit’s Metro Times Celebrates 25 Years with Special Issue
Read more about the article Susan Clark Armstrong: Getting the Goods on the Sheriff

Nobody seems to have questioned Clay County, Florida, Sheriff Scott Lancaster about his spending until Susan Clark Armstrong started nosing around his records. What were all those extra cars being used for? The airline tickets? The underwear? After Armstrong's story "Booty Call" appeared in Folio Weekly, an investigation ensued, and the sheriff lost in the Republican primary. This is the fifth in a "How I Got That Story" series highlighting the AltWeekly Awards' first-place winners.

Continue ReadingSusan Clark Armstrong: Getting the Goods on the Sheriff