Crypto News: Another blow to city centers

In 2022, apparel retailers saw the second-highest number of brick-and-mortar store openings in the US — a total of 1,395. Many of them were in the suburbs. Meanwhile, retail stores' footprints are shrinking in major cities like San Francisco and New York as companies abandon malls and large-format stores in downtown areas in favor of residential neighborhood locations that serve the new generation of remote workers.

In response to changing consumer behavior, giants like Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Macy's Inc. and Kohl's Corp are opening smaller storefronts closer to where shoppers live. But while the shift could help brands generate more customers, it only adds to the financial strain of office vacancies in metropolitan downtowns — and further complicates cities' efforts to lure people back, writes Olivia Rockeman. Today on CityLab: Another Blow to City Centers: Retail Stores Move Outward

— Sri Taylor

Lightfoot Is First Chicago Mayor to Lose Reelection in 40 Years

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot lost her reelection bid on Tuesday after failing to overcome voter dissatisfaction with rising crime, several high-profile corporate departures and the city's slow economic recovery from the pandemic.

Richest Atlanta District Inches Closer to Seceding From City

A move to create a new city out of the wealthiest and whitest areas in Atlanta got a little more traction this week, after being blocked by Georgia legislative leaders last year.

New York City Isn't Waiting for the White House to Enforce Fair Housing

Even after the Trump administration scrapped the Obama-era Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, NYC pressed ahead with its review of city efforts to combat discrimination.

Hong Kong to Be Tested by Busiest Month for Events In Years

Hong Kong's ability to stage major global events in the wake of pandemic isolation is about to be put to the test.

As dollar stores proliferate, some communities say no (The New York Times)
Can you tell if a "bomb train" is coming to your town? It's complicated. (Grist)
Breathing new life into Maryland's former all-Black schools (The Baltimore Banner)
China's cities are on the verge of a debt crisis (The Economist)
Does pollution of the Great Lakes violate tribal treaty rights? (Undark Magazine)