Free Republic

WASHINGTON - When the US Supreme Court ruled in June that private homes may be seized to make room for commercial development projects, the decision ignited a firestorm of criticism. Outraged property-rights activists said the 5-to-4 opinion in Kelo v. New London would render homes and businesses nationwide vulnerable to government land-grabs to foster economic revitalization. Some ranked it among the high court's worst decisions, calling it this generation's Dred Scott. Now, six months later, the debate over property rights is still raging, but it is about to enter a new, more deliberative phase as state legislatures prepare to open...

Some say the dogs were a victim of progress. Others suggest it was a test of wills, and the little dogs simply succumbed to the bigger dogs. But many who were munching on the $1.84 hot dog and fries combo Friday night were less concerned with what killed this celebrated and scruffy little hot dog stand under the Fullerton L station than with the fact it was the last time they'd ever walk through its door. After work. Or headed to a Cubs game. Or just to grab a quick lunch. At age 22, Demon Dogs, of Lincoln Park, is...

<p>Click on photo to enlarge The state of Alaska has a list of 659 rights of way claimed under Revised Statute 2477, the century-old law allowing local governments to claim historic rights of way on public land. One of them is the old mining road up McCarthy Creek to the Pilgrims' place.</p>