Louis Gerstner, who famously revitalized IBM as its CEO and transformed its culture and focus, has died at age 83. His leadership helped steer IBM away from potential bankruptcy towards success, and he was also known for his philanthropy and involvement in public education initiatives.
The Italian town of Patrica, struggling to sell its abandoned homes for one euro, faces challenges due to ownership disputes, neglected properties, and difficulty tracking down descendants of original owners. While some homes have been sold, others are in such disrepair that they are unsellable. The town's mayor is exploring alternative ways to attract newcomers, such as tax breaks for those starting businesses and renovating properties, but faces competition from more appealing, ready-to-occupy homes in the area.
Detroit's Mayor Mike Duggan announced the full demolition of the Packard Plant by the end of the year, with plans to build a new automotive-related plant on the site. The city aims to eradicate blight and revitalize the area, using American Rescue Plan Act funds for the $26 million demolition project. The Packard Plant, last active in 1956, will be rehabbed for a new automotive factory within the next two years, and the city is seeking proposals for a new auto supplier for the site. The project is seen as a symbol of Detroit's resilience and commitment to revitalization, with hopes for a vibrant employment center and community spaces in the future.
The House passed the RFK Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act, allowing D.C. to redevelop the old RFK site, potentially paving the way for a new stadium for the Washington Commanders. The bill, which would enter D.C. into a 99-year lease of the site, passed the House and will now head to the Senate. The Commanders, currently playing in Landover, Maryland, are exploring options for a new home, while Maryland and Virginia delegations have differing views on the bill.
Activision Blizzard announces major changes and updates to Overwatch 2, aiming to revitalize the free-to-play shooter by making PvP gameplay more rewarding and transparent for players. The changes include a new competitive system with greater transparency, reworks to Pharah and Junkertown, a new progression system, and major gameplay adjustments. The updates are driven by player feedback and the team's vision to make the game more fun and challenging for everyone.
Nashville's iconic Wildhorse Saloon has announced its closure after 30 years of being a staple in the city's music scene. Despite hardships such as a pandemic shutdown and damage from the Christmas Day bombing, the venue is set for a new chapter with country star Luke Combs partnering to rebrand it into a multi-story honky tonk. The reimagined venue will feature a dance floor, concert hall, sports betting bar, and a rooftop space, aiming to open in 2024 as part of the ongoing revitalization of Second Avenue.
Mayor Cantrell addresses the issue of blight in New Orleans, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and revitalization efforts to combat the problem.
The city of Pontiac, Michigan, once a thriving automotive hub, fell into decline after the closure of the General Motors plant in 2009. However, recent developments have sparked hope for a revival. Pontiac has attracted big companies looking for affordable space, and the Michigan legislature approved $50 million for the city's renovation and redevelopment projects. Additionally, Oakland County plans to bring 600 government jobs back to Pontiac. While challenges such as high crime rates and unemployment persist, local officials believe that Pontiac is closer than ever to turning its aspirations into reality and transforming into a safer and more prosperous community.
Black entrepreneurs in Minneapolis are leading the revitalization of a historic retail building on Lake Street that was nearly destroyed by arson during the civil unrest following George Floyd's murder. The project aims to provide affordable retail, office, and restaurant space to business owners of color and Indigenous entrepreneurs who were forced out of the neighborhood. Despite challenges in securing financing, including skepticism from lenders, the project is moving forward with renovations that preserve the building's original details. The Coliseum Building is expected to reopen in 2024, serving as a symbol of resilience and a new beginning for the community.
Gap has appointed Richard Dickson, the current president and chief operating officer of Mattel, as its new CEO. Dickson, who has been with Mattel for 20 years, played a key role in revitalizing the Barbie brand. Gap has been struggling for years, with declining sales and store closures. The company hopes that Dickson's expertise in brand marketing and innovation will help turn around its fortunes. The appointment comes after Gap named Chris Blakeslee as CEO for its athleisure brand, Athleta.
Enoch Kimmelman, president of Starr Western Wear, has purchased Sunland Park Mall in El Paso and renamed it The Shoppes at Solana. Kimmelman plans to restore and revitalize the mall, investing in both the interior and exterior. He aims to bring in different retailers and restaurants, creating a mixed-use entertainment and shopping destination. Construction is expected to be completed next year. Kimmelman, a native of El Paso, envisions making the mall the crown jewel of West El Paso once again.
The Vine Street Brewing Company, Missouri's first Black-owned brewery, has opened in Kansas City's Historic 18th and Vine district. Co-founded by Kemet Coleman, the brewery aims to bridge the past and present by honoring the historical connection between Black culture and brewing beer. The 4,800-square-foot facility, housed in a 150-year-old building, features a taproom, beer garden, and brew room. The grand opening is seen as a significant step in revitalizing the jazz district and bringing vitality back to the neighborhood.
The Irish government has launched the "Our Living Islands" program to rejuvenate sparsely populated islands along its coast. The program aims to revitalize population levels on around 30 offshore islands, which remain in public ownership and are cut off from the mainland by the tide. From July 1, those interested in moving to one of the islands can receive up to €84,000 ($91,692) for buying a derelict property in their chosen location and saving it from ruin. However, it is unclear whether people from overseas who do not have visas to live and work in Ireland are eligible to participate in the program.
The Irish government has launched the "Our Living Islands" program to rejuvenate sparsely populated islands along its coast, offering up to €84,000 ($91,692) to those interested in buying a derelict property and saving it from ruin. The program aims to revitalize population levels on the islands, which are cut off from the mainland by the tide. However, it is unclear whether people from overseas who do not have visas to live and work in Ireland are eligible to participate in the program. The government plans to work on 80 commitments over the next three years, including improving housing and water infrastructure, providing better access to essential healthcare and education services, and developing sustainable tourism.
Street Fighter IV revitalized the 2D Fighting Games genre, which was slowly dying due to the rise of 3D fighters and the death of arcades. The game showed companies that fighting games could still sell and saved the genre from failure. Maximilian Dood and Dave Klein discuss the story of how Street Fighter IV saved 2D Fighting Games on the show "How It Saved."