F**ked: Fighting the stigma of joblessness

Tens of millions of Americans are involuntarily jobless, but being unemployed still carries a stigma. “Many people hadn’t told their families or friends, because they were ashamed,” explains Sam Talbot, an unemployed cook, in the second installment of our new video series “F**ked: The United States of Unemployment.” “Some people didn’t want to be on camera or mentioned by name because they were ...

2011: Year In Review

Happy New Year! With 2011 at an end, the Crawford County Avalanche presents its annual Year In Review. The Year In Review includes article summaries from stories featured in 2011 Crawford County Avalanche editions.

The shame and pride of joining food stamp nation

"Mister Cook! Chris Cook? Mr. Cook! Window three!" I walk through the pasty government-issue fluorescent light and bureaucratic cinderblock waiting room, ushered into the inner sanctum of welfare benefits review. I feel oddly privileged, striding past rows of glum, tired, bored and frustrated faces; how have I been picked out so quickly, after just 15 minutes of sitting? Getting inside doesn't ...