Patch To Tell American Story in New Series

We're inaugurating a new series for our Patch readers here and across the country: "Dispatches: The Changing American Dream."

Every day, you see national stories on the economy, politics, social issues, health and policy. Debates seem to be raging about unemployment, the housing market, the national debt, education and the nation's infrastructure.

American families, business leaders, workers and entrepreneurs are trying to adjust to trying times.

Patch wants to explore the effects of these challenges locally--in our town and neighborhood.

We already know that many businesses are putting off expansion plans, people are without jobs, college students are having to leave school and governments are juggling funding priorities.

But there are a lot of Americans learning new ways to contribute and finding innovative solutions to problems--using tools and connections that didn't exist just a few years ago.

We will continue to tell the stories of Catonsville as they relate to these national debates.

In Catonsville, we've seen adjust to fewer teachers due to budget constraints, mirroring the national debate on education reform.

And along Frederick Road, we've watched some in the face of an economic downtown. Some of the owners told Patch they and want to contribute to the community. We'll continue to check in on them as they grow and expand in these uncertain economic times.

We'll keep after those issues and uncover others with the aim to elevate them with context and perspective. You also may see your local stories highlighted as examples in a national forum.

"Dispatches" will be built upon the compelling narratives and snapshots we unearth across our almost 900 Patch sites.

We look to you to help guide us: Tell us what issues and stories in Catonsville are part of what makes up your American Dream.