New York (Maybe) Dodges A Child Care Crisis, But Still Needs to Do Better

A crazy-quilt system needlessly sows anxiety and confusion for parents, child care providers, and early childhood education policymakers.

Bruce CoryMay 28, 2025jan2025-onwards

A Public Bank Would Strengthen Housing and Financial Security – And Also Protect NYC Taxpayers

Some arguments for a democratically controlled, publicly chartered bank, established to serve the common good.

Bruce CoryMay 21, 2025jan2025-onwards

Albany Bails Out Our Unemployment Insurance Boat. Guess What? It Still Leaks.

The good news: Benefits will go up from disgracefully low levels. The bad news: The system’s underlying finances remain insecure and unfair.

Bruce CoryMay 14, 2025jan2025-onwards

En Pointe in Hunts Point: Breaking Through Boundaries Via Ballet in the Bronx

Youthful grace, discipline, and self-discovery flourish with professional guidance and community encouragement.

Bruce CoryMay 7, 2025jan2025-onwards

Social Security Isn’t Broken, But It’s Sure Being Undermined.

A critical and reliable element of the nation’s retirement system is being starved for resources and publicly demeaned.

Bruce CoryApril 30, 2025jan2025-onwards

Why Is the State Jeopardizing Health Insurance for Home Care Workers?

An effort to rein in Medicaid spending is unintentionally saddling low-wage workers with either inadequate or unaffordable health insurance.

Bruce CoryApril 23, 2025jan2025-onwards

Paying for College Was Already Stressful. Then Came Trump and DOGE.

What’s the outlook for federal higher education loans and scholarships? Bottom line: there’s a lot to worry about.

Bruce CoryApril 16, 2025jan2025-onwards

Strong Seeds, Great Needs: Spring Renewal in a Troubling Time

There’s a mysterious, but strong, subterranean connection between nurturing our gardens, and our democracy.

Bruce CoryApril 9, 2025jan2025-onwards

Investing in a Child and Family Wellbeing Fund Is the Right Course for New York

Strengthening grassroots groups that families trust can be the smart and proactive alternative to over-reliance on the child welfare system.

Bruce CoryApril 2, 2025jan2025-onwards

New York’s Unemployment Insurance System Is Floundering. Here’s How to Save It.

With economic storm clouds brewing, now’s the time to repair a badly leaky system.

Bruce CoryMarch 26, 2025jan2025-onwards

Not Separating Organic Waste Is About to Cost a Fine. Are New Yorkers Ready?

It’s time to get serious about the success of the nation’s largest organic waste collection program.

Bruce CoryMarch 19, 2025jan2025-onwards

Should New York City RACE To Fill Empty Office Buildings?

City officials want to use tax breaks to lure out-of-state employers to commercial buildings struggling with vacancies.

Bruce CoryMarch 12, 2025jan2025-onwards

A State Tax Refund Is Attractive. But Is It Wise?

We take a hard look at Governor Hochul’s proposed “inflation refund credit.”

Bruce CoryMarch 5, 2025jan2025-onwards

Compost Regenerates NYC’s Economy, Growing Green Jobs for Young People

Composting enriches the soil – and enriches young lives, too.

Bruce CoryFebruary 26, 2025jan2025-onwards

Five Years on, Has the Pandemic Gone Down a Memory Hole?

First-hand recollections from the men and women who faced uncertainty and danger so that the rest of us might live.

Bruce CoryFebruary 19, 2025jan2025-onwards

Tenants Facing Eviction Have a Right to Counsel – But Underfunding Subverts that Protection

Despite a legal right to counsel, over a third of New York City tenants appearing in housing court still don’t have lawyers.

Bruce CoryFebruary 12, 2025jan2025-onwards

Hustlers, Boosters, Zombies And the Wages of Petty Theft

Life in one Rikers Island facility can seem like a citywide shoplifters’ convention.

Bruce CoryFebruary 5, 2025jan2025-onwards

Why Progressive ‘Myths’ Distort Solutions to the Housing Shortage

Emphasizing single-family zoning and protecting tenants’ rights can get in the way of increasing the supply of housing.

Bruce CoryJanuary 29, 2025jan2025-onwards

A Big Deal That’s Not Nearly Big Enough: What the ‘City of Yes’ Will (and Won’t) Do

“A little more housing in every neighborhood” is a start – but only a start.

Bruce CoryJanuary 22, 2025jan2025-onwards

Welcome to Rikers Island’s World of Chaos and Control

The motto: “Care, custody, and control.” Translation: “I don’t care, you’re in custody, I’m in control.”

Bruce CoryJanuary 15, 2025jan2025-onwards