Original reporting

New York City Police Department maintains stubborn radio silence in face of inquiry seeking clarity on sources of massive rise in felony assaults as compared with 2019. Claimed "main drivers" may be true, but NYPD provides no data to check. City Council Public Safety Committee holding hearing on crime statistics on Sept. 16.

Democrats are caught in a race to the bottom with the GOP on taxes. Making the feedback loop between taxes and government services more visible; providing assurances that government can deliver on its promises; and instilling trust that the tax system is fair are all going to be necessary to convince Americans to tax themselves.

Placing the tax burden entirely on the ultra-wealthy undermines the already difficult project of expanding government services and increasing infrastructure investment.

Overall response by NYC’s Health Dept. has been swift and decisive, and outbreak appears to be waning. More fatalities still possible. Questions remain over adequacy of information provided to public. “Privacy” rationale for non-disclosure shaky.

Widespread school enrollment declines undoubtedly come with challenges, but that’s not the whole story.

Seattle is the only city in America attempting to recreate a Vienna-style social housing program. In an extended interview, Seattle Social Housing Developer's interim CEO discusses the authority's acquisition and construction plans, as well as many unresolved governance and financial questions.