What happens when a state has $15 billion worth of unpaid bills?

Jun 29, 2017
Decisions about who gets paid are 'life and death,' says the Illinois comptroller.
The former Illinois state capitol building in Springfield.
Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images

New study finds wide disparities nationally in per-child spending

Apr 26, 2017
Education, health and social services can be impacted by where children live.

In pockets where poverty is growing, doubt about Trump

Nov 29, 2016
The president-elect's agenda offers little detail on programs.
President-elect Donald Trump chats with workers during a tour of Staub Manufacturing Solutions in Dayton, Ohio back in September.
MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

What to do when healthcare isn't enough

Apr 3, 2014
Social services are not always in step with medical care.

Families face tough choices in the shadow of the Great Recession

Mar 15, 2013
A new HBO documentary takes a look at how millions of families have been left out in the cold in the richest country on Earth.

A nun's take on the economic recovery

May 25, 2012
Sister Albertina Morales works with some of the most economically destitute people in Los Angeles. And according to her, the economic recovery isn't much of a recovery at all.

Brazil delivers on hunger promise

Apr 4, 2012
The government made food a human right. Then it found that ending hunger takes a lot more than a declaration.

For public good, not for profit.

Children of deported parents forced into foster care

Apr 3, 2012
A man deported to Mexico struggles to be reunited with his kids, now in North Carolina foster care.

Homeless, jobless flock to libraries

Mar 21, 2012
City libraries are trying to revamp to help homeless patrons, even as their budgets are slashed.

Deficit cutting vs. social spending: Finding a balance

Mar 12, 2012
Commentator Liz Herman says we need to find a way to both reduce the deficit and spend the right amount on social services.