The World and Everything In It 2.26.26 New York’s rent stabilization, school denies teacher religious accommodation, Ukraine’s long resistance, and helping girls in Kenya
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Feb 26, 2026 Jenny Ruff, a World reporter who covered education and health in Nairobi, tells the story of the Freedom for Girls program. She discusses supplying sanitary kits and underwear, how distribution and health education work, and the program’s role in keeping girls in school. Short, human-focused reporting about practical aid and community impact.
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Rent Caps Create Vacancies And Hidden Shortages
- New York's rent stabilization protects tenants but pressures landlords by capping annual increases while leaving many units off the market.
- Landlord Pasco Lujuraj reports a unit vacant seven years because $700 rent won't cover $100,000+ repairs, reducing available housing supply.
Rent Freezes Can Degrade Neighborhood Services
- City efforts to freeze or limit rents can unintentionally shrink landlords' maintenance budgets and worsen neighborhood services.
- Tenants like Val Fleming note store closures and higher grocery prices in rent-stabilized areas after prolonged rent controls.
Teacher Reassigned After Refusing LGBT Books
- Teacher Eric Rivera refused to read two books featuring a same-sex couple and requested religious accommodation, which the school initially handled by having a co-teacher read the books.
- After the accommodation was used, Rivera received a final warning and was reassigned, prompting legal help from First Liberty Institute.