All Economy
Housing that’s affordable – because the community owns the landThe affordable housing crisis in the United States has deep roots. One solution that’s gaining traction separates homeownership from land prices.
Economic stability: What the Fed can and can’t do to restore itThe Fed’s role as stabilizer-in-chief for the U.S. economy is being tested by soaring inflation. Global conditions and its own past decisions demand a nimble response.
First LookHousing affordability reaches decade low. Who's priced out?In the U.S., housing affordability has hit its lowest levels since 2008. First-time home buyers are caught between rising rents and higher mortgage payments. Those shopping for homes are often faced with either increasing their budgets or lowering their standards.
First LookWhy record-high US gas prices are likely to stay high for a whileGas averaged $4.17 a gallon in the U.S. on Tuesday, breaking a 2008 record. Analysts say the record-high prices can be linked to anticipation that Western countries may ban Russian oil and that tight supplies will keep prices high for a while.
First LookRussian oil ban? US gasoline prices hit highest level since 2008As gasoline reached $4 a gallon, U.S. and European officials are considering a ban on Russian oil imports. In the past week, regular gas prices rose by almost 41 cents, according to the AAA motor club.
Will Russia sanctions batter rest of world? A lot will depend on oil.The ripple effects of sanctions on Russia squeeze global economic growth too – collateral damage that could deepen if oil becomes part of the fray.
First LookRent inflation: Why your tiny apartment costs so muchRent in U.S. metro areas saw a 19.3% surge this past year, driving overall inflation. The steep rent rise post-pandemic was the result of a nationwide supply deficit.
First LookOil prices surge, stocks fall as Putin orders troops to UkraineOn Tuesday, oil prices surged nearly 5% and shares fell sharply after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into separatist regions of eastern Ukraine, suggesting a long-feared invasion is possibly underway.
A beef with ‘bigs’: Why rethink of competition starts with meat industryHas a trend toward corporate bigness gone too far? The meat industry is becoming an important test for President Biden and lawmakers in both parties.
Prices are up. So is the need for services. How nonprofits are coping.Nonprofits provide services that millions of people rely on. And unlike businesses, they can’t generally raise prices to cover inflation’s bite.
First Look‘We obviously need change’: Young workers flock to labor unionsRecent years have seen a rising number of young Americans engaging in unions’ efforts to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions. Political leaders and a workforce changed by the pandemic have pushed workers to rethink what they deserve.
Right to transfer: Why it’s a game changer for college athletesForget the fiefdom of the all-powerful coach. In football and beyond, college sports programs face a culture change as players win new rights.
First LookHow to claim child tax credit? File your taxes, says IRS.The U.S. federal government began sending out monthly checks in July as part of the expanded child tax credit, but to claim the full $3,000 per child, families will need to file a tax return. For the millions of Americans who have never filed a return, there are plenty of online resources.
First LookStates are flush with cash. Should they use it for tax cuts?Many states have a surplus in their budgets from tax revenues and pandemic-related aid. Now lawmakers and governors are eyeing tax breaks to relieve consumers and taxpayers. But some raise concerns that tax cuts might jeopardize programs for low-income families.
First LookWhy getting a tax refund may take even longer this filing seasonFrom expected delays in processing to claiming child tax credits, Americans may find this filing season particularly challenging. An IRS staffing shortage and enormous backlogs means the agency is still working through 2020 tax returns.
Everyone’s least favorite climate fix? Nuclear power gets fresh look.New technology and a rising group of climate pragmatists may be changing long-held wariness of nuclear power as a fossil fuel alternative.
A ‘Biden boom’? Inflation makes economy feel like a bust to many.Inflation is outstripping wage growth and proving less transitory than expected. That’s changing mindsets from the White House to lots of other houses.
How expanded child tax credit aided these moms, changed economyThe expanded child tax credit last year slashed poverty and tested a model of cash aid widely shared to families, with no strings attached.
First LookInflation may be peaking, but high prices could stick aroundNot since the days of “stagflation” have prices climbed as steeply as they did last month, putting pressure on everyone from small bakeries in Minnesota to used-car buyers in Maryland. Economists are uncertain how long high prices will stick.
First LookFor the first time, men are the minority on Fed Reserve boardsThe U.S. Federal Reserve banks are seeing some of the most diverse leadership since their founding. On the newly named 2022 boards, 44% of the directors are female and a record 40% of directors are people of color.
