Jun 22 Watch 6:36 Why lower-income renters in Austin are struggling to find affordable housing By Blair Waltman-Alexin, Austin PBS Rents nationwide have cooled from historic highs, according to the latest inflation figures. Austin, Texas, is one of the places where rents are showing a downward trend, but lower-income families say their rents are often staying the same or even… Continue watching
Mar 08 Watch 7:48 Why many Americans feel unhappy about the economy despite indicators of improvement By Paul Solman, Diane Lincoln Estes Friday’s latest jobs report is proof again of a labor market that has been resilient and often stronger than expected. But according to numerous polls, many Americans don’t feel the economy is strong overall or helping them or their families. Continue watching
Feb 08 Watch 8:22 Half of American renters pay more than 30% of income on housing, study shows By Stephanie Sy, Mike Fritz Rental prices are unaffordable for a record number of Americans with half of all renters paying more than 30 percent of their income on rent and utilities, according to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. Stephanie Sy reached out to… Continue watching
Dec 20 U.S. animal shelters are overcrowded with pets from families facing economic woes By Michael Hill, Associated Press Operators believe the influx of more animals is due largely to higher pet care costs and housing issues. And they're in crisis mode as they try to reduce the kennel crush. Continue reading
Nov 20 Why economists say falling inflation isn't enough to relieve stress about the U.S. economy By Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press Most Americans hold a glum view of the economy despite inflation reaching its lowest point in over two years. Many factors lie behind the disconnect, but economists increasingly point to one in particular: The lingering financial and psychological effects of… Continue reading
Oct 27 AP-NORC poll: Many Americans say their expenses are outpacing earnings this year By Cora Lewis, Associated Press For most Americans, household debt has either risen in the last year or has not gone away. Continue reading
Jul 30 Biggest apartment construction boom in decades likely to bring renters uneven relief By Alex Veiga, Associated Press When viewed through a wide lens, renters across the U.S. finally appear to be getting some relief, thanks in part to the biggest apartment construction boom in decades. But a closer look shows the trend will likely be little comfort… Continue reading
Jul 05 Watch 7:01 Skyrocketing cost of living threatens Austin's status as live music capital of the world By Laura Barrón-López, Tess Conciatori, Sam Lane For more than a decade, the Austin area has been the fastest-growing large metro region in the country. That explosion has brought sweeping changes to the Texas capital and its renowned music scene. Laura Barrón-López reports for our arts and… Continue watching
Jan 29 Analysis: Cost of living may be rising faster for rural Americans By Stephan Weiler, Tessa Conroy, The Conversation When the Federal Reserve convenes at the end of January 2023 to set interest rates, it will be guided by one key bit of data: the U.S. inflation rate. The problem is, that stat ignores a sizable chunk of the… Continue reading
Jan 11 Report warns the cost-of-living crisis may overshadow climate change By Kelvin Chan, Associated Press A report by the World Economic Forum says climate change is the global economy's biggest long-term challenge but one the world is least prepared to tackle because of short-term problems led by a cost-of-living crisis. Continue reading