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US Housing Affordability and Homelessness Crisis

Record home prices, rental unaffordability, a growing homelessness emergency, and limited federal and state policy responses

BEA reports 0.3% May rise in real disposable personal income

Illustration accompanying article: BEA reports 0.3% May rise in real disposable personal income
  • The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported real disposable personal income rose 0.3 percent in May 2026 in its monthly Personal Income and Outlays release.
  • The World Inequality Lab's Real-Time Inequality tracker, maintained by Thomas Blanchet, Emmanuel Saez, and Gabriel Zucman at UC Berkeley, updated monthly distributional cuts alongside the BEA release.
  • The Real-Time Inequality methodology extends the Piketty-Saez-Zucman Distributional National Accounts framework, combining annual tax data with high-frequency economic series via optimal-transport statistical matching to produce monthly distribution estimates.
  • The aggregate personal saving rate reported in the same release is an average across all households and masks substantial decile-level variation, with saving concentrated at the top deciles.
 2026-06-30 · 5 MIN READ

WSJ readers vote on June's House of the Month contenders

Illustration accompanying article: WSJ readers vote on June's House of the Month contenders
  • The Wall Street Journal is asking readers to vote for its June House of the Month among three properties: a Mount Vernon-inspired home, a Maine Colonial with a spring-fed pond, and a Colorado home built around two circa-1900s sheds.
  • The vote is part of the Journal's ongoing House of the Month series, which has featured a range of architectural styles throughout 2025.
  • Kerry Barger, a senior platform editor for the Journal's Mansion section, wrote the article and also writes the WSJ Homes newsletter, which has won top honors from the National Association of Real Estate Editors in 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024.
 2026-06-26 · 3 MIN READ
Illustration accompanying article: Trump abruptly cancels signing ceremony for bipartisan housing bill

A Bipartisan Housing Triumph

2026-06-01

The House last week passed a monumental housing bill, 396-13, bundling some 50 bipartisan measures that will do more to deliver homes to families than expand the regulatory state.

U.S. students in 'reading recession' as test scores slide, but phonics reforms offer hope

2026-05-14

Nationally, American students remain nearly half a grade level behind pre-pandemic reading scores, and the decline predates COVID-19 disruptions by years, according to a new Education Scorecard from researchers at Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth. While a shift to phonics-based instruction and efforts to curb absenteeism have fueled recoveries in several states, overall reading scores have steadily eroded since the early 2010s.

5 small Texas cities post fastest U.S. growth as larger hubs slow

2026-05-14

Small cities embedded in major Texas metro areas led the nation’s fastest-growing municipalities in a Census Bureau release Thursday, with growth concentrated in smaller places tied to big-city job and housing magnets. The findings also showed that some cities lost population at higher rates in areas with tight housing markets and after major hurricanes hit Florida’s Gulf Coast late last year.

Reading test scores declined, but some schools improved with phonics

2026-05-14

The Associated Press reports that a national education scorecard finds U.S. reading test scores have continued to fall after years of decline, prompting warnings of a “reading recession.” The same analysis, drawn from state tests covering third through eighth grades, found math scores improving in most states and highlighted school districts that raised results by shifting toward phonics-based instruction and adding support for struggling students.

Huge drills begin work on new Hudson River train tunnel for NYC-region

2026-05-14

NORTH BERGEN, N.J. — Giant tunnel-boring machines have arrived for a new Hudson River rail tunnel project connecting New Jersey to Manhattan, as workers prepare to start drilling later this year. The project, led by the Gateway Development Commission, is expected to cost $16 billion and is designed to reduce congestion on one of the nation’s busiest passenger rail corridors.

Texas public schools lose 76,000 students; Hispanic students account for 81% of decline

2026-05-13

Roughly 76,000 fewer students enrolled in Texas public schools this academic year, the first non-pandemic enrollment decline in nearly four decades, according to a report from the policy research group Texas 2036. Hispanic students accounted for 81 percent of the drop, a finding that surfaced amid heightened anti-immigration rhetoric and enforcement activity across the state.

Michigan's $35M loan call threatens key autonomous vehicle test center

2026-05-13

Michigan is demanding repayment of a $35 million loan from the American Center for Mobility, a nonprofit autonomous vehicle testing facility in Ypsilanti Township that supporters say is critical to keeping the state's auto industry competitive as self-driving technology accelerates. The $1.62 million annual payment sought by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. would wipe out the $1.59 million surplus the 340-acre facility posted last year, according to its 2025 audit.

Texas towns lead U.S. in fastest city growth amid Southern surge

2026-05-13

Small cities in the Dallas‑Fort Worth and Houston metros posted the strongest year‑over‑year population gains among U.S. municipalities with at least 20,000 residents between mid‑2024 and mid‑2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Celina, Princeton, Melissa, Anna and Fulshear recorded growth rates from roughly 15% to 25%, outpacing larger cities such as Seattle and Houston. The surge reflects a healthy job market and comparatively affordable housing in the South, said Census Bureau statistician Matt Erickson.

Cal State may allow shortened bachelor’s degrees taking as little as 3 years

2026-05-13

California State University trustees voted to let campuses create three new types of shortened bachelor’s degrees, with a minimum of 90 units that typically take three years to complete. The system says the move is aimed at attracting more working-age students and those who can earn degree credit for prior work experience.

Edmunds: Four steps to maximize savings when buying a hybrid in 2026

2026-05-12

The automotive experts at Edmunds have laid out four strategies for hybrid-car shoppers to minimize the extra upfront cost and maximize long-term fuel savings, in guidance shared with The Associated Press. With gasoline prices remaining elevated, the tips aim to help buyers navigate the tradeoff between a higher purchase price and lower operating expenses by favoring models with short payback periods, high fuel economy, used-car options, and three-row SUV variants.

Do these four things before buying a hybrid in 2026

2026-05-12

Gas prices and rising vehicle costs are pushing more shoppers to consider hybrids, and Edmunds says it’s important to choose the right model to recoup the added upfront cost. In 2026, the automaker-selection process should start with looking at payback periods, not just sticker prices, before moving to fuel-economy benchmarks and shopping strategies like used or certified pre-owned.

US existing home sales flat in April at 4.02 million; prices hit record for April

2026-05-10

Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes were essentially flat in April, holding at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.02 million, the National Association of Realtors reported Monday. The median sale price rose 0.9% from a year ago to $417,700, an all-time high for the month, extending a 34-month streak of annual price increases despite a multiyear slump in transactions.

US existing home sales stay flat in April as inventory remains tight

2026-05-10

Existing U.S. home sales were essentially flat in April, another soft reading for the housing market during what’s typically its busiest spring season, the National Association of Realtors said Monday. The median home price rose 0.9% from a year earlier to $417,700, a national record for any April, as home affordability remained a hurdle. Lawrence Yun, the NAR’s chief economist, said the spring homebuying season through April offered no year-over-year increase.

California’s first teacher apprenticeship program aims to cut vacancies

2026-05-10

California is rolling out its first registered apprenticeship program for teachers this fall, aiming to help students earn a wage while working toward a credential. The effort arrives as the state grapples with persistent staffing gaps, including teachers entering classrooms without full preparation.

Renter-friendly air-conditioning battery program could cut energy bills

2026-05-08

A renter-friendly pilot in New York City is testing plug-in battery units that can run window air conditioners during the hottest hours, aiming to reduce strain on the electric grid during peak demand. The program, backed by Con Edison and operated by Every Electric, is expanding to more than 1,000 homes this summer and offers cash rebates to participants.

$3.8B Homekey program shows mixed results, delayed projects and disputes

2026-05-08

California’s Homekey program, launched under Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2020, awarded more than $3.8 billion to convert hotels and other buildings into homeless housing, but a new investigation finds outcomes ranged from immediate successes to long delays and failures. In Los Angeles, one nonprofit said it took over a former motel without sufficient vetting, and a yearslong construction backlog left the property vacant. Across the state, advocates and local officials said the program’s speed came with thinner oversight, leaving some projects stalled and raising questions about the next phase, Homekey+.

New York expected to impose pied-à-terre tax but no rich income hike

2026-05-08

New York is expected to impose a new tax on multimillion-dollar second homes in New York City, under a tentative agreement announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The proposal would target so-called pied-à-terres worth more than $5 million and is intended to help address New York City’s budget deficit, but it stops short of broad income tax increases on the state’s wealthiest residents.

Spring homebuying season meets a stubborn 6.37% mortgage rate

2026-05-08

Mortgage rates rose for a second straight week as bond-market volatility persisted, with surging oil prices tied to the Iran war stoking inflation worries, Freddie Mac said Thursday. The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage climbed to 6.37%, up from 6.30% last week, while the 15-year rate also moved higher.

Orleans Parish School Board settles 2019 lawsuit over city tax-fee skimming

2026-05-07

The Orleans Parish School Board voted 6-1 to accept an agreement settling a 2019 lawsuit against the city of New Orleans over how tax collection fees and school funding were handled. Under the settlement, the city will lower sales tax collection fees and eliminate property-tax fees, and it will end practices district lawyers said diverted school money toward municipal pension obligations.

Detroit to launch “Occupy the Summer” youth programming after teen takeovers

2026-05-06

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield’s administration is rolling out year-round youth programming, including a June start for the Occupy the Summer series, after “teen takeovers” downtown highlighted demand for more safe, engaging spaces for young people. The plan includes expanded recreation center hours, Midnight Basketball leagues for 18 and older, and a new city portal that lets residents find free youth activities by age and ZIP code.

South Dakota water systems expand, adding Missouri River projects

2026-05-05

South Dakota water managers are advancing four major projects to draw more water from the Missouri River, aiming to boost capacity for decades. The Lewis & Clark Regional Water System is expanding existing treatment and well infrastructure, while three other regional efforts—from WEB’s upgrades to new pipeline planning—are at various stages of study or feasibility work.

Landlords sue to recover pandemic-era losses blocked by eviction moratorium

2026-05-04

Landlords who say they were barred from evicting nonpaying tenants during a federal pandemic moratorium want compensation from the federal government, filing a lawsuit that challenges the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s authority and Fifth Amendment. The plaintiffs, which include property owners in Texas and Nevada, say they have reached settlement discussions with the Justice Department after winning on appeal.

Fewer AAPI adults report hate incidents than in 2023, new poll shows

2026-05-03

About 1 in 4 Asian American and Pacific Islander adults say they experienced a hate crime or incident in the past year, according to a new AP-NORC/AAPI Data poll released as AAPI Heritage Month begins. The share reporting overt anti-Asian attacks is down from 2023, but many AAPI adults say racial discrimination concerns remain.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pushes budgeting and saving over easy money

2026-05-02

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged Americans to focus on budgeting and saving rather than chasing “easy money” products such as lottery tickets, buy now, pay later loans and crypto windfalls. Speaking to The Associated Press at the end of Financial Literacy Month, Bessent said he prioritized meetings with community bankers, retirees and students to discuss how to manage debt and invest for the future.

Habitat for Humanity plans new Atlanta community with Carters program

2026-05-02

Habitat for Humanity will build 24 affordable homes in Atlanta’s Sylvan Hills neighborhood in May with help from volunteers tied to the 40th Carter Work Project, the charity announced. The weeklong builds are named for former President Jimmy Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, who have long been involved in the effort.

Aging Hawai‘i faces shortage of nearly 60,000 homes by 2050, report says

2026-05-01

Hawai‘i will need nearly 60,000 additional housing units by 2050 to meet future demand, according to a new analysis that links the outlook to an aging population and the risk of younger residents being pushed out. The report says residents age 65 and older will account for 44,000 of the new homes needed by 2050, while it also warns that the housing shortage is raising prices and contributing to out-migration of working-age adults.

Hawaii governor blasts auditor’s interim report on homeless tiny homes

2026-04-30

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green on April 29 blasted a preliminary report from the state auditor that is examining his administration’s homeless “kauhale” tiny homes initiative, accusing the auditor of being overly aggressive and unwilling to help. Green said Hawaiʻi lawmakers had funded the sprawling project for 2026 and 2027 but also required the audit, which followed reporting that found the state lacked receipts and other documentation for some uses of public money.

Americans overcharged $150B a year for insurance, analysis says

2026-04-29

A new analysis suggests Americans are paying about $150 billion a year more than insurers pay out on claims for home, auto and business coverage, and it argues for federal rules to curb the gap. The study, published with an Associated Press analysis, uses insurer loss ratios and compares current payouts to those from the 1980s and 1990s.

Expert tips on student loan debt and its mental-health toll

2026-04-29

The Associated Press’ “Money Happens” series profiles Justene Bologna, who said her student loan debt has contributed to severe stress and anxiety. The episode also includes tips from Indiana University professor Helen Colby for people whose loan repayment is affecting their day-to-day functioning and relationships.

Homeownership anxiety: therapist shares steps for budgeting and credit

2026-04-29

In a new episode of the “Money Happens” series, financial therapist John Hankins speaks with a 21-year-old Massachusetts renter who says homeownership feels unreachable despite working and avoiding debt. Hankins offers practical steps for people who feel overwhelmed by housing instability, including getting comfortable facing their finances, building credit carefully, and avoiding comparisons that can deepen anxiety.

San Diego trims arts funding as California cities face budget deficits

2026-04-26

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed budget would eliminate nearly all city arts funding as the city confronts a $146 million deficit, according to officials and advocates. City leaders also plan cuts to library hours and programs and to staffing, shifting resources toward public safety, homelessness efforts and road repairs. The AP report described how other large California cities—Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Francisco—are also facing multi-year budget gaps amid rising costs and weakening local revenue.

How weighted vests can help your workout

2026-04-26

Weighted vests—jogging and fitness-class gear with removable weights—are increasingly showing up in workouts, but experts say research on their benefits is limited. A certified strength coach and a team physician said the vests can add resistance that may improve performance for some people, while warning that others, including pregnant people and older adults, should be cautious.

Melania Trump expands White House honey program with new beehive

2026-04-25

Melania Trump announced Friday that the White House honey program will expand with a new beehive shaped like the White House, adding to two existing hives on the south grounds. The White House said the current hives can reach about 70,000 bees at peak in summer and produce between 200 and 225 pounds of honey a year, and the new hive could add about 30 pounds. The announcement came shortly before Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla were expected in Washington for a state visit.

New Acting Lt. Gov. Chosen in Hawaii as Luke Takes Leave of Absence

2026-04-25

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said Thursday she will take an indefinite leave of absence without pay while an investigation proceeds, and Gov. Josh Green named Keith Regan as acting lieutenant governor. Luke made the announcement after meeting with Green at the State Capitol, according to the governor’s office. Luke’s attorney previously said the state Attorney General’s Special Investigations and Prosecution Division considers her a target in an inquiry into $35,000 given to an influential lawmaker in 2022.

Maine signs zoning bill clarifying affordable-housing rules and deadlines

2026-04-24

Maine Gov. Janet Mills signed L.D. 2173 into law, a bill aimed at clarifying parts of the state’s recent zoning reform that required towns to loosen certain land-use restrictions to boost housing. The change follows years of debate over state growth targets versus local control and comes after lawmakers adjusted zoning rules again last year with L.D. 1829. Municipal leaders say the new law will give towns time to implement prior requirements while resolving technical disputes over water, sewer, lot sizes and building-height limits.

Bill would require California DMV to notify owners of surplus auction funds

2026-04-24

State lawmakers advanced legislation on April 23 that would require California’s Department of Motor Vehicles to notify vehicle owners within 14 days if the DMV receives surplus proceeds from lien sales of towed cars. The bill, introduced by Sen. Kelly Seyarto, would also require the notice to be sent by certified mail with a return receipt and to explain how owners can claim the money.

Mortgage rates slip for third week, easing pressure on spring homebuyers

2026-04-24

The average U.S. long-term mortgage rate fell for a third straight week, dropping to 6.23% as the spring homebuying season approaches, Freddie Mac said Thursday. The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate eased from 6.3% last week, while the average 15-year fixed-rate rate also declined.

Montana tenants’ unions secure lease talks with Oak Wood in Missoula

2026-04-22

Residents of two Missoula-area mobile home parks met in person with the parks’ Texas-based owner for lease negotiations, a first in Montana history, tenant representatives said. The Missoula Tenants Union and a joint bargaining team said Oak Wood Ventures agreed to formal recognition of the unions and to pursue rent protections as the negotiations continue through May.

Hawaii auditor warns of control gaps in homeless tiny home payments

2026-04-22

Auditor Les Kondo said in a letter to Hawaii lawmakers and the state human services director that the state’s tiny home initiative for people experiencing homelessness has accounting and internal-control deficiencies that need “immediate attention by those in governance.” Kondo wrote that payments to HomeAid Hawai‘i have cost taxpayers nearly $40 million so far, and that his office identified invoices that were inconsistent with state requirements, including more than $900,000 lacking substantiation and travel and meal costs he said “appear inconsistent” with state policies.

California spends $118,000 per student to keep Orick school open

2026-04-20

Orick Elementary School District in northern Humboldt County operates a single kindergarten-through-eighth-grade school with nine students. California spends $118,000 per pupil per year to keep it open — more than five times the state average. The town of Orick has about 300 residents, down from 3,000 in the 1960s, as the logging industry collapsed and families departed.

George Harrison’s Benton house is for sale, long tied to Beatles history

2026-04-18

The house where Beatles guitarist George Harrison visited family in Benton, Illinois, in 1963 is now for sale, drawing interest from fans and local preservation advocates. The bungalow at 113 McCann Street later became a bed-and-breakfast filled with Beatles memorabilia before it closed in 2010.

George Harrison’s Benton, Illinois house listed for $105,000

2026-04-17

The house in Benton, Illinois where George Harrison visited his sister in 1963 is for sale, according to Associated Press. The five-bedroom bungalow at 113 McCann Street is listed for $105,000, after a history of preservation efforts and later use as a Beatles-themed bed-and-breakfast. The sale comes decades after activists helped stop demolition in the mid-1990s.

NYC building workers avert strike with tentative contract deal

2026-04-17

Union leaders representing nearly 34,000 New York City apartment building workers announced Friday that they had reached a tentative contract agreement with building owners, averting a strike set to begin at midnight Monday. The strike would have been the first in 35 years.

Nebraska trails region in job growth as state loses economic edge

2026-04-17

An analysis by the Flatwater Free Press shows Nebraska has lost an estimated 70,000 jobs relative to its regional competitors since 2010, marking a sharp reversal for a state once recognized nationally for creating jobs. The decline became visible last month when Site Selection magazine, an economic development industry publication, failed to list Nebraska in its top 10 development states—the second consecutive year the state missed the ranking. State business leaders and economists attribute the drop to a combination of workforce shortages, lack of affordable housing, and reduced state focus on economic development initiatives.

Home where George Harrison stayed in Illinois is listed for $105,000

2026-04-16

A house in Benton, Illinois, where Beatles guitarist George Harrison visited his sister in 1963 is now for sale, after decades of preservation efforts by fans and locals. The five-bedroom bungalow at 113 McCann Street is listed for $105,000, according to the report.

California cities scramble to comply with or fight SB 79 housing rezoning

2026-04-16

Local governments across California are scrambling to respond to a major state housing law, Senate Bill 79, which takes effect July 1 and requires more transit-area zoning for mid-rise apartments near rail, subway and some bus stops. With the deadline approaching, cities from Los Angeles to San Francisco are weighing options such as using state-written delay provisions, drafting their own zoning alternatives, or moving to adopt changes quickly.

States recalibrate clean-energy rules as affordability takes center stage

2026-04-16

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is seeking delays to state climate goals, arguing that implementing key clean-energy requirements now could raise energy prices for families. The move comes as several Democratic governors and lawmakers across the Northeast weigh affordability agendas against emissions-cutting targets.

NYC Mayor Mamdani earned $1,643 in rap royalties in 2025, tax filings show

2026-04-16

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani earned $1,643 in music royalties from his early rap career in 2025, according to tax filings shared with reporters Thursday. The 34-year-old Democrat, who performed under the names "Young Cardamom" and "Mr. Cardamom," saw only a modest increase from $1,267 in royalties the year before. Mamdani joked that New Yorkers wanting to improve his bottom line should "go to Spotify," adding: "A lot of people say they're listening. They're not listening."

Kaua'i volunteers map coconut rhinoceros beetle spread, offer model for Hawai'i

2026-04-16

A Kaua'i nonprofit has built a community-driven map of coconut rhinoceros beetle infestations across the island, documenting feeding, breeding, and treatment sites as the invasive pest reaches Moloka'i for the first time and is rediscovered on Maui. The project, called Niu Ola Kauhale and led by E Ola Kākou Hawai'i, received a $25,000 county innovation grant and draws on a network of district leaders practicing traditional Hawaiian observation methods to gather data that state agencies lack the staffing to collect.

NYC building workers vote to authorize strike as contract deadline looms

2026-04-16

Thousands of New York City apartment building workers voted Wednesday to authorize a potential strike, setting up what could be the first building service walkout in 35 years. Contract negotiations between 32BJ SEIU and building owners have stalled over health insurance premiums and new hire pay classifications, with the current contract set to expire at midnight Monday. A strike would disrupt services for an estimated 1.5 million residents across the city, according to the union.

Powerball to expand to UK, pending gambling commission approval

2026-04-15

Powerball will expand this summer to include players in England, Scotland and other parts of the United Kingdom, in a move designed to grow larger jackpots, the Multi-State Lottery Association said. The agreement announced Tuesday between the Multi-State Lottery Association and Allwyn UK still must be approved by a U.K. gambling commission.

Asian surnames fastest-growing in U.S., Census data show

2026-04-15

The U.S. Census Bureau said Tuesday that while the most popular last names remain the same over the decade, Asian surnames were the fastest-growing early in this decade. The agency said the top five last names in the United States in 2020—Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown and Jones—matched the top five in 2010, but that many of the fastest-growing surnames were Asian.

Hampshire College to close after fall semester amid financial struggles

2026-04-15

Hampshire College, a small liberal arts school in western Massachusetts that counts filmmaker Ken Burns among its alumni, said its Board of Trustees voted to close after the fall semester. The school cited “increasingly complex” financial pressure and said efforts including enrollment growth, refinancing debt, and new revenue from land sales fell short.

Hochul proposes pied-à-terre tax on NYC second homes over $5 million

2026-04-15

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed Wednesday allowing New York City to impose a tax surcharge on second homes worth more than $5 million, a measure her office projected could raise at least $500 million annually as Mayor Zohran Mamdani works to close a multibillion-dollar budget gap. Hochul, a moderate Democrat who has repeatedly resisted calls for broad tax increases on the wealthy, framed the proposal as a targeted compromise — hitting absentee luxury property owners rather than raising personal income or corporate rates.

Dropped out? Colleges help students reenroll to finish degrees

2026-04-15

In the U.S., millions of adults who leave college before finishing face barriers such as unpaid fees, confusing paperwork and unstable housing. Now, colleges and states are expanding efforts to help “stopouts” return, including financial aid and programs that remove administrative roadblocks and provide coaching. An AP case study follows Jevona Anderson, who reenrolled after a scholarship helped cover remaining credits and housing costs.

Existing home sales sink to 9-month low as spring buyers stay sidelined

2026-04-14

U.S. existing home sales fell 3.6% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million units, the National Association of Realtors said April 13. Despite easing mortgage rates earlier this year, the housing market’s spring pickup has lagged as mortgage costs rose in March and consumer confidence stayed weak, according to the Realtors’ chief economist.

White House economists estimate U.S. housing shortage of 10 million homes

2026-04-14

The White House’s Council of Economic Advisers estimates the United States has a shortage of 10 million homes, according to a report in the Economic Report of the President released Monday. The analysis says regulatory cuts could help boost construction, stabilize home prices and expand home ownership. It also lays out a political messaging challenge for President Donald Trump as Republicans prepare for a difficult midterm season.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani marks 100 days with grocery, trash and bus plans

2026-04-13

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani marked 100 days in office with a rally that highlighted early accomplishments and outlined new goals focused on affordability for working people. Mamdani said he wants city-run grocery stores to open starting next year and expand a program to replace plastic trash bags with covered bins.

Maine Center Aims to Bolster Rural Synagogues Nationwide

2026-04-10

A center in Maine is working to strengthen rural synagogues and Jewish communities across the United States. The Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College runs programs for more than 60 communities in 22 states, aiming to support Jewish congregations far from big cities.

In coal-rich West Virginia, power bills rival mortgages and rents

2026-04-10

Rising electricity costs are pushing some families in coal-rich West Virginia to the edge, with household bills sometimes outpacing rents and mortgage payments, according to reporting by the Associated Press. In Rainelle, W.Va., resident Rebecca Michalski said her February electric bill was $940.08 and that she has taken out loans after facing cutoffs. As President Donald Trump has promised to cut electricity bills, the article points to higher power prices nationally and to the state’s dependence on coal-fired generation.

Preserving rural Jewish life is the focus of a Maine center this Passover

2026-04-09

WATERVILLE, Maine — As Passover approaches, Rabbi Rachel Isaacs is preparing ceremonial foods at Beth Israel Congregation in central Maine, where membership has quadrupled over the past 15 years. Isaacs, who leads the Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College, is also working to strengthen rural synagogues nationwide, including communities in states such as Montana and California. “Rural Jewish life is important for the Jewish people and it’s important for rural America,” Isaacs said.

Liberty Mutual Foundation to create $600M endowment for grants

2026-04-08

Liberty Mutual Foundation, the nonprofit arm of insurer Liberty Mutual Insurance, announced Wednesday that it is establishing a $600 million endowment to support its grantmaking over the long term, even as companies and corporate philanthropy face tariff-driven uncertainty and tax changes. Melanie Foley, chair of the foundation’s board, said the foundation wants to keep offering nonprofits “sense of security” while remaining flexible to what partners need.

Study finds Black-led nonprofits’ post-2020 funding gains didn’t last

2026-04-08

New research released Tuesday says many Black-led nonprofits saw only short-lived increases in funding after 2020’s racial reckoning, while smaller organizations showed little or no change. The study by nonprofit research service Candid and the racial justice philanthropy group ABFE found some large Black-led groups experienced temporary gains between 2020 and 2022 but that those increases faded for many.

Anchorage launches transitional tiny home program paired with addiction care

2026-04-08

Anchorage has opened a new transitional housing program that pairs tiny homes with addiction and behavioral health treatment for people experiencing homelessness. The city-run effort launched in late March with 32 municipal microunits and a day-treatment program at Willow Commons, Anchorage Recovery Center said.

On South Pass, new owner revives Wyoming’s historic Rock Shop Inn

2026-04-08

A new owner is reviving Wyoming’s Rock Shop Inn on South Pass, bringing back the saloon after years when the restaurant closed and the property was shut to the public. Anthony Prate and his father began a multi-year renovation after buying the 5-acre site, and Prate has now begun building a year-round hangout for locals and travelers.

Oakland Fund opens educator-only subsidized housing at The Idora

2026-04-08

In Oakland, a nonprofit has bought a 33-unit apartment building to create subsidized housing exclusively for teachers and other school staff, aiming to help educators stay near the classrooms where they work. The project, part of the Rooted program, began renting units immediately after the purchase this week.

Arizona lawmakers consider bills to curb mobile-home utility markups

2026-04-08

Arizona lawmakers are considering a new package of bills aimed at mobile home residents, including measures that would limit what park owners can pass through for utility costs and add training requirements for park managers, according to stakeholders and bill summaries provided by the Associated Press. The proposals also include changes to rules on abandoned mobile homes, rental terms and administrative fees as the legislative session proceeds.

Black-led nonprofits saw post-2020 funding boosts fade quickly, study says

2026-04-07

The racial reckoning after George Floyd’s killing in 2020 sparked promises of longer-term support for underfunded, Black-led nonprofits. But new research released Tuesday found that many of the funding increases those groups experienced were short-lived, and smaller nonprofits saw no significant change, according to Candid and ABFE. The report also links the pattern of disinvestment to a wider climate of funding uncertainty under President Donald Trump.

San Marcos, California, is on track to meet housing goals in most categories

2026-04-07

San Marcos, California, is on track to meet state-mandated housing targets in three of four income categories, an outcome city leaders attribute to planning and negotiating with developers, according to an Associated Press report. The city is on pace in moderate and above-moderate categories, but has not matched targets for “very low” income housing, the report said.

Connecticut churches seek faster approvals to build affordable housing

2026-04-07

Connecticut churches are pushing a bill that would speed up local approvals for affordable housing on land owned by religious organizations. The “Yes in God’s backyard,” or YIGBY, proposal would allow eligible projects to receive a 90-day “summary review” if they meet local zoning rules and keep at least 30% of units affordable.

Centerville, South Dakota, uses vacant building ordinance to revitalize downtown

2026-04-07

Centerville, a town of about 900 people in eastern South Dakota, has become known as a statewide leader in downtown redevelopment, fueled in part by a vacant building ordinance implemented in 2017. Town economic development coordinator Jared Hybertson said the policy uses a registration system, inspections, warning letters, threats of fines and eventual fines to prompt property owners to improve or sell. Local officials and business owners have used the ordinance’s leverage to buy, rehabilitate or tear down nearly a dozen deteriorated downtown buildings and bring in new shops and services.

Mississippi home mitigation bill heads to Gov. Tate Reeves after approvals

2026-04-04

Mississippi lawmakers on Wednesday sent a bill to Gov. Tate Reeves that would create a state grant program to help homeowners retrofit properties to withstand hurricanes, tornadoes and other windstorm damage. The Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program, approved by both the House and Senate, would offer grants of up to $10,000, administered through the state Department of Insurance.

Many Michigan opioid settlement funds remain unspent in some counties

2026-04-02

Michigan began receiving millions of dollars from an opioid settlement in January 2023, but some counties and cities have not disbursed any of the money to community groups, according to reporting. The pace has frustrated state leaders, as officials prepare a more complete accounting of how the funds are being used this spring.

Maine lawmakers weigh how to use growing home-sale tax for housing

2026-04-02

Maine’s real estate transfer tax, which funds affordable housing initiatives, is projected to rise in the coming years, and lawmakers are now debating whether to steer more of the money toward homeless shelters. The tax rate changed for properties sold after Nov. 1, 2025, expanding revenues as Maine’s home prices climbed, state forecasts show.

New funding targets electricity access for millions in Africa

2026-04-01

New financing and pledges led by the World Bank and other partners aim to expand electricity access across Africa, with projects reaching households and small businesses through grid upgrades, mini-grids and off-grid solar. The funding includes a European Investment Bank pledge of more than $1.15 billion and additional support from the Rockefeller Foundation, alongside the “Mission 300” initiative to connect 300 million people by 2030. In Kenya, residents say electrification is extending business hours and improving study time for children.

How to avoid fast furniture without spending too much

2026-04-01

Americans can cut down on fast furniture purchases by seeking free items through community groups, shopping secondhand, and maintaining what they already own, according to experts cited by The Associated Press.

Nevada housing bill money starts flowing to middle-income homebuyers

2026-04-01

Nevada officials say a $133 million state housing bill created an affordable-housing pipeline that is beginning to deliver new homes for middle-income buyers, including some who previously struggled to cover down payments and closing costs. The first projects include Paradise Trails in southeast Las Vegas, whose homes are partly supported through Gov. Joe Lombardo’s 2025 AB540 law.

California weighs state-backed insurance for factory-built housing

2026-04-01

California lawmakers are considering a package of bills aimed at speeding up factory-built housing, including a proposal by Assembly members Buffy Wicks and Juan Carrillo to create a state backstop for construction-insurance payouts. The bill would have California take on a role that is unusual for the state, effectively helping sureties and developers manage the financial risk of projects that fail. The legislation is scheduled for its first legislative committee hearing in late April.

Michigan neighborhoods use Solarize group buys to cut rooftop solar costs

2026-03-31

Millions of Americans are weighing home energy upgrades as electricity bills rise, and in parts of Michigan, residents are banding together for discounts through Solarize programs. An Associated Press report describes how towns and counties in the state have taken over the administration of the neighborhood-based solar-buying model, which has roots in Portland, Oregon.

Student loan borrowers in SAVE plan told to prepare for repayment

2026-03-28

More than 7 million borrowers enrolled in the Biden-era SAVE repayment plan will begin receiving notices starting Friday instructing them to seek a new plan, the U.S. Department of Education said. Borrowers who had been in forbearance since July 2024 will get 90 days to choose a replacement repayment option after a federal court struck down the SAVE plan earlier this month.

Made in America law is causing problems for affordable housing developers

2026-03-28

Affordable housing developers say a federal “Build America, Buy America” rule is slowing construction and raising costs, as U.S. agencies review waivers needed when some building materials aren’t made in the United States. The rule requires many items in federally funded affordable housing projects to be produced domestically, and developers say HUD has approved only a handful of waivers. The delays come as housing remains a key affordability challenge for many renters and nonprofit builders.

Online Tennessee dashboard aims to pinpoint rural counties’ livability needs

2026-03-28

Tennessee launched a new online Livability Indicators Dashboard designed to help policymakers examine county-level factors that affect quality of life in rural areas, researchers at East Tennessee State University said. The dashboard includes data on more than 60 topics, ranging from economic development and housing to health care access and aging-related community support.

Better Home & Finance to offer crypto-backed mortgages with Coinbase partnership

2026-03-27

Better Home & Finance Holding Co. said it will offer a mortgage backed by certain cryptocurrencies, letting qualifying homebuyers pledge crypto assets to finance a down payment without selling them. The company said the product will launch in partnership with crypto exchange Coinbase within the next three months.

Michigan officials face questions over secret $261M megasite plan

2026-03-27

Michigan’s Mundy Township spent years amid nondisclosure agreements on a $261 million speculative “megasite” plan aimed at landing a semiconductor factory, an effort residents say left them uninformed while hundreds of homes were acquired and demolished. An AP report, drawing on a Bridge Michigan investigation, describes how lawmakers were told in public meetings the project would involve “some demolition,” while state and local officials say confidentiality was needed to negotiate. The semiconductor deal unraveled after Western Digital spun off Sandisk, leaving the community with cleared land but no factory.

Census data show slower U.S. metro population gains as immigration declines

2026-03-27

The U.S. Census Bureau said population growth slowed in many metro areas in 2025, with the steepest drops in communities along the southern border as immigration declined. In Florida, counties along the Gulf Coast also lost residents after hurricanes in 2024, the agency said in estimates released Thursday.

House aviation safety bill gains NTSB support, families urge tougher rules

2026-03-26

A revised House aviation safety bill has received the backing of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), though families of victims from last year's midair collision near Washington, D.C., continue to push for stricter requirements. The bill aims to implement locator systems on aircraft to improve pilot awareness of surrounding air traffic.

Up North Michigan rural students weigh staying home vs college

2026-03-26

A 18-year-old student in rural northern Michigan said she has been accepted to a university in Ohio but wants to “stay here,” even as schools and communities face high poverty and low rates of college enrollment. Across the region, educators say students often prioritize career and technical training because distances to jobs, health care and advanced classes—and limited internet at home—make four-year college harder.

Up North Michigan rural schools weigh stay-home life against college

2026-03-25

Rural schools across northern Michigan are trying to steer students toward education beyond high school while acknowledging that many families prefer staying close to home, even when jobs pay less. In interviews with students and educators, the trade-off centers on limited access to advanced classes, patchy internet for online coursework, and long trips for services—factors that make college feel farther away and career training more immediate.

Consumers seeks to delay flood control upgrades as it pursues dam sales

2026-03-24

Consumers Energy is asking federal regulators to delay a $350 million spillway replacement at Hardy Dam in Michigan to Dec. 31, 2028, as the utility pursues selling the dam and 12 others to a private equity-backed operator. In a filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the company said the work is “neither feasible nor prudent” until regulatory approvals for the sale are complete. Critics and some advocates said the delay could increase flood risk for downstream communities.

Housing jump-starts revitalization in Herreid, South Dakota, population 400

2026-03-24

Herreid, a ranching and outdoor recreation town about 7 miles south of the North Dakota border, has added new homes and apartments in recent years, helping revive its population and local economy, according to local leaders. Dick Werner, a retired banking executive who became president of the Herreid Area Housing Development, said the effort focused on attracting families and workers by first closing a shortage of places to live.

Treasury to manage federal student-loan defaults under new agreement

2026-03-21

The Treasury Department will take over management of certain federal student loans whose borrowers are in default under a new agreement announced Thursday, according to the Treasury Department and the U.S. Education Department. The Education Department will hand off defaulted loan management as part of President Donald Trump’s broader plans to dismantle the education agency, the agreement said.

Maui Rapid Response tests $700 monthly cash for Lahaina fire survivors

2026-03-19

A Maui mutual aid nonprofit is sending monthly cash to some Lahaina fire survivors who say they still struggle years after the August 2023 blaze, aiming to keep households stable during a slow recovery. The program, run through a “Kahua Card,” enrolls 69 households for one year, including a West Maui survivor who said the payments helped cut anxiety and let her buy more food and health-related supplies.

JPMorgan Chase launches wealth advising for athletes of all income levels

2026-03-19

JPMorgan Chase said Wednesday it will build wealth advising services aimed at athletes who come into money through their talents, from college sports NIL deals to established pros approaching retirement. The bank said the effort is designed to help athletes make money “work for them a long time,” and it added that it will begin reaching athletes early, including on college campuses.

Maine lawmakers consider state grants to bolster worship-site security

2026-03-19

Synagogues and other houses of worship in Maine are pressing for state funding to help pay for security upgrades as federal nonprofit grants and a growing climate of religious tensions leave some organizations waiting longer than they can plan. The proposal, backed by a multifaith coalition including Jewish and Muslim groups, would create a $1.5 million state nonprofit security grant program.

Used luxury versus new non-luxury: what Edmunds says to weigh

2026-03-19

A consumer story from Edmunds and the Associated Press highlights a tradeoff for shoppers choosing between a used luxury vehicle and a new non-luxury model. The comparison centers on warranty coverage, ride feel and performance, tech features, and ongoing ownership costs, using examples such as a used BMW X3 versus a new Honda CR-V.

Maine lawmakers consider fund to turn closed schools into housing

2026-03-18

Maine is evaluating legislation that would create a $5 million fund to help towns convert vacant, closed school buildings into housing, with benefits for some communities but complicated costs and financing questions for others. The proposal, which would be paired with work by the Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority, is expected to face further debate after committee action. In one example, Brooks voters on March 21 will decide whether to take over ownership of the former Morse Memorial Elementary School building and determine its next use.

Climbing stairs for exercise has its upside and its challenges

2026-03-15

People who climb stairs for exercise say the routine can strengthen legs, heart and lungs, and can add up across a day. But gym and building access can make stair workouts harder, with some landlords limiting use of stairwells due to liability concerns and hotel security kicking exercisers out.

Trump signs executive orders to ease home affordability burdens

2026-03-14

President Donald Trump signed two executive orders aimed at improving home affordability ahead of November midterm elections, the White House said and an Associated Press report detailed. One order targets federal rules tied to housing permitting and construction, while the other would streamline mortgage-related regulations to expand lending by smaller community banks.

Trump signs executive orders aimed at improving home affordability

2026-03-14

President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Friday aimed at addressing home affordability, a key issue for voters ahead of November’s midterm elections, according to The Associated Press. The orders would change federal housing and mortgage regulations and would aim to accelerate permitting and ease mortgage rules for smaller lenders.

As West Virginia schools face financial crisis, lawmakers offer no help

2026-03-13

As public schools in West Virginia face financial crisis, lawmakers have done little in the current 60-day legislative session to relieve funding pressures on students living in poverty, a report distributed by The Associated Press says. The House of Delegates has kept school funding relatively flat at about $2.01 billion, while fully funding the Hope Scholarship for students attending private schools. Advocates and state education officials warn that more districts could face insolvency, and some systems have already cut staff or weigh layoffs.

Minnesota lawmakers hear water system funding needs as bonding bill debate grows

2026-03-13

Minnesota local governments are pressing state lawmakers for bonding bill funding to expand and repair drinking, wastewater and stormwater systems, citing aging infrastructure, updated requirements and rising construction costs. In testimony and interviews during the 2026 legislative session, officials and lawmakers said water projects account for a large share of requests and could be harder to fit into budgets without borrowing authority. The debate over a bonding bill has included concerns from some lawmakers about using it for political leverage and about the lack of dedicated recurring funding.

Senate passes bipartisan housing bill to improve access and affordability

2026-03-13

The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a broad, bipartisan housing bill aimed at improving access to homeownership and affordability nationwide, with the measure clearing the chamber 89-10. The bill would reduce some regulations, curb certain corporate investment in single-family homes, and expand how housing dollars can be used to build affordable homes and rentals. It now heads back to the House, where leaders have signaled they may pursue a conference process rather than simply accept the Senate version.

Should you use retirement savings for a home down payment?

2026-03-13

Many Americans consider tapping retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs to fund a home down payment, but the move can trigger tax penalties and other effects that last into retirement. An Associated Press report highlighted how the decision can mean taking loans or hardship withdrawals with different rules, limits and risks.

Senate passes bipartisan housing bill to boost affordability

2026-03-13

The U.S. Senate approved a sweeping bipartisan housing bill on Thursday, voting 89‑10 to advance legislation aimed at widening access to affordable homes. The measure, championed by Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Republican Senate Banking Committee chair Tim Scott, would loosen certain regulations, curb corporate investors in single‑family housing and give local officials more tools to address regional housing shortages. The bill now heads back to the House, which passed a similar version earlier this year.

Blue states consider tax on millionaires to help fund vital services

2026-03-12

In several Democratic-led states, lawmakers are weighing new taxes on high-income households and investment earnings as budget needs grow. In Washington state, where lawmakers are debating a proposal that would create a nearly 10% annual tax on personal earnings over $1 million, supporters say the money would help fund free K-12 school meals, childcare and a family tax credit.

Edmunds lists 2026 budget hatchbacks from Toyota, Kia, Mazda and more

2026-03-12

Edmunds has compiled a list of “best budget-friendly” four-door hatchbacks on sale for 2026, highlighting options that it says balance frugal fuel economy with practical everyday versatility. The selections include the Toyota Corolla hatchback and the Kia K4 hatchback, along with the Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza and Honda Civic hatchback, plus the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Existing home sales rise in February, but lag 2025 pace

2026-03-11

Existing home sales rose in February after a dismal January, as homebuyers took advantage of easing mortgage rates heading into the spring homebuying season, the National Association of Realtors said. Sales climbed 1.7% from January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.09 million units, but fell 1.4% from February 2025. Home prices kept rising, though at a slower pace, as inventory remained scarce.

Michael Bloomberg tops 2025 Philanthropy 50 list for third straight year

2026-03-11

Michael Bloomberg, the founder of Bloomberg financial news and former New York mayor, ranked No. 1 on The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s Philanthropy 50 list for 2025 for a third consecutive year, according to the Chronicle. Bloomberg gave $4.3 billion last year to support arts, education, the environment, public health and programs to improve city governments.

Retirement savers may want to spend more flexibly, Morningstar says

2026-03-11

Retirees often plan to withdraw less than the commonly cited 3%-4% “safe” spending rates, hoping to protect their finances. Morningstar’s Christine Benz argues that underspending can leave large residual balances after decades of withdrawals, suggesting retirees consider more flexible withdrawal strategies that vary with portfolio performance. She also says inheritances can be less useful later in life than help provided to loved ones earlier.

Existing home sales rise in February as easing mortgage rates help buyers

2026-03-10

Existing home sales in the U.S. rose in February as home shoppers moved to take advantage of easing mortgage rates, the National Association of Realtors said. The gain followed a weak January, but sales still lagged compared with a year earlier and home prices continued to rise, albeit more slowly.

Michael Bloomberg tops Philanthropy 50 list for third straight year

2026-03-10

Michael Bloomberg landed the No. 1 spot on the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s ranking of the 50 biggest donors of 2025 for a third consecutive year, the Chronicle said in its annual Philanthropy 50 report. Bloomberg, the founder of Bloomberg’s financial-news empire and a former New York mayor, gave $4.3 billion to support causes including arts, education, the environment, public health and city-government programs.

Retirement planning: Morningstar says “underspending” can leave big bequests

2026-03-10

In retirement, financial advisers often frame a spending rate of about 3% to 4% as a safe starting point, but Morningstar’s Christine Benz argues that retirees who deliberately spend less can end up with large residual balances. Benz says those leftovers may be unintentionally tied to market and timing uncertainty that can be managed through more flexible “spending” strategies that vary with portfolio performance.

Hawaii weighs Tokyu and Daiwa House know-how to boost rail ridership

2026-03-10

Hawaii’s Gov. Josh Green is negotiating an agreement with Tokyo-based Tokyu Group that could bring transit-oriented development expertise to Honolulu’s struggling Skyline rail project, with state officials hoping to attract more riders and spur housing near stations. The state is also engaging Japanese modular-housing builder Daiwa House Industry Co., as it explores ways to accelerate affordable homes around the rail line.

California has 40,000 affordable units ready, but funding delays remain

2026-03-10

California has about 40,000 affordable housing units “ready to break ground” but stuck because sponsors lack enough money to start construction, an industry report and developers said. Enterprise Community Partners estimates 39,880 projects are “shovel-ready” yet awaiting additional state and federal subsidies, creating what advocates call a “bottleneck.”

Maine district pilots phonics-focused curriculum after lack of materials

2026-03-09

A Maine educator and instructional coach, Kirsten Chansky, created a curriculum to teach phonemic awareness after teachers in her district said they lacked ready-made materials focused on breaking down and blending letter sounds. The pilot program, called Sounds of Success, is being used in Raymond’s pre-kindergarten classrooms and is also being piloted in several other Maine districts.

School reading test scores lag for first and second graders after pandemic

2026-03-09

First and second graders are still falling behind pre-pandemic levels on reading and math tests, according to a report released Tuesday by NWEA. The report finds math scores edging up each year, while reading scores remain stagnant since the spring of 2021. NWEA researchers said the evidence points to “something kind of systemic” affecting students inside and outside schools, and they said they cannot pinpoint one specific cause.

Politicians push to ban investor homebuying; economists say it won't solve the housing crunch

2026-03-06

President Donald Trump called on Congress at his State of the Union address to permanently bar large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, and the U.S. Senate this week advanced a housing bill with a provision that would cap such ownership at 350 homes per firm. Trump signed an executive order in January aimed at discouraging federal agencies from facilitating sales of homes to large institutional investors, and lawmakers from both parties — including Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren — have separately pushed similar limits. Housing economists said the measures carry political appeal but would not substantially reduce home prices. Large institutional investors own an estimated 1% to 3% of the nation's single-family housing stock, and the country's affordability problem stems primarily from a shortage of millions of housing units — a gap that restricting purchases would not close, experts said.

Government funds Hilo shelter without safety exits or fire inspection

2026-03-05

An emergency shelter for women in Hilo, Hawaii, has received county and state funding without being inspected by county fire prevention officials since it opened about five years ago, and bedrooms in the facility lack required emergency exits, according to reporting shared with The Associated Press. A current resident said the rooms have “no operable window” escape options and that none of the seven units includes an operable window.

San Jose to clear its largest homeless camp again starting April 15

2026-03-05

San Jose plans to clear about 100 people living in a creek-side homeless camp known as “the Jungle” near Story Road across from Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, beginning April 15. City officials said outreach ahead of the sweep will prioritize people for housing at the Cerone tiny home site in North San Jose, which opened in early February.

Hawaii land board backs state purchase of Hā‘ena Beach Park parcels

2026-03-05

The Hawaii state Board of Land and Natural Resources voted unanimously to support acquiring Hā‘ena Beach Park on Kaua‘i and nearby Maniniholo Dry Cave, parcels Kaua‘i County has owned since 1925. The transfer is not final and the timeline is uncertain, but supporters say the change could bring visitor and parking caps similar to those at nearby Hā‘ena State Park. Local residents and advocates have said the beach park’s popularity has led to crowded conditions and traffic hazards that make access difficult for them.

How to set and invest an emergency fund

2026-03-05

Emergency funds are meant to cover job loss and other surprises without forcing people onto high-cost credit. A Morningstar guide says investors can start by calculating essential monthly expenses, then building a cash buffer equal to that total for at least three months, with adjustments for income and household responsibilities.

Hawaiʻi school panic button program stalls as contractor faces federal bribery probe

2026-03-05

Two years after Hawaiʻi launched a $7 million effort to equip public school campuses with panic buttons, only one school in the state has the technology installed — and it is not using it. The company contracted to provide monitoring services for the program, SaferWatch, is under federal scrutiny after its former chief executive was charged with bribing a New York Police Department officer to pressure local officials to spend millions of dollars on school panic button systems.

Architect calls White House ballroom project oversized, warns of permanent historic harm

2026-03-05

An architect on the board of the National Trust for Historic Preservation said Wednesday that President Donald Trump's proposed White House ballroom is significantly oversized and should be scaled back, warning the project could permanently alter the nation's most recognizable historic landmark. David Scott Parker, a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects with more than 35 years of experience, shared his assessment with the Associated Press as the National Capital Planning Commission prepared to meet Thursday to vote on whether to approve the 90,000-square-foot project.

California fire marshal report weighs “single stair” apartments up to 4 stories

2026-03-04

Two months after a statutory deadline, California’s Office of the State Fire Marshal published a report on whether the state should allow mid-rise apartment buildings with a single stairway. The draft takes a “fairly dim” view of “single stair” reform but offers conditions for legislators to consider if they proceed.

Nonprofit seeks Gen Z civic engagement through easy “civic actions”

2026-03-01

NEW YORK (AP) — A privately funded nonprofit is inviting schools, employers and other partners to help Gen Z young people take part in low-barrier civic “actions,” such as calling elected representatives, volunteering locally or hosting public conversations. The nonprofit says its goal is to empower 20 million people ages 14 to 24 over the next three years.

Silicon Valley nonprofit expands eviction-prevention program nationally

2026-02-28

A homelessness prevention program launched in Santa Clara County is expanding across the U.S., aiming to keep families housed by offering rental assistance, case management and supportive services before eviction. Destination: Home said it is partnering with 10 organizations nationwide, with an initial “Right at Home” initiative focused on federal funding that targets people at risk rather than only after homelessness begins.

Wave of California teacher strikes “is no coincidence,” union says

2026-02-28

Thousands of California K-12 teachers have walked out or voted to strike in recent months as the California Teachers Association pushes for higher pay and benefits, union president David Goldberg said. Goldberg linked the timing to a statewide effort by district unions to align contract expirations, saying the wave “is no coincidence.” Several districts, including San Francisco, West Contra Costa, and others, have already had work stoppages or scheduled strikes.

Maui Planning Commission rejects rezoning bid affecting thousands of rentals

2026-02-27

Maui’s Planning Commission voted to recommend the County Council oppose a bill that would create new hotel zoning districts, allowing thousands of vacation rentals to keep operating as short-term stays. After more than two hours of public testimony Tuesday, the panel backed the County Council’s existing approach to phase out exemptions tied to Bill 9.

Anchorage School Board approves severe budget with layoffs and 3 school closures

2026-02-27

Anchorage’s School Board voted Tuesday night to approve a “severe” budget that cuts more than 500 staff positions, including over 300 teachers, and closes three elementary schools. The district said the cuts follow a $90 million deficit attributed to years of flat state funding and that it faces additional multimillion-dollar shortfalls in the next two years.

Berkeley City Council approves housing projects that sidestep labor standards

2026-02-27

Berkeley’s City Council voted to approve two high-rise housing projects that use California’s density bonus law to seek exemptions from a 2023 city ordinance requiring healthcare coverage and apprenticeship training for workers on large projects. Councilmembers said the state law limits the city’s ability to force the developers to follow the requirements, and some cited concerns about costly court fights. The approvals allow the projects to move forward despite months of protests by construction unions.

Controversial Kōloa housing project wins unanimous approval with limits

2026-02-27

A controversial 148-unit housing project in Kōloa, Kaua‘i, was approved unanimously by the island’s Planning Commission, with conditions intended to prevent the units from becoming vacation rentals and to reserve at least 45% for existing county residents. The decision came after roughly eight and a half hours of testimony, and after community groups sought unsuccessfully to intervene in the case.

Mamdani pitches Trump on NYC housing in latest White House visit

2026-02-27

Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York City, visited President Donald Trump at the White House and presented him with a mock newspaper front page to illustrate a proposed package of federal housing investments for the city, the Associated Press reported. The pitch included a plan to build 12,000 new affordable homes at Sunnyside Yard in Queens through more than $21 billion in federal grants, Mamdani’s communications director said. During the same meeting, Mamdani also raised the detention of Ellie Aghayeva, a Columbia University student from Azerbaijan, and pressed for her release.

Omaha streetcar slips nearly two years behind schedule; businesses urge aid

2026-02-27

Downtown and midtown businesses in Omaha say they are still reeling from construction on the city’s streetcar project, which the city says is now nearly two years behind schedule. At a January meeting, business owners and residents pressed city officials to speed work and address the economic fallout as the estimated completion date slips from 2026 toward 2028.

Smithfield plans $1.3 billion move from Sioux Falls river site

2026-02-26

Sioux Falls announced Feb. 16 that Smithfield Foods will shift its pork processing from a century-old downtown campus north of Falls Park to a new industrial park site in northwestern Sioux Falls. The move is expected to cost about $1.3 billion and will be supported in part by a $50 million gift from billionaire Denny Sanford, while city officials prepare a $90 million tax increment financing district.

TED's Audacious Project announces $1B+ funding for major nonprofits

2026-02-24

TED's Audacious Project announced Tuesday that 35 major donor families committed $1.03 billion to fund more than a dozen nonprofits working on homelessness, disease research, global health, and other challenges. The commitment was made in October, but publicly disclosed Tuesday after more than a year of screening and preparation with recipient organizations.

Home Depot tops expectations, but customers pull back on spending

2026-02-23

Home Depot reported fourth-quarter earnings and profit that beat Wall Street estimates, but the home improvement retailer said its results reflect continued caution among consumers in a weak housing market. The Atlanta-based company posted revenue of $38.2 billion for the three months ended Feb. 1, down from $39.7 billion a year earlier, and it forecast sales growth of 2.5% to 4.5% for fiscal 2026.

Proposed Kauai housing project divides historic Kōloa town

2026-02-23

A developer has proposed a 148-unit housing project for Kōloa, a historic rural town on Kauai's South Shore, sparking a community debate over local affordability and preservation. The Kauai Planning Commission is set to hear the proposal again on Tuesday after requesting more community outreach. Residents and community groups remain divided over whether the project will help locals struggling with housing costs or damage the town's character.

California's heat pump push faces high electricity cost barrier

2026-02-23

California aims to install six million heat pumps by 2030 as part of an ambitious climate strategy, but the state's soaring residential electricity prices—among the nation's highest and rising faster than inflation—threaten to undermine that goal. A Harvard University study finds that while heat pumps would save typical households money in the southern United States and Pacific Northwest, California presents a mixed picture where many homeowners would face higher monthly bills by switching from gas furnaces.

Estate planning tips for avoiding taxes and probate fees for heirs

2026-02-21

Death and taxes may be inevitable, but estate planners say heirs do not have to face a big tax bill or years of court delays if families set up their assets correctly. In advice drawn from estate planning attorneys and online planners, the article highlights trusts, beneficiary designations, and the tax treatment of inherited stock.

Average US 30-year mortgage rate slips to 6.01%, still near 6% range

2026-02-20

Mortgage rates in the U.S. fell this week, with Freddie Mac saying the benchmark 30-year fixed rate averaged 6.01%—the lowest level in more than three years. The decline comes as the 10-year Treasury yield dipped to 4.09% and follows recent months of gradual easing, even as housing activity remains weak.

Lead detected in 7 of 10 New Orleans homes; replacement delayed until 2027

2026-02-20

Lead was detected in seven of ten homes tested on a single block of New Orleans' Upper Ninth Ward, according to a water quality investigation by Verite News and the Associated Press. Testing data from the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans shows that 70 percent of more than 1,100 households tested between 2022 and 2025 contained lead in their drinking water. The water utility predicts that between 50 percent and 60 percent of its 150,000 service lines will eventually require replacement to address the contamination.

Vivian Tu shares personal finance tips for managing money

2026-02-20

Vivian Tu, who has 10 million social media followers, shares practical advice on managing money and relationships. Tu, recently appointed chief of financial empowerment at fintech platform SoFi, has built her following through her 'Your Rich BFF' account and other platforms, offering straightforward guidance on salary negotiation, credit card debt, and other financial challenges. Her approach is grounded in her background as the daughter of Chinese immigrants and a former JPMorgan trader.

U-M Health-Sparrow plans $150M expansion for psychiatric, surgical care

2026-02-20

The University of Michigan Board of Regents voted Thursday to approve a 64-bed behavioral health hospital and a freestanding surgical center at its Lansing hospital, in projects totaling nearly $150 million. The approvals mark among the first major capital initiatives since U-M took over the health system in 2023 with a commitment to invest $800 million.

Vermont students fall short on math, reading proficiency, state report shows

2026-02-20

A majority of Vermont's public school students are falling short of state proficiency goals in math and English language arts, according to the Vermont State Report Card released Thursday. The report, the state education agency's annual assessment of student and school performance, found fewer than 60% of students in every grade level meet proficiency standards in ELA, while fewer than 50% are proficient in math.

Hawaii bill would allow residents to kill feral chickens on public land

2026-02-19

Hawaii lawmakers are considering proposals that would let residents kill feral chickens and could classify the birds as a “controllable pest” on public land in Honolulu, according to AP. Supporters say wild chickens are harassing residents and students, while opponents cite cultural and animal-welfare concerns and urge alternatives first.

Edmunds names 2026 top picks for cars, SUVs, trucks and EVs

2026-02-19

Edmunds says it has selected its 2026 Top Rated winners across car, SUV and truck categories, including electric versions, based on what it describes as independent testing at its test track and evaluation over real-world miles. The awards name the Honda Civic Hybrid as top car, the Tesla Model 3 as top electric car, the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid as top SUV and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 as top electric SUV, among other winners. Edmunds’ 2026 Top Rated truck pick is the Ford Maverick, while the top electric truck is the Rivian R1T.

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani restarts homeless encampment sweeps

2026-02-19

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said New York City will resume clearing makeshift homeless encampments, days after he paused the prior administration’s sweeps. He said the new approach would be led by the city’s homeless services department, with sustained outreach before encampments are dismantled.

California lawmakers eye factory-built housing push for 2026

2026-02-14

California lawmakers are pursuing a new push to speed up factory-built housing, aiming to make 2026 “the Year of the Housing Factory,” according to state Assemblymember Buffy Wicks. The effort includes select committee hearings on “housing construction innovation” and a white paper from researchers at the UC Berkeley Terner Center for Housing Innovation, alongside plans for legislation in coming weeks.

Montana schools struggle to pass funding levies as voter support drops

2026-02-14

Montana school districts are finding it harder to win voter approval for property-tax funding levies that help cover day-to-day K-12 costs not fully funded by the state, an analysis for a legislative study commission shows. The decline has accelerated since the Great Recession and during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Montana School Boards Association.

Existing home sales plunge 8.4% in January as prices stay high and winter bites

2026-02-13

Existing home sales fell sharply in January, sliding 8.4% from December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.91 million units, the National Association of Realtors said. The decline came as mortgage rates continued to ease, while home prices kept rising and winter weather may have reduced viewings and buyer activity.

Hawaii lawmakers debate letting unlicensed teachers work longer

2026-02-13

Hawaii’s Department of Education is seeking to keep unlicensed “emergency hire” teachers in classrooms for longer, after the state’s reliance on emergency hires surged. The proposal would extend emergency hire permits from three years to five, while some lawmakers and the teacher licensing board argue the approach has become too entrenched and could widen gaps for rural and neighbor island schools. The debate comes as Hawaiʻi education officials say they regularly check that emergency hires are making progress toward licensure.

Trump bill, SAVE pause leave borrowers weighing repayment options

2026-02-13

U.S. student loan borrowers face a shifting landscape as federal collections are paused and forgiveness rules change, according to the Education Department and advocates. The changes come as President Donald Trump’s proposal raises new graduate borrowing limits and would tighten eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Separate litigation has left borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan facing an uncertain transition after the 8th Circuit ordered the plan ended.

Vermont to receive $93 million to expand broadband to remote areas

2026-02-12

Vermont will receive about $93 million in federal funding to keep expanding its broadband network into some of the state’s most remote rural areas, officials said Tuesday. The grant is expected to help reach more than 99% of Vermonters, with the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program approved after new federal requirements were imposed last summer.

Edmunds suggests five Valentine’s Day vehicle matches, from BRZ to CR-V

2026-02-12

A Valentine’s Day shopping guide from Edmunds, republished by The Associated Press, pairs five 2026 vehicles with relationship-style “match” traits, from “Emotional availability” to “Reliability.” The list includes a 2026 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, a Ford Maverick hybrid pickup, a Ford Mustang Dark Horse, a Jeep Wrangler, and a Honda CR-V, with all prices including destination fees.

San Francisco teachers go on strike for first time in decades

2026-02-10

About 6,000 San Francisco public schoolteachers went on strike Monday over wages, health benefits and demands for more special-education resources, the city’s first walkout in nearly 50 years. The San Francisco Unified School District said it closed all 120 schools and planned to offer independent study to some students as negotiations resumed later in the day.

Affordable Oahu rentals sit empty as debate grows over Bill 7

2026-02-10

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said last year that new city-subsidized affordable housing was “incredibly needed.” But nearly 10 months after an affordable Oahu apartment building opened for final steps, no residents have moved in, and city lawmakers are now weighing whether to scale back or extend the incentives program behind such projects.

Fees for “rent now, pay later” services raise concerns

2026-02-08

Renters are increasingly using “rent now, pay later” services to split monthly housing payments, but consumer advocates warn the fees can operate like short-term loans with very high effective rates. The Associated Press reported that one renter using Flex paid additional monthly charges that translated to a 172% effective annual percentage rate for a two-week deferral of part of his rent.

Indiana lawmakers consider camping ban that could undermine Indianapolis housing

2026-02-05

Indiana lawmakers are debating a bill that would make it illegal to sleep or camp on public land in Indianapolis for certain residents experiencing homelessness, a proposal advocates say could disrupt a local housing program. The measure, considered in the Senate in January, would give people a warning and then 48 hours to move a specified distance or face a criminal penalty. Supporters say the change would help address homelessness, while opponents argue it could add legal and practical barriers to getting people into housing. The bill’s next step is assignment to the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee.

Muslim-owned Modify Thrift in Harlem offers modest fashion with sustainability

2026-02-05

In Harlem, a Muslim-owned thrift shop called Modify Thrift blends modest fashion with faith and sustainability, offering vintage pieces and cultural clothing alongside a community-focused mission. The shop opened last May on Malcolm X Boulevard, and its owner, Kadjahtou Balde, said the store aims to challenge stereotypes about Muslim women’s style and to help customers find clothing that fits their modesty needs.

Hawaiʻi’s high cost of living is tied to low wages and weak job growth

2026-02-05

A new report from University of Hawaiʻi economists argues that Hawaiʻi’s affordability problem is not only about high prices, but also about low incomes and a lack of high-paying jobs that has helped drive people to leave the state. The report, released in connection with work on economic equity, compares Hawaiʻi’s labor market and outmigration pressures with places where residents say they’re being priced out.

California to offer instant EV rebates, requiring automaker matching funds

2026-02-05

California Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a $200 million plan for instant electric-vehicle rebates that would reduce upfront costs for buyers at the point of sale. The proposal, set to be overseen by the California Air Resources Board, would require automakers to match state funds dollar-for-dollar if the Legislature approves it.

Low-income West Virginians face loss of 28% subsidized housing by 2034

2026-02-05

West Virginia is projected to lose access to 28% of its federally subsidized low-income rental housing as federal rent restrictions tied to affordability periods expire, according to a statewide housing report. The report says nearly 200 properties are scheduled to reach the end of those federal affordability terms between 2029 and 2034, raising the stakes for seniors, children and people with disabilities who rely on rental assistance.

DeSantis and Manfred back Tampa Rays’ proposal for new stadium

2026-02-04

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said they support a proposed new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, as the team seeks a long-term home in the Tampa Bay area. The Rays are under lease at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg through at least the 2028 season, but hurricane damage in 2024 and a canceled redevelopment deal have renewed questions about the franchise’s future. A Hillsborough County Commission meeting on Wednesday is set to discuss the proposal.

Carolinas’ growth surges as Florida and Texas see migration slow

2026-02-01

North Carolina attracted 84,000 more new residents from other parts of the country last year, making it the biggest draw for domestic migration, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures. South Carolina recorded the highest overall growth rate at 1.5%, as more people shifted their moves to the Carolinas while Florida’s in-migration cooled and Texas’ domestic inflow slowed.

First cohousing effort in South Dakota places Dakota Prairie Commons in Vermillion

2026-01-30

In Vermillion, South Dakota, a small group of long-time residents has begun building the state’s first cohousing development, called Dakota Prairie Commons, a project intended to strengthen community ties and add housing options. Founding member Betty Smith said the vehicle-free campus will center around a large common house, with homes connected by footpaths and parking kept at the development’s edge.

Detroit Housing Commission to sell 195 homes to tenants with assistance

2026-01-30

Dozens of public housing tenants in Detroit are being offered a priority chance to buy homes as the Detroit Housing Commission sells its 195 single-family houses, the agency said. The program will include a $1.2 million Rocket Community Fund commitment aimed at helping buyers with down-payment assistance and up to $60,000 in home repair work.

Georgia, Florida and North Dakota seek to end all property taxes for homeowners

2026-01-30

ATLANTA (AP) — Republicans in Georgia have unveiled a plan to phase out most property taxes on homeowners by 2032, following similar state-level pushes in Florida and North Dakota. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he wants to phase out nonschool property taxes on homeowners over 10 years, while North Dakota is using oil-related earnings and tax credits aimed at bringing homeowner property taxes to zero. The proposals are running into questions about how much revenue would replace the money that cities, counties and K-12 schools rely on.

Hawaii lawmaker bill seeks independent review of school closures

2026-01-30

Hawaiʻi could face the nation’s sharpest decline in high school graduates over the coming years, according to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. The expected drop is prompting concerns among state lawmakers and Department of Education officials about what it could mean for small schools in shrinking communities.

US mortgage rates rise for second week, near 3-year low

2026-01-30

Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates edged higher for the second week in a row, though they remain just above the lowest level in more than three years, Freddie Mac said Thursday. The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 6.1% from 6.09% the week before.

5 small used SUVs for under $20,000, per Edmunds

2026-01-29

Many drivers looking for an SUV on a budget can consider “extra-small” used models, with prices often below $20,000 even as the average cost of a new vehicle hovers around $50,000, Edmunds said. The automotive website compiled five small, used SUV picks it says balance affordability, fuel economy and everyday usability.

Hundreds of miles of new transmission lines planned in Michigan

2026-01-29

ITC Michigan, the company that owns much of the state’s electrical transmission system, plans to add more than 350 miles of new poles and wires in the coming years as it prepares for renewable power, extreme weather and new energy demand. The first phase focuses on a 50-mile, 345-kilovolt segment near Lansing, with officials holding open houses for neighbors who say the routes could threaten views, property values and nearby communities.

Yale waives all costs for undergraduates under $100,000 income

2026-01-27

Yale University is eliminating tuition and other costs for new undergraduates from families earning less than $100,000 a year, the Ivy League school announced Tuesday. The policy takes effect for students entering this fall, raising the income threshold from the previous $75,000 ceiling and extending coverage to nearly half of American households with children ages 6 to 17.

U.S. population growth drops to lowest level since 1919 as immigration slows

2026-01-27

The U.S. population growth rate fell to 0.5% in 2025, the lowest level since 1919, driven by a sharp decline in immigration that followed stricter Trump administration policies, according to Census Bureau estimates released Tuesday. The nation's population reached nearly 342 million, but the growth rate plummeted from nearly 1% in 2024, when increased immigration was the primary engine of growth.

Nevada regents approve 9-12% tuition increase to cover shortfall

2026-01-27

Nevada's higher education system approved tuition increases of between 9 and 12 percent Friday, with regents voting 8 to 5 to raise costs across eight public universities and colleges. The hikes, phased in over three years, are intended to cover a $46.5 million systemwide budgetary shortfall driven in part by historic faculty cost-of-living payments authorized in 2023 and 2024. At the University of Nevada, Reno and University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada undergraduate students will pay an additional $1,200 annually, while out-of-state undergraduates will pay $3,800 more per year. The increase comes atop an existing 12.6 percent tuition hike, also phased in over three years, meant to help institutions keep pace with inflation.

Family sues nonprofits after bulldozer kills homeless man in Atlanta

2026-01-24

The family of a homeless man who died after a bulldozer crushed his tent during an Atlanta encampment sweep last year has filed a lawsuit against two nonprofits. The suit, filed Friday, accuses Partners for HOME and SafeHouse Outreach of failing to check whether the man was in his tent before a bulldozer was deployed to clear the site.

Five Michigan universities collaborate on teacher shortage

2026-01-24

Five Michigan universities are launching a collaborative two-year initiative to address a critical teacher shortage forcing districts to rely increasingly on instructors with temporary credentials. Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University, Northern Michigan University and Western Michigan University are partnering with the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative to improve teacher preparation, recruitment, retention and quality in the state.

San Diego parking fees at Balboa Park spark swift backlash

2026-01-23

San Diego imposed its first-ever parking fees at Balboa Park this month to secure dedicated funding for the century-old cultural site and help close a city budget gap, but the policy prompted immediate backlash that has already reshaped how residents and tourists engage with the park. Museum visitation dropped 20 percent in the opening days, vandals defaced parking meters, and two city council members who voted for the program now call for suspending the fees.

Family sues nonprofits over bulldozer death in Atlanta homeless encampment

2026-01-23

The family of Cornelius Taylor, a 46-year-old man who died when a bulldozer crushed his tent in an Atlanta encampment, filed a lawsuit Friday against two nonprofits it says are partly responsible for his death. The lawsuit names Partners for HOME and SafeHouse Outreach, alleging their employees failed to check whether Taylor was in his tent before the bulldozer was deployed during a January 2025 encampment sweep near Ebenezer Baptist Church. The city had requested the clearance ahead of celebrations for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Michigan churches lead affordable housing push amid state shortage

2026-01-23

Pastor Monique French and her congregation at Washington Heights United Methodist Church in Battle Creek are raising money to build 17 affordable homes in one of the Cereal City's poorest neighborhoods, joining a growing number of faith-based organizations across the country stepping into affordable housing development. Churches in Traverse City, Charlevoix, Grand Rapids, Detroit and elsewhere across Michigan have accelerated their homebuilding efforts as the state confronts a shortage of roughly 119,000 homes—a gap that economists say stifles growth by limiting personal wealth and exacerbates worker scarcity.

LA labor plans to use 2028 Olympics to push for housing, wages

2026-01-22

Los Angeles labor leaders say they are preparing to use the 2028 Olympics as leverage to win new contracts and press for housing and worker protections. Inspired by labor actions around the Paris Games, unions representing tens of thousands of Southern California workers are looking at contracts that expire in 2028, shortly before the Olympics’ opening.

Texas leads nation in supplying new residents to nine states

2026-01-22

Texas supplied the most new residents to nine other states in 2024 despite experiencing the largest population growth this decade, according to Census Bureau migration data released this week. The findings reveal that Texas, with 31 million residents and a net gain of 2.1 million people between 2020 and 2024, is simultaneously losing residents to a wide geographic swath of the country including Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Homicides drop 21% across 35 U.S. cities in 2025, report shows

2026-01-22

Homicide rates in 35 American cities declined 21% from 2024 to 2025, translating to approximately 922 fewer deaths, according to a new report from the Council on Criminal Justice released Thursday. The nonpartisan criminal-justice think tank also found drops in 11 of 13 crime categories tracked, though drug crimes increased modestly and sexual assaults remained flat.

Berkeley City Council allows ADU sales as condos to broaden homeownership options

2026-01-22

Berkeley's City Council voted 6-1 Tuesday night to allow homeowners to sell backyard cottages and basement apartments as condominiums, opening a new path to ownership in a city where the median single-family home price hovers around $1.4 million, according to Berkeleyside reporting distributed by the Associated Press.

Covington's 'America's Notre Dame' nears completion of $7.8M restoration

2026-01-22

Workers in Covington, Ky., are installing the final features of a two-year restoration of the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, a Catholic landmark nicknamed "America's Notre Dame" for its French Gothic exterior modeled on the Paris original. New terra cotta gargoyles — replicas cast from precise scans of 32 worn originals — have been fitted to the cathedral's towering facade in recent weeks, with 26 rooftop chimeras remaining as the final step before a targeted March completion.

Financial adviser pleads guilty in $380M Ponzi scheme

2026-01-21

A financial adviser pleaded guilty Wednesday to wire fraud in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 2,000 people of $380 million. Todd Burkhalter, 54, of St. Petersburg, Florida, founded Drive Planning LLC and marketed fraudulent investment schemes promising quarterly returns of 10 percent. Prosecutors plan to recommend a sentence of more than 17 years in prison.

Connecticut halts farm land revaluation after farmer pressure

2026-01-21

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont ordered a halt to new farm land valuations on Monday, citing an "unforeseen lack of data" that had undermined the state's effort to update property assessments. The decision came after weeks of intense pressure from farmers who warned that the reassessments would sharply increase taxes and potentially force families to sell their land. The state will maintain property tax valuations last set in 2020 while a working group of farmers, municipal leaders, and officials studies how to improve the assessment process. The halt averts what could have been significant financial strain for Connecticut's agricultural community.

Trump outlines four-point plan to boost home affordability

2026-01-21

President Trump outlined four policies Wednesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, aimed at making homeownership more affordable: lower interest rates, a ban on large institutional investors buying single-family homes, a credit card interest rate cap, and federal mortgage bond purchases.

Smithfield acquires iconic Nathan's Famous for $450 million

2026-01-21

Nathan's Famous, the Coney Island hot dog stand that opened as a five-cent eatery in 1916, has been sold to packaged-meat giant Smithfield Foods in an all-cash $450 million deal announced Wednesday. Smithfield will purchase all outstanding shares for $102 each.

Trump at Davos seeks lower mortgage rates, 10% credit cap, investor limits

2026-01-21

President Donald Trump outlined four housing-related proposals at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, aiming to make homeownership more affordable. His plan includes pushing for lower interest rates on home loans and credit cards and seeking limits on large institutional investors buying single-family homes.

Slave descendants win referendum to limit home sizes on Sapelo Island

2026-01-20

Coastal Georgia voters backed a referendum overriding McIntosh County’s 2023 move to allow larger homes in the Hogg Hummock community on Sapelo Island, where Black landowners fear rising property-tax bills. The vote was held Tuesday, and unofficial results showed about 85% of ballots cast in favor, according to the county elections supervisor.

Fannie Mae airs AI-cloned Trump voice ad as administration pushes housing agenda

2026-01-18

Fannie Mae aired a one-minute advertisement Sunday featuring an AI-generated voice of President Donald Trump, created with his administration's permission, as the White House escalates its push on housing affordability. A disclaimer in the video identifies the narration as AI-produced. The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

US cities reverse one-way street designs to improve safety and downtown vitality

2026-01-17

Transportation planners across the United States have been reconverting one-way streets to two-way traffic flows, reversing a mid-20th-century redesign that prioritized suburban commuters over walkable downtowns. Indianapolis completed conversions on two major corridors last year and has budgeted an estimated $60 million for 10 additional projects, according to city officials. Louisville, Lynchburg, Virginia, Austin, Texas, and other cities are pursuing similar reversals, citing research showing one-way configurations create unpredictable hazards for pedestrians at shared intersections.

California counties face new hoops to qualify for homelessness funds

2026-01-17

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration and the state Legislature are tightening requirements counties and cities must meet to receive homelessness money, putting new focus on local encampment rules and housing planning. The changes are aimed at the state’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program, which provides the main source of state funds used by counties and cities to address homelessness. The proposal and legislative negotiations come as local governments say the updated application process could slow access to housing funds.

Nevada faces year-end deadline with $700 million in pandemic relief unspent

2026-01-16

Nevada state agencies had not yet spent more than $700 million of the $2.7 billion in flexible pandemic relief funds the state received in 2021, with roughly one year remaining before unspent dollars must revert to the federal government, according to information presented to state lawmakers at a December meeting. Two of the largest projects still outstanding — a $203 million rural broadband expansion and a $25 million effort to relocate residents from a sinking North Las Vegas neighborhood — have each spent a fraction of their allocated funds.

California tightens homelessness funding strings as annual pool drops to $500M

2026-01-16

California counties seeking state homelessness funds now face a new set of accountability requirements — including a state-approved encampment policy and a coveted "prohousing designation" held by fewer than 12% of the state's jurisdictions — to access a pool cut by half, to $500 million, for the coming fiscal year. Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration and the Legislature attached the conditions to the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program, the main source of state money counties and cities have used to fight homelessness since 2019.

Michigan churns through teachers at unsustainable rate, report finds

2026-01-15

Michigan lost nearly 8,000 teachers last academic year while gaining only 7,900, a near-even exchange that researchers at Michigan State University said represents an unsustainable churn threatening the stability of the state's 1.4 million-student public school system. The annual report, released Thursday by the Education Policy Innovation Collaborative at MSU, found that more than 1-in-20 teachers currently leading classrooms — 5.3% — hold no teaching certificate, even as the state has spent at least $275 million over five years on recruitment and training programs.

2025 home sales stuck at 30-year low as prices rise and mortgages stay high

2026-01-14

U.S. existing home sales stayed near a 30-year low in 2025, the National Association of Realtors reported, with high home prices and mortgage rates keeping many buyers sidelined. In December, sales rose, helped by easing mortgage rates late in the year, but affordability remained a constraint going into the spring market.

Car shoppers get more used choices and easing financing in 2026, Edmunds says

2026-01-14

U.S. car buyers planning purchases in the next few months may find more negotiating leverage as used-vehicle supply improves, trade-in values stay strong and financing costs ease, according to Edmunds. The auto-shopping site said the 2026 market will also include more off-lease electric vehicles and more longer loan terms that can increase buyers’ total costs.

Maui fire survivors face housing strain if FEMA rental aid ends

2026-01-14

Maui residents displaced by the 2023 wildfires on the Hawaiian island are waiting to learn whether FEMA rental assistance for staying housed will be extended beyond February, a decision expected in the coming weeks. The choice could determine whether about 1,000 households must leave FEMA-managed housing or seek new rentals in a market with few available units and steep rent increases.

Arizona State Museum charts three-building path as regents stall $50M repair request

2026-01-13

The University of Arizona is pursuing a three-building plan to partially reopen the Arizona State Museum without depending on a $50 million funding request that the Arizona Board of Regents declined in 2024, university officials said. The museum, which holds artifacts spanning more than 13,000 years of cultural history and has been closed to the public since August 2024, could see its South Building reopened once archaeological collections are relocated off campus.

NYC Mayor Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion, leaving Queens apartment behind

2026-01-13

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji moved into Gracie Mansion on Monday, trading their flood-prone, one-bedroom rental in Astoria, Queens, for the city's 11,000-square-foot official mayoral residence on the Upper East Side of Manhattan — complete with a private chef, an ornate ballroom, and a veranda overlooking the East River.

California Democrats advance $10B housing bond as rent-control bid fails

2026-01-13

California lawmakers are advancing a $10 billion bond proposal aimed at building and preserving affordable homes, while a broader effort to curb rent increases failed to advance in the state Assembly on Tuesday. The Senate Housing Committee approved Senate Bill 417 in an 8-1 vote, directing the measure to the Senate Appropriations Committee next week.

Edmunds says 2026 car market brings more used options and better trade-in values

2026-01-13

Car shoppers looking to buy in the next few months may find more used inventory, stronger trade-in values and some easing in auto loan offers in 2026, according to automotive research and pricing firm Edmunds. The company also said shoppers may see more off-lease electric vehicles, alongside longer-loan financing that buyers should scrutinize for total cost.

2025 U.S. existing-home sales stay near 30-year low as prices rise

2026-01-13

U.S. existing-home sales stayed near a 30-year low in 2025, the National Association of Realtors said, as home prices rose and mortgage rates remained high enough to keep many would-be buyers on the sidelines. In December, sales picked up to the fastest pace in nearly three years after mortgage rates eased late in the year, but affordability remained a hurdle.

Arizona firm's Detroit buying spree leaves historic neighborhood in ruins

2026-01-12

Phoenix-based Urban Communities bought all 21 multifamily buildings in Detroit's Palmer Park Historic District over about a year beginning in late 2020, then collapsed financially — leaving every property in receivership, foreclosed, or severely distressed, according to court records and Wayne County property filings reviewed by Outlier Media. The failure has hollowed out more than a third of the apartment buildings in a neighborhood that Detroit historian Amy Elliot Bragg called "a really one-of-a-kind collection that you don't see anywhere else in the city."

Massachusetts enacts assisted living safety reforms after fire killed 10

2026-01-12

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced Monday a package of safety reforms for the state's assisted living facilities, including mandatory annual fire-department inspections and evacuation drills, following a fire last summer that killed 10 residents at a Fall River facility — the state's deadliest blaze in more than 40 years.

Arizona investors bought historic Detroit apartments—then left them deteriorating

2026-01-11

Phoenix-based Urban Communities began buying multifamily buildings in Detroit’s Palmer Park neighborhood in 2020, but more than three years later the portfolio is largely in receivership, foreclosure or severe distress, according to court records and inspection materials reviewed by Outlier Media. Close to two dozen buildings are described as practically abandoned, raising concerns for the viability of the neighborhood and its historic structures.

Heritage Foundation urges Trump to prioritize marriage, proposes 'marriage bootcamp'

2026-01-09

The Heritage Foundation on Thursday released a policy report urging the Trump administration to make marriage and family formation a federal priority, calling for executive orders that would require every federal grant, contract, regulation, research project, and enforcement action to measure its effect on American families. The report, led by Roger Severino, Heritage's vice president of economic and domestic policy, proposes a "marriage bootcamp" to prepare cohabitating couples for marriage, recommends discouragement of online dating, and argues against in vitro fertilization outside of marriage.

Michigan employer-housing fund runs dry after Detroit, Kalamazoo approvals

2026-01-09

Michigan's Employer-Assisted Housing Fund has been exhausted after the state housing authority approved $3.2 million in December for new worker housing projects in Detroit and Kalamazoo, draining a $10 million pool that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer launched in January 2025. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority signed off on both projects at its December board meeting. Whether the program — which has helped produce 619 rental units or homes across the state — will continue depends on a legislature that omitted new funding from its October budget.

Trump directs Fannie, Freddie to buy $200B in mortgage bonds to lower rates

2026-01-08

President Donald Trump said Thursday he is directing the federal government to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds, using cash reserves held by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two government-controlled mortgage companies. Trump posted the announcement on social media, saying the move would drive mortgage rates and monthly payments down and make homeownership more affordable. The White House did not immediately respond to questions about the timeline for the purchases.

Hawaii County homeless population grows despite $33 million investment

2026-01-08

Hawaii County's homeless population has continued to grow despite nearly $33 million in county spending on homeless programs over four years, according to reporting by Honolulu Civil Beat distributed through the Associated Press. The Hawaii County Council approved a new $6 million allocation for outreach and housing nonprofits last month on a narrow 5-4 vote, as several council members questioned whether the spending has produced measurable results.

House passes three spending bills 397-28, averting Jan. 30 shutdown deadline

2026-01-08

The House passed a bipartisan package of three federal spending bills Thursday by a vote of 397 to 28, funding several government agencies through September and reducing the risk of a second shutdown before a Jan. 30 deadline. Congressional leaders from both parties backed the measure, and the White House described it as a "fiscally responsible bill," signaling likely passage in the Senate as well.

UC Berkeley international enrollment rises 29% as national numbers fall

2026-01-08

New international student enrollment at UC Berkeley grew 29% this academic year to 2,363 students, according to University of California data released Thursday, as new international enrollments fell 17% at U.S. campuses nationwide. The growth came despite a federal immigration crackdown that has deterred some foreign students from studying in the United States. The university also recorded its largest-ever student body, with 46,151 students enrolled this fall.

Michigan approves employer-assisted housing projects in Detroit, Kalamazoo

2026-01-08

Michigan’s Housing Development Authority approved new employer-assisted housing projects for Detroit and Kalamazoo, even as a state fund supporting the program is left with limited remaining money. The projects, totaling $3.2 million, were approved last month and are expected to be funded by the remaining balance of a $10 million Employer-Assisted Housing Fund Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled in January 2025.

Trump calls for ban on large investors buying homes, citing affordability concerns

2026-01-07

President Donald Trump called on Congress Wednesday to ban large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, saying the move would make homeownership more accessible for younger families. Trump framed the proposal as part of a broader affordability push ahead of November midterm elections, promising to outline more detailed housing plans at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in two weeks.

NYC mayor stands behind tenant official facing backlash over old social media posts

2026-01-07

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Wednesday he stands behind his newly appointed director of tenant protections, Cea Weaver, after critics circulated years-old social media posts in which she called homeownership "a weapon of white supremacy" and advocated treating private property as a "collective good." The backlash drew condemnations from officials in the U.S. Department of Justice, the editorial board of The Washington Post, and former Mayor Eric Adams, according to the Associated Press.

Detroit records 165 homicides in 2025, lowest tally since the early 1960s

2026-01-07

Detroit ended 2025 with 165 criminal homicides, its lowest count since at least the early to mid-1960s and 38 fewer than the 203 recorded in 2024, Police Chief Todd Bettison announced Wednesday. The figure extends a steep four-year decline from 308 homicides in 2021 and mirrors a broad national retreat from the violent crime surge that accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hawaii County council debates extending $33M homelessness fund

2026-01-07

Hawaii County Council members questioned the effectiveness of a $33 million effort to address homelessness as they considered additional funding, according to testimony at a recent council meeting. Members voted 5-4 to advance a request for another $6 million for outreach and other homeless programs, despite concerns that the county’s investment has not reduced homelessness in areas such as Hilo and Pāhoa. Council member Heather Kimball backed the funding but said she wants an audit of spending and results.

Gordie Howe Bridge nears opening as Detroit's first walkable link to Canada in decades

2026-01-06

Detroit's Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to open in early 2026 after reaching 98 percent completion as of Nov. 13, bringing with it the first pedestrian and bicycle access across the Detroit River to Canada in decades. The $4.4 billion span will add six lanes of vehicle traffic while becoming the only bridge from Michigan to Canada with a multiuse path for foot and bike travel.

West Virginia's abandoned-building demolition fund is spent, with no replacement in sight

2026-01-06

West Virginia has exhausted the $30 million in federal pandemic relief funds it used to reimburse local governments for demolishing abandoned buildings, leaving municipalities without state support to address a problem a statewide survey estimated would cost approximately $150 million to resolve. The state's Demolition Landfill Assistance Program, established in 2021 and funded a year later with federal COVID-19 recovery money, helped communities tear down about 1,800 structures in two years. About 240 demolitions remain ongoing, but state officials say the last of the program's funds have been dispersed and the legislature has proposed no replacement.

Trump says he wants to ban large investors from buying houses

2026-01-06

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he wants Congress to codify a ban on large institutional investors buying houses, arguing it would make it easier for younger families to buy first homes. Trump made the case as voters weigh housing affordability ahead of the November midterm elections.

Hawaiian immersion school enrollment surges 68%, but teacher supply lags

2026-01-05

Enrollment in Hawaii's Hawaiian-language immersion schools has grown 68 percent over the past decade, with the number of state-run campuses rising from 14 to 26, according to state education officials. But the pool of qualified teachers is not keeping pace with demand, creating staffing shortfalls that threaten further expansion of the programs, known as Kaiapuni schools. The Hawaii Department of Education has at least three unfilled Kaiapuni positions and 25 unlicensed educators still working toward their credentials, while one advisory group projects the state will need 165 additional Kaiapuni teachers over the next decade.

Newsom enters final year as California governor with key promises unmet

2026-01-05

Gavin Newsom enters his final year as California governor this week with key campaign promises on housing, homelessness, and health care largely unmet, as he prepares to address the Legislature and present a budget proposal while confronting an estimated $18 billion deficit. Newsom, widely expected to pursue a Democratic presidential primary campaign after his term ends, is scheduled to deliver a State of the State address Thursday.

West Virginia electricity rates rose 34% in five years, pushing residents to desperate measures

2026-01-05

West Virginia residential electricity rates rose nearly 34% between 2019 and 2024, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data, making the state one of the fastest-rising residential power markets in the country. More than 266,000 households — 37% of the state — are now considered energy-burdened, spending more than 6% of their household income on electricity and other power costs. Some families are selling jewelry, skipping medications and going without food to keep their lights on.

How to start reading for pleasure again as an adult in 2026

2026-01-05

Adults often stop reading for pleasure for reasons ranging from stress to busy schedules, but experts say it’s never too late to restart. A recent analysis using U.S. government data found the share of Americans reading for pleasure on an average day fell to 16% in 2023 from 28% in 2004. Here are library-backed and reading-research tips for building a sustainable habit in 2026.

How to start reading books again as an adult

2026-01-01

People can lose the habit of reading for pleasure after school, but libraries and reading researchers say it’s not too late to restart. A new year is often when adults set goals, whether that means choosing lighter books, scheduling short reading sessions, or trying formats like ebooks and audiobooks.

Kickstart 2026 with financial-goal plans, budgeting and emergency savings

2025-12-31

New Year’s resolutions often focus on money goals, but financial planners and coaches told The Associated Press that people usually do better when they turn intentions into trackable plans for 2026. Several people making those plans described how they are budgeting, paying down debt, building savings and balancing spending with long-term priorities.

Lee Enterprises secures $50 million investment with help from billionaire David Hoffmann

2025-12-31

Lee Enterprises said it has reached a compromise with billionaire investor David Hoffmann, who offered a $50 million investment to stabilize the newspaper company’s finances. The deal is expected to reshape governance at Lee, including leadership changes after Hoffmann takes control of the chain, which publishes titles including the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the Buffalo News.

New Year’s financial resolutions: plans for emergency funds, debt payoff

2025-12-30

For many people, the new year is a prompt to reset financial goals and build routines that can be tracked through 2026. Financial planners and coaches told The Associated Press that successful resolutions often start with a budget, an emergency fund and a payoff strategy that fits real life. Several people preparing for 2026 said they are aiming to pay down credit card debt, save for a home and set aside even small amounts for emergencies.

Italy parliament approves 2026 budget targeting deficit reduction to 2.8%

2025-12-30

Italy’s parliament approved the government’s 2026 budget in a vote that reduced the planned deficit target to 2.8% of gross domestic product, down from an earlier 3% target, according to the European Union’s requirements. The conservative coalition led by Premier Giorgia Meloni won the final vote in the lower house by 216-126, while the center-left opposition criticized the package as austerity.

Mamdani set to take over NYC with free-childcare, rent-freeze promises

2025-12-29

Zohran Mamdani will become New York City mayor on Jan. 1, stepping into a job where his campaign’s big affordability proposals will face scrutiny from both political allies and skeptics. Ahead of his inauguration, advisers and analysts said his early challenge will be turning a movement candidacy into day-to-day governing and managing expectations while building support for major policy changes.

Kickstart the new year with plans for emergency savings and debt payoff

2025-12-29

Many people set New Year’s resolutions that focus on financial goals, from paying down credit card debt to building an emergency fund. Financial planner Erica Grundza says the best approach is to revisit the “why” behind money goals and make an optimistic, realistic plan for the year ahead. The Associated Press spoke with people planning their 2026 finances, including approaches such as budgeting, checking credit reports and pairing savings with debt payoff.

Italy Parliament approves 2026 budget targeting lower deficit

2025-12-29

Italy’s Parliament approved the government’s 2026 budget on Tuesday, backed by deficit-cutting measures that would reduce the deficit target to 2.8% of gross domestic product. The conservative coalition led by Premier Giorgia Meloni won in the lower house 216-126, while the center-left opposition said the plan leans on austerity and does not address low pay and high taxes.

New York subway ends MetroCard; fully switches to OMNY tap-and-go fares

2025-12-29

New York’s subway system will stop selling or refilling MetroCards after Dec. 31, 2025, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority transitions the system fully to OMNY, a tap-and-go payment option. Officials say more than 90% of subway and bus trips are already paid through OMNY, which riders can use by tapping a credit card, phone or other smart device.

Raise your thermostat when you leave rather than shutting off the AC, experts say

2025-08-26

Setting a home thermostat a few degrees higher while away — rather than shutting the air conditioner off entirely or leaving it running at the usual temperature — is the best balance of energy savings, comfort, and humidity control for most U.S. households, three experts told the Associated Press. The recommendation applies broadly but varies by climate, building type, and the length of absence.