Parents in Western North Carolina are struggling because child care spots keep disappearing. Since early 2023, many daycares have closed down due to low pay for workers and tight budgets. This leaves working families with fewer options, forcing some to quit their jobs or cut back on hours just to ma
A few decades ago, buying a basic car meant saving up for maybe a couple of months. Today, even a simple, no-frills model can cost as much as a small house did back then. What changed? A big part of it comes from layers of rules set by governments. Each layer, whether about safety, how much fuel a c
California has become expensive. Many people move away because homes, groceries, gas and taxes cost more than the national average. A recent study shows that those who leave tend to end up richer and own homes sooner than those who stay. The research from the California Policy Lab points out that
The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce has released a new study that shows many young adults are planning to leave the area. The survey, which asked 600 residents between ages 20 and 30 across five counties, found that about a quarter of respondents expect to move away in the next five years. This f
The Department of Health and Human Services faced a long series of hearings in the Senate and House this week. The main point for lawmakers was how to cut more than a dozen percent of the agency’s budget while still keeping services available. The head of the department said the cuts were painful
East Harlem was picked as the first location for a new city-run grocery store. The mayor wants to open five of these stores across New York City, with each in a different borough. This move is part of a bigger plan to make life more affordable for residents. The city will pay $70 million to start th
Virginia's health care system is facing a quiet crisis, and most residents don't even realize the game being played with their wallets. Last year's major federal health law quietly handed corporations and wealthy shareholders huge tax breaks while leaving average families to foot the bill. The resul
The state’s residents are increasingly concerned about how expensive it has become to live in Maryland. A recent survey showed that most people see the high cost of living as the biggest problem, followed by worries about taxes and the state budget. Many voters feel that the government is not doi
The Bahamas will hold a surprise vote on May 12, a full five months ahead of schedule. Prime Minister Philip Davis made the call after scrapping a sales tax on basic foods to ease the country’s sky-high living costs. The move follows a trend seen in other nations where governments slash taxes on ess
People are losing their ability to afford medicine, insurance and even food. A recent study shows that almost 80 % of those with marketplace plans now pay higher premiums or deductibles. Because of the loss of tax credits, many families are forced to pick between paying for health care and cov
