HOUSING

Jan 24 2025BUSINESS

Why Are Fewer People Buying Homes in the US?

In 2024, American home sales hit a new low, falling to numbers not seen since 1995. The reason? Sky-high home prices and high mortgage rates are making it tough for people to buy homes. Previously owned homes, which make up most of the market, saw a total of only 4. 06 million sales last year. That'

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Jan 24 2025POLITICS

Moving Homeless Residents: Safety Concerns at Elgin School

This week, some parents at Elgin Math and Science Academy (EMSA) raised serious concerns about safety after the city moved homeless residents to a hotel right across the street from the school. The city decided to relocate around 40 people from a long-standing homeless camp along the Fox River to th

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Jan 24 2025POLITICS

Healey's New Budget: Sweet Taxes, Hospital Shifts, and Transit Boosts

Governor Maura Healey recently unveiled her budget plan for the next fiscal year, and it's a mix of investments and tough calls. The $62 billion proposal aims to boost various areas like education and housing. One big change? Taxing candy and cutting mental health jobs. The budget also looks at clos

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Jan 22 2025POLITICS

Does Trump's Plan Really Make Homes Cheaper?

President Donald Trump has a plan to make homes more affordable by cutting regulations. But is it as simple as it sounds? Let's dive in! First, regulations: Trump thinks high home prices are due to regulations. He's right that regulations can add costs. However, many of these rules are set by state

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Jan 17 2025ENVIRONMENT

Why California Keeps Rebuilding in Fire Zones

California has a tough balancing act between addressing its housing crisis and managing wildfire risks. For decades, people have built homes in fire-prone areas, only to rebuild in the same spots after fires. This cycle repeats because of California's severe housing shortage. Despite the risks, more

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Jan 16 2025ENVIRONMENT

Housing Crisis in California: A Tough Lesson from Recent Fires

California's housing market was already in a tight spot before the recent wildfires. Now, with tens of thousands of families evacuated and struggling to find rental homes, the situation is even tougher. The rental market in Los Angeles and other affected areas was already stretched thin, with vacanc

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Jan 16 2025POLITICS

Making NYC Affordable: 40 Fresh Ideas

New York City's affordability crisis is real, with many residents struggling to make ends meet. We gathered diverse perspectives, from experts to everyday New Yorkers, to brainstorm big and small ideas that could make the city more affordable. Here are some standout suggestions that could shape city

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Jan 13 2025POLITICS

Why Land Prices are Making Homes Out of Reach

Ever felt like housing is becoming way too expensive? You're right, and it's not just because of the pandemic. The truth is, it's more about how much land costs these days. Prices have gone up even faster than housing costs, making land about 40% of what we pay for a home. In big cities like San Jos

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Jan 13 2025HEALTH

How Housing Costs Affect Australian Well-being

Imagine you're Australian, and the cost of your housing keeps rising. What happens to your health and happiness? Researchers looked into this, using a special method to compare locals' health and life satisfaction when housing prices go up. They found that high housing costs can make your body feel

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Jan 12 2025BUSINESS

Fire's Impact on Rent Prices in LA: A Sudden Surge

LA's rental market is seeing a sudden boost in prices due to the recent fires devastating homes. For instance, a furnished Bel Air home's listed price jumped from $15, 900 to $29, 500 per month in just a few months. Real estate agent Fiora Aston mentioned dozens of displaced families contacting her,

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