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The number of homeless people in the United States is continuing to rise, putting the country on track to reach another record high this year. Preliminary data collected by The Wall Street Journal from over 250 homeless-service organizations shows that counts from encampments, streets, and shelters are higher than they were in 2023. The increase in homelessness is attributed to a combination of economic and social challenges, including soaring housing prices, high rents, the expiration of pandemic-era aid, and overlapping mental health and drug crises. The final count will depend on outstanding data from places that have not yet reported their 2024 numbers. [Extracted from the article]

Despite falling mortgage rates, U.S. home sales slipped in August due to high home prices. Sales of previously owned homes fell 2.5% from the prior month, marking the fifth decline in the past six months. The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage has reached its lowest level in over a year, but many buyers are waiting for rates to fall further. The housing market remains out of reach for many potential buyers, and the high cost of housing has become a campaign issue. However, some real estate agents and loan officers expect an increase in activity this fall if rates continue to decline. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the upcoming Senate race in Ohio between incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican challenger Bernie Moreno. Both candidates claim to be populists, but have different approaches to economic policies and trade. Brown emphasizes his pro-worker stance and his fight against free trade agreements, while Moreno positions himself as a Trump ally and focuses on issues like immigration and taxes. The race is seen as crucial in determining which party controls the Senate, and it reflects the changing political landscape in Ohio and the broader Midwest region. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the discussion on virtual event hosted by the Yimby movement, where Armand Domalewski's shirtless introduction kicked off a significant gathering of 30,000 supporters advocating for housing reform. Topics include the Yimby movement's push against restrictive zoning laws, the high cost of housing; and the increasing support from prominent Democrats for the movement's goals.

The article presents the discussion on China's looming deflation crisis and the calls for increased fiscal stimulus as prices continue to fall. Topics include the deflationary pressures in China, the impact of the collapsing housing market on the economy; and the potential need for more aggressive government intervention to address the issue.

Means-tested social-welfare spending, such as Medicaid, food stamps, and refundable tax credits, is the main driver of the current fiscal crisis in the United States, not Social Security and Medicare as commonly believed. While Social Security and Medicare do contribute to the deficit, they are largely funded by dedicated payroll taxes. In contrast, means-tested welfare spending totaled $1.6 trillion in 2023 and absorbs 72.6% of unobligated general revenue. The growth in welfare benefits has outpaced defense spending, resulting in the U.S. redistributing a larger share of its GDP through transfers and taxes than most developed countries. The article argues for mandatory work requirements for welfare recipients and counting all transfer payments as income to accurately measure poverty rates. [Extracted from the article]

Investors are increasingly interested in acquiring or building properties near new manufacturing hubs in the United States. Companies have committed nearly half a trillion dollars to construct factories for electric vehicles, semiconductors, and other products. These investors are betting on a "multiplier effect," where the creation of new jobs will lead to increased demand for housing, retail, and other services. However, there are potential risks, such as higher interest rates, market uncertainty for electric vehicles, and delays in construction. Despite these concerns, industrial real estate investment in areas like Phoenix has already increased, with suppliers and home builders committing billions of dollars to the region. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the issue of high housing prices and the role of government policies in exacerbating the problem. While the common explanation for high prices is a lack of supply, the article argues that demand is also a significant factor. Government policies that continuously stimulate demand, such as subsidies and immigration, drive prices higher and make homeownership unaffordable for many Americans. The article suggests that housing policy should be countercyclical, dampening demand during hot markets and incentivizing supply during slumps. It concludes that increasing housing supply and curbing demand-side subsidies are necessary to address the issue of high housing prices. [Extracted from the article]

New York City's interventions to make housing more affordable have actually made it more costly, according to the Wall Street Journal. The city enforced new rules to restrict short-term rentals, claiming that they were driving up housing costs. However, the result has been an 83% drop in short-term rental listings and a 7.4% increase in hotel room prices. Additionally, rents in New York City have continued to rise since the implementation of the anti-rental law. The article suggests that Kamala Harris should reconsider her approach to making housing more affordable, as these interventions have proven ineffective. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses Donald Trump's proposal to ban mortgages for undocumented immigrants, which he argues would lower housing costs despite their minimal impact on the overall market. Topics discussed include the current rarity of such mortgages, Trump's broader housing policy proposals, and the criticism from housing advocates about the plan's effectiveness.

The article discusses Kamala Harris's proposal to enforce federal oversight on state and local zoning and land-use policies, reflecting her broader economic and housing strategies. Topics include federal control over housing, the impact of this proposal on local policies, and public trust in federal institutions.

The article focuses on the stalled Pacific Park real estate project in Brooklyn, which has faced numerous delays and issues, including a recent default by the Chinese developer Greenland. Topics include the completion status of the development, the involvement of New York developer Related in a potential rescue plan, and the role of the U.S. Immigration Fund and Fortress in potentially foreclosing on the property.

The article explores Kyle, Texas, one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., which faces significant challenges due to extreme heat and limited water resources. Topics discussed include the city's rapid expansion and its impact on water scarcity, efforts to manage heat and water shortages, and the increasing strain on infrastructure and resources due to the population boom.

The article critiques U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris's housing proposals, arguing they exacerbate the issues caused by previous U.S. President Joe Biden administration policies. Topics discussed include the surge in home prices and mortgage rates, the potential economic impact of Harris's proposed housing measures, and concerns over increased government spending and regulation affecting housing affordability and construction.

Kamala Harris's proposal to subsidize first-time home buyers is criticized in this article, with the author arguing that a similar scheme in the UK, called the "Help to Buy" scheme, has already failed. The author claims that the scheme led to increased housing prices and difficulties for homeowners. The article suggests that Harris is ignoring evidence of the scheme's failure and is using big numbers to generate headlines. The article also includes anecdotes from individuals who recall the failure of wage and price controls in the past. [Extracted from the article]

Thousands of protesters gathered in Chicago's Union Park to denounce Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party for not doing enough to address their concerns. Protesters criticized Harris for her role in the conflict in Gaza and accused the Democratic Party of failing on economic issues and women's reproductive rights. While Harris has gained popularity for her focus on kitchen-table issues, many progressives and leftists feel that the party has not adequately addressed their concerns. The protesters called for policy changes and expressed their disappointment with the Democratic Party. [Extracted from the article]

America's national parks, including Zion and Yellowstone, are facing challenges such as long lines, reduced services, and increased vandalism. The number of full-time park employees has decreased by 20% while park visitation has increased by 16%. Smaller parks have had to close visitor centers and reduce services due to staffing shortages, while larger parks rely on nonprofit partners and volunteers to fill gaps. The lack of funding and staffing has led to concerns about the ability to properly manage and protect these valuable natural resources. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on Kamala Harris's proposal for mortgage forgiveness, which aims to make housing more affordable through government subsidies. Topics include the potential impact of such subsidies on housing prices, the administration's history of easing mortgage standards, and the broader implications of increasing government intervention in housing markets.

The article focuses on Kamala Harris's proposal to impose national price controls on food and groceries, a policy seen as a departure from the more moderate economic strategies of the Biden administration. Topics include Harris's plan for federal price controls similar to those in Venezuela, the proposed authority for the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to regulate prices, and the potential implications of such regulations on inflation and business practices.

The article focuses on the challenges faced by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson due to the migrant crisis amid the upcoming Democratic National Convention. Topics include the potential for convention-related disorder to bolster the GOP's law-and-order stance, the financial strain of the migrant situation on local governance, and the intersection of these issues with the influx of 50,000 visitors to Chicago.

The article focuses on the latest data showing that China's economy is still struggling to gain traction, despite efforts by Beijing to boost household income and consumer spending. Topics include the slowing growth of fixed-asset investment, the decline in property investment, and the slight increase in retail sales, which are not enough to offset the overall economic woes.

The article focuses on Kamala Harris's upcoming housing initiatives, which aim to address rising costs by advocating for the construction of 3 million new housing units and introducing tax incentives for builders of homes for first-time buyers. Topics include her plan to combat corporate price gouging, efforts to lower family expenses, and the broader economic implications of her proposals on housing affordability.

The article focuses on the limited impact expected from upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Topics include Wall Street's optimism about a potential cut, the argument that current inflation trends necessitate such action, and the potential disconnect between rate cuts and broader economic issues such as consumer spending and business investment.

Vice President Kamala Harris's economic team is working on crafting a policy framework that focuses on making housing more affordable, lowering costs for families, addressing corporate excess, and boosting small businesses. The plan aims to differentiate Harris from President Biden while still aligning with his policies. Harris plans to emphasize her background as a prosecutor and her focus on issues such as paid family leave. Her economic agenda will also prioritize pocketbook issues for working families, including paid family leave, affordable childcare, and lower healthcare and drug prices. Additionally, Harris's team is exploring proposals to lower the cost of housing and support small businesses. [Extracted from the article]

According to a recent survey, public safety is the top concern for Chicago residents, with 70% of respondents believing that the city government is primarily responsible for making the city safer. However, the accuracy of Chicago Police Department statistics on crime has been called into question, with claims that certain crimes are downgraded or misclassified. The lack of a moral father figure and the increase in shoplifting due to lenient prosecution policies have also been identified as contributing factors to crime in the city. Additionally, the article suggests that Mayor Johnson's security measures during the Democratic convention may be a strategic move rather than a genuine commitment to public safety. [Extracted from the article]

The housing market is currently very challenging for millennials and Gen Zers looking to buy their first homes. Affordability dropped to its lowest level since 1985 last fall and remains near that level. However, unlike in the 1980s, when high mortgage rates were the main obstacle, today's buyers face high home prices. Additionally, the supply of homes is low, making it difficult for prices to decrease. While affordability may improve if borrowing rates ease and inventory grows, economists believe that significant improvement will require more home building. [Extracted from the article]

A recent poll conducted by the Wall Street Journal found that affordable housing is a major concern for voters in Wisconsin, a key battleground state. Median sale prices in Wisconsin have increased by 8% in the past year, double the national average. Many voters in the Milwaukee metro area feel a dual cost-of-living and identity crisis, as housing prices have risen to the point where it is difficult to afford rent or purchase a home. This issue could impact the upcoming election, with some voters blaming the current administration for the high housing costs. Both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are vying for support in Wisconsin, where a recent poll showed them tied. The article highlights the challenges faced by individuals and families who are struggling to find affordable housing and how this issue may influence their voting decisions. [Extracted from the article]

Tessie Prevost, one of the "New Orleans Four" who desegregated schools in 1960, has passed away at the age of 69. On the first day of integration, Tessie and her classmates faced violence and hostility from a waiting mob. Despite the barriers they faced, Tessie and the other three girls made history by desegregating formerly all-white schools. Their journey was marked by threats, violence, and trauma, but they persevered and made a lasting impact on the civil rights movement. Tessie's story has recently gained renewed attention, and she will be remembered for her courage and contribution to the fight for equality. [Extracted from the article]

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is being considered as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris, has drawn attention for his more left-leaning policies despite being seen as a moderate Democrat. Walz has supported initiatives such as universal free school meals, voting rights for the formerly incarcerated, driver's licenses for migrants who crossed the border illegally, recreational marijuana, and a law that made abortion a "fundamental right." He may be able to help Harris appeal to rural America and trim Republican margins in battleground states like Wisconsin and Michigan. However, some critics argue that Walz has become more liberal during his time as governor and question his handling of crises, such as the response to the George Floyd protests. [Extracted from the article]