Category: Economy

Childcare is draining American families with a force that has begun to rival housing costs, and new national analysis shows that in cities across the country, parents are paying more to care for their children than to keep a roof over their heads. Researchers at LendingTree found that infant care exceeds average rent in 11 of the nation’s 100 largest metro areas, while childcare for two children exceeds rent in 85 cities across the country.

According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the U.S. economy added 142,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in August, less than the 165,000 economists had predicted. While the job growth missed forecasts, the unemployment rate dropped to 4.2% from July’s 4.3%, suggesting continued strength in the labor market under the Biden-Harris administration.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $31.7 million in grants to 75 fair housing organizations across the country as part of its FY 2024 budget, providing crucial support to initiatives aimed at eliminating housing discrimination. Among the recipients are two Washington, D.C.-based organizations, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and the Equal Rights Center, each receiving over $400,000.