According to new federal data, the U.S. fertility rate reached an all-time low in 2024, with less than 1.6 children per woman. This mirrors trends in Western European countries, with the rate being significantly lower than the replacement rate of 2.1 that was once common in the U.S. Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to boost birth rates, such as expanding access to in vitro fertilization, experts argue that these measures fail to address crucial factors like parental leave and affordable childcare, and are largely symbolic. The new report also revealed a 1% increase in total births compared to the previous year, though revised data showed declines in birth rates for women in their 20s and early 30s.
Read More
During a recent broadcast of The Ingraham Angle, Fox News host Laura Ingraham criticized New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, highlighting his policies aimed at reducing the cost of living. Ingraham cited Mamdani’s proposals, such as government-run grocery stores, free public buses, rent freezes, and affordable housing initiatives, portraying them negatively. This commentary led to widespread amusement on social media, with users humorously pointing out the appeal of the very policies Ingraham was criticizing. Mamdani had previously won the Democratic mayoral primary, solidifying his place as a key contender in the upcoming election.
Read More
Despite April’s inflation rate reaching its lowest point since 2021, a new report reveals a widening gap between Americans’ earnings and the cost of a basic standard of living. The Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity’s (LISEP) Minimal Quality of Life index indicates that 60% of U.S. households cannot afford this minimum, revealing a “functionally unemployed” rate exceeding 24%. This disparity is attributed to rising costs of essentials like housing, healthcare, and education, outpacing wage growth, particularly for low- and moderate-income families.
Read More
President Trump’s economic policies, including tariffs and spending cuts, pose a significant threat to low- and moderate-income families. These policies, coupled with Republican opposition to a minimum wage increase, are predicted to negatively impact household finances and potentially trigger a recession. A proposed bill, the Raise the Wage Act of 2025, aims to gradually increase the federal minimum wage to $17 per hour by 2030, benefiting over 22 million workers. This action is presented as a necessary countermeasure to the economic hardships caused by the current administration’s agenda.
Read More
Consumers are tightening their belts, canceling trips, and forgoing luxuries as economic anxiety grips the nation. A single father, for example, recently canceled his daughter’s long-planned high school trip to Spain to save money, highlighting the drastic measures many families are taking to cope with rising costs. This isn’t just about a trip; it reflects a broader sense of financial insecurity spreading across the population. Even small indulgences like weekly takeout orders are becoming unaffordable luxuries for many.
Businesses, too, are feeling the pinch. The current economic climate isn’t just impacting consumers; it’s creating widespread uncertainty in the business world. This uncertainty, fueled by anxieties about inflation and recession, is forcing businesses to adapt and make difficult decisions.… Continue reading
Effective January 1st, Poland’s minimum hourly wage surpassed the US federal minimum wage, reaching $7.35 per hour. This increase, approximately 8.5% higher than July 2024’s rate, follows an annual adjustment based on inflation projections and negotiations with employers and unions. The new minimum wage affects over 3 million Polish workers, though significant cost-of-living differences between Poland and the US warrant caution in direct comparisons. The rise reflects Poland’s economic growth and efforts to mitigate inflation’s impact.
Read More
President Trump announced significant tariffs—25 percent on Mexican and Canadian goods, and 10 percent on Chinese imports—to combat drug and migrant flows into the U.S., a move impacting over $1.5 trillion in North American trade and hundreds of billions more with China. These tariffs threaten to increase prices on various consumer goods, including groceries and beverages, potentially impacting voters significantly. Economists warn of substantial economic repercussions from this action. The tariffs also directly contradict previous trade agreements touted by the president.
Read More
Australia’s decision to slash $10 billion from student debt amid rising cost of living pressures resonates deeply with me, as it underscores the consistent struggle that many of us face in navigating the complexities of education finance. As someone who values education immensely, I’ve observed how student debt has become a burdensome reality for many, and this bold move by the government might just signify a turning point in how we perceive and manage educational funding.
Australia’s education system is unlike the predatory structure seen in the U.S., where student debt can feel insurmountable. The capped annual fees of AUD $5,000 to $10,000 per course tied to the HECS-HELP scheme represent a much more manageable burden.… Continue reading
Twenty-nine minors, aged between 14 and 17, are facing the death penalty in Nigeria after participating in a protest against the country’s cost-of-living crisis. The protesters were charged with multiple felony counts, including treason. Other minors were also charged, but four collapsed in court due to exhaustion. The accused were each granted bail but have yet to meet the strict conditions set. Lawyers and advocates have drawn attention to the fact that the Child Rights Act does not allow children to be subject to criminal proceedings and sentenced to death.
Read More
Melania Trump complaining about political divisiveness and the cost of food in a new video? Seriously? The audacity of this woman who lives in a golden tower and probably has never stepped foot in a grocery store in this country. How can someone who is so detached from the realities of everyday Americans even begin to discuss kitchen table issues? It’s almost comical how out of touch she is with the struggles of regular people.
The fact that she is now speaking out against political divisiveness is ironic, considering her husband, the former president, was a major instigator of the divide in this country.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood