Shrinking Middle Class in America

The middle class in America has been shrinking over the past 50 years, leading to a growing wealth gap between income tiers. The share of Americans in middle-class households dropped from 61% in 1971 to 51% in 2023, while the share of upper-income households rose from 11% to 19% in the same period.

Wealth Disparity in President Joe Biden's America

The wealthiest one percent in President Joe Biden’s America reached a record net worth of $44 trillion at the end of the fourth quarter, driven by gains in stock holdings. However, despite Biden’s administration's claims to address the widening wealth gap, many Americans still face financial struggles. A Fox News poll indicated that a majority of voters feel worse off financially under Biden. The wealth of the top 1% has increased significantly since 2020, primarily driven by stock market gains.

Housing Affordability Crisis in the United States

Majority of renters surveyed by Harris Poll believe the American dream of owning a home is dead due to unaffordability. Home prices have been rising, construction has been low, and the wealth gap between homeowners and renters is widening. Renters express concerns about the future of owning a home and suggest creative solutions to address the crisis.

Russell Banks' American Spirits Short-Story Collection

American Spirits is a new short-story collection by Russell Banks, inspired by gossip he heard living in Keene, New York. The stories are set in a fictional small town in upstate New York, focusing on the struggles of the locals and their interactions with developers and summer visitors. The characters find some solace in politics, and the collection explores themes of frustration, powerlessness, and the widening gap between the rich and the poor.