Stat: 1 million—the number of Americans who default on student loan payments each year. Story: More Americans are seeking higher education, which means more people are taking on—and struggling with—student loan debt. For one first-generation college graduate, the complex repayment system proved overwhelming. We share her story and talk to Chronicle of Higher Education reporter Eric Kelderman and Pew researcher Sarah Sattelmeyer about key challenges and potential solutions to help keep borrowers on track.

Student Loans: Who Is Struggling to Pay and Why?

After the Fact is a podcast from The Pew Charitable Trusts that brings you data and analysis on the issues that matter to you—from our environment and the sciences, to larger economic trends and public health. Experts from Pew and other special guests discuss the numbers and trends shaping some of society’s biggest challenges with host Dan LeDuc, then go behind the facts with nonpartisan analysis and stories.

News

Politics

Government

 Stat:  49%: The share of Americans who say the availability of affordable housing in their local community is a major problem, compared to 39% in 2018.   Story: Montana has been rapidly attracting new residents for more than a decade and during the COVID-19 pandemic the pace only accelerated. Housing prices there have tripled in some cities just as in many other states that have seen an influx of people.   In this episode, we hear from Montana state lawmakers Daniel and Katie Zolnikov about the bipartisan legislation they championed to address rising concerns about access to housing. And Indigenous advocates in Montana, Jody Cahoon Perez, Tonya Plummer, and Patrick Yawakie, discuss how they’re helping their Tribal communities seek more affordable and culturally appropriate housing.

Housing in America: A Foundation in Montana

 Stat:  12%: From 2017 to 2022, Minneapolis increased its housing stock by 12% while rents remained flat.  Story: Minneapolis is drawing positive national attention for the city’s approach to curbing soaring housing costs. In this episode, we hear from Meg McMahan and Jason Wittenberg from Minneapolis’ Office of Community Planning and Economic Development about the city’s history of disparities in zoning policies and the strategies they’re implementing to secure more housing for residents.  We also hear from Margaret Kaplan, president of the statewide Housing Justice Center, about how the nonprofit helps people throughout Minnesota overcome barriers in securing housing, including access and financing.

Housing in America: A Blueprint in Minneapolis

 Stat:  70%:  The share of Americans who think young adults today have a harder time than their parents’ generation when it comes to buying a home.  Story: Putting a roof over their heads is a struggle for many Americans. Rising house prices, restrictive zoning, increasing rents, and a lack of small mortgages are some of the hurdles facing people who want a safe and secure place to call home.  In this episode, Alex Horowitz and Tara Roche, directors of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ housing policy initiative, join us to discuss some of the challenges—and how to overcome them—for those pursuing homeownership.

Housing in America: Pathways to Homeownership

 Stat: 60%: The share  of Americans who say they’re very concerned about the cost of housing.  Story:   In just a few years, from 2019 to 2022, the national median sale price for a single-family home increased by 25%. And the rising costs of buying and maintaining a house has  60%  of Americans concerned. Is the American Dream of homeownership out of reach for many?  In this episode of “Housing in America,” Richard Fry, an expert at the Pew Research Center, talks about the current trends in housing, like where people live, housing availability, and homeownership rates, as well as other factors that contribute to the complex housing landscape that Americans face today.

Housing in America: Where Is Home?

Rising rents, escalating home prices, and limited housing supply. They are some of the forces pushing the American Dream of homeownership out of reach for many. Increasingly, there is bipartisan support to find a way forward. In this season, After the Fact explores these trends and  the challenges individuals and families face in finding housing that’s affordable and accessible  . We also speak with experts and policymakers who are trying to help more people find a place to call home.

Student Loans: Who Is Struggling to Pay and Why?

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