Owning a Piece of America

Owning a Piece of America

Ever since the Homestead Act of 1862, the U.S. government has worked to help everyday Americans own a piece of their nation. One important innovation was the 30-year fixed rate mortgage, a uniquely American loan that helped supercharge homeownership in the U.S. after World War II. But not every effort by the government to increase homeownership has paid off. Now as younger homebuyers face an affordability crisis, can the U.S. government keep that American dream alive This episode is part of The Wall Street Journal’s USA250: The Story of the World’s Greatest Economy [https://www.wsj.com/usa250?mod=WSJ_WNPOD], a collection of articles, videos and podcasts aiming to offer a deeper understanding of how America has evolved. Listen to previous installments of our USA250 podcast: Nuclear Power’s Reboot [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/nuclear-powers-reboot/dc9f25ff-9526-41db-90e6-46d0163e9d2e?mod=WSJ_WNPOD] The Struggle To Keep America’s Workers Safe [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/the-struggle-to-keep-americas-workers-safe/fd12699b-52d0-4742-a541-0d4761f87a62?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqe1r-L0-TQrzbJrP3YO4Sa6u7YuqmKBLSpfvJS6ubG-jOQpfq2qzVV5GJeV1hM%3D&gaa_ts=69a05d26&gaa_sig=AtxVyAtY57_Tn_UYq3swYweFfRfdQ8rVZbbDFClWkIBZZx1uu_3jaHVLPW6caBn10Z36WQpOonhaGs6QacJw8g%3D%3D?mod=WSJ_WNPOD] An Economy Built on Speculation [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/an-economy-built-on-speculationfor-better-and-for-worse/f854d9a6-0ef9-442d-b99f-71b8454ee30b?mod=WSJ_WNPOD] America’s Road to a DIY Retirement [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/america-road-to-a-diy-retirement/440c4481-fe0d-473e-ba95-e58f17b2489c?mod=WSJ_WNPOD] And check out our special series: Can Anything Kick-Start the U.S. Housing Market? [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/can-anything-kick-start-the-us-housing-market/07df0559-de20-4225-8cf1-774f65acbfff] With Homeownership Out of Reach, Some Are Choosing to Rent Forever [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/with-homeownership-out-of-reach-some-are-choosing-to-rent-forever/abf8c32b-1f95-4a6b-b084-6cc416535445?mod=WSJ_WNPOD] What’s in the New Bipartisan Housing Bill That Congress Just Passed [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/whats-in-the-new-bipartisan-housing-bill-that-congress-just-passed/3d39d6a2-7bcb-4eb1-9a91-23d4df8b87b4?mod=WSJ_WNPOD] The Housing Market Slumped This Spring. Where Does It Go From Here? [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/the-housing-market-slumped-this-spring-where-does-it-go-from-here/52ecd64d-acff-4431-b0e1-7d809575a7dd?mod=WSJ_WNPOD] The Fight for Affordable Housing [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/the-fight-for-affordable-housing/c6769d63-66fb-4f6c-bfa5-23a1816d9463?mod=WSJ_WNPOD] Mamdani Won on Housing. Will Democrats Follow His Lead? [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/mamdani-won-on-housing-will-democrats-follow-his-lead/ed1b50ce-c0ac-40e8-a323-49e11c48ffe2?mod=WSJ_WNPOD] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Nuclear Power’s Reboot

The U.S. pioneered early nuclear technologies—not only for war, but also for peacetime, in the form of abundant nuclear energy. After a surge in new reactor construction, the 1979 partial meltdown at Three Mile Island precipitated the end of nuclear energy’s expansion in America. But recent calls for reliable, clean energy to fuel AI data centers have shifted attitudes and increased investment and innovation in the industry. Will the AI race be enough to reboot nuclear energy in the U.S.? This episode is part of The Wall Street Journal’s USA250: The Story of the World’s Greatest Economy [https://www.wsj.com/usa250?mod=WSJ_WNPOD], a collection of articles, videos and podcasts aiming to offer a deeper understanding of how America has evolved. Listen to previous installments of our USA250 podcast: The Struggle To Keep America’s Workers Safe [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/the-struggle-to-keep-americas-workers-safe/fd12699b-52d0-4742-a541-0d4761f87a62?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqe1r-L0-TQrzbJrP3YO4Sa6u7YuqmKBLSpfvJS6ubG-jOQpfq2qzVV5GJeV1hM%3D&gaa_ts=69a05d26&gaa_sig=AtxVyAtY57_Tn_UYq3swYweFfRfdQ8rVZbbDFClWkIBZZx1uu_3jaHVLPW6caBn10Z36WQpOonhaGs6QacJw8g%3D%3D] An Economy Built on Speculation [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/an-economy-built-on-speculationfor-better-and-for-worse/f854d9a6-0ef9-442d-b99f-71b8454ee30b] America’s Road to a DIY Retirement [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/america-road-to-a-diy-retirement/440c4481-fe0d-473e-ba95-e58f17b2489c] Further Reading: Why Fusion Is Considered Energy’s Elusive Holy Grail [https://www.wsj.com/business/why-fusion-is-considered-energys-elusive-holy-grail-ed46ca70?mod=author_content_page_1_pos_24] America’s First Commercial Nuclear-Power Projects in a Decade Just Broke Ground [https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/americas-first-commercial-nuclear-power-projects-in-a-decade-just-broke-ground-25ae8c9c?mod=author_content_page_1_pos_2] ‘Three New York Cities’ Worth of Power: AI Is Stressing the Grid [https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/ai-data-center-boom-spurs-race-to-find-power-87cf39dd?mod=author_content_page_2_pos_20] Inside the Audacious Plan to Reopen Three Mile Island’s Nuclear Plant [https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/three-mile-island-nuclear-plant-reopen-7accde1f?mod=author_content_page_2_pos_17] Five Things to Know About AI’s Thirst for Energy [https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/ai-energy-electricity-use-what-to-know-8c9e64b7?mod=author_content_page_2_pos_12] ‘It’s Time for Nuclear’ to Meet Growing U.S. Power Needs, Trump Declares [https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/its-time-for-nuclear-to-meet-growing-u-s-power-needs-trump-declares-e94d22f1?mod=author_content_page_1_pos_50] Nuclear Power Is Making a Comeback [https://www.wsj.com/opinion/free-expression/nuclear-power-is-making-a-comeback-2e05421a] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

America's Road to a DIY Retirement

Who should be responsible for an American retirement? For the early part of the nation's history, that was never a consideration. The fate of older Americans was on them. Then in the early 20th century, a host of movements ushered in company pensions and Social Security, helping to create the modern-day idea of retirement for many workers. But as pensions fade into 401(k)s and Social Security teeters, workers again find themselves bearing more responsibility and risk of financing their golden years.  This episode is part of The Wall Street Journal’s USA250: The Story of the World’s Greatest Economy [https://www.wsj.com/usa250?mod=WSJ_WNPOD], a collection of articles, videos and podcasts aiming to offer a deeper understanding of how America has evolved. Further Reading: The Struggle To Keep America’s Workers Safe [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/the-struggle-to-keep-americas-workers-safe/fd12699b-52d0-4742-a541-0d4761f87a62?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqe1r-L0-TQrzbJrP3YO4Sa6u7YuqmKBLSpfvJS6ubG-jOQpfq2qzVV5GJeV1hM%3D&gaa_ts=69a05d26&gaa_sig=AtxVyAtY57_Tn_UYq3swYweFfRfdQ8rVZbbDFClWkIBZZx1uu_3jaHVLPW6caBn10Z36WQpOonhaGs6QacJw8g%3D%3D] An Economy Built on Speculation [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/an-economy-built-on-speculationfor-better-and-for-worse/f854d9a6-0ef9-442d-b99f-71b8454ee30b] Americans Are Claiming Social Security Early, Fearful of Its Future [https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/social-security-benefits-early-trump-changes-27ecd4ee?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqc7Eie4apwm5Xhcim3Xplk0SbZExU65dtGOub7yEGu584IM7CeECg5wgxPbsvU%3D&gaa_ts=69a05d4c&gaa_sig=irgjfFR-YiRZppFuRzKNrLnYO-ovaZTb1OWAeKkihcZAXktB9od5Mkqh1CufBO-q5nNGHRprPNDTAonw9KCWkA%3D%3D] This New Investing Idea Isn’t Right for Your Retirement Plan [https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/this-new-investing-idea-isnt-right-for-your-retirement-plan-480582de?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqe2oQHpUHRmePcBf8eCMnZjVdBjku32k6AAZiaiVG292f4y5KEIUbENoYyOE4w%3D&gaa_ts=69a05d75&gaa_sig=WID5QRIUqzHzKnWAm1pjW5BG6Dm5aAKp-oFGeE2LIlu-CrRCc8wQFhTUkGx6NDrlZxP3q-MSPW7z6evR6rSuxQ%3D%3D] How to Keep This Hot Stock Market From Melting Your Retirement Dreams [https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/how-to-keep-this-hot-stock-market-from-melting-your-retirement-dreams-2cf28499?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfumHe0dpgzJZohzGLmwcmQDZMam36IeRiq-sfaJlsNTnedSuwgqBrS-fjapuA%3D&gaa_ts=69a05d75&gaa_sig=K1i4Y9TscXugFWh4OGYaedrgtQtRe4f2uWsjw-ZGTrRhF_tNf-lDQLAcfsta__3Arvi9qdCQ1mmVcAelxO1RhQ%3D%3D] Lloyd Blankfein Misses Being Goldman Sachs CEO—Mostly When There’s a Market Crisis [https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/lloyd-blankfein-goldman-sachs-memoir-ceo-b36c0542?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqc6hzXHUfCA3jXrHIraINCxywJ6DfK8DVJZv0UksU4LzwN5IpP45d7FpZImXjQ%3D&gaa_ts=699dfaa2&gaa_sig=cR2mLxJv9_jYlNz-lG2iZLId6nGO8A1OW9rszoxQZ_NXHPQLS9TR9J8SO6yzFxXNeIWZ34gXD-0tOSCBLHWfjA%3D%3D] Wall Street Is Pushing Private Assets Into 401(k)s. We Asked Whether Anyone Wants Them. [https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/401k-retirement-savings-private-assets-e445311e?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfqsna1igZ0_McyfCbokgjnYO-Bih4DU49ZuwGjSEeYLqEBEH_XBtLLK8MGeJ8%3D&gaa_ts=69a0501e&gaa_sig=XueDkenaD74313yBMo7839JEnuYBKgxVI8D7MHjyl6ZGIb7THrkmb9ol1IFTdxjm2fZrFtUVN1CH3gZY-ZhWkQ%3D%3D] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The Struggle to Keep America’s Workers Safe

For over 100 years, keeping Americans safe on the job has challenged the country's free-market economy. Businesses often preferred to regulate their workplaces without government oversight. But that track record is mixed. And federal efforts at safeguarding job sites at times have fallen short. Host Katherine Sullivan explores how far we've come since Frances Perkins helped put employee safety in the spotlight and what American workers still face now when they go to work.  This episode is part of The Wall Street Journal’s USA250: The Story of the World’s Greatest Economy [https://www.wsj.com/usa250?mod=WSJ_WNPOD], a collection of articles, videos and podcasts aiming to offer a deeper understanding of how America has evolved. Additional reading and listening: A Timeline of Key Moments in the History of Work in America [https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/workplace/history-of-work-america-76a8ecbb?mod=hp_listc_pos2]  Coal Miners’ Trade Off: Trump Boosts Production but Slashes Safety Programs [https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/west-virginians-cheer-trumps-pro-coal-agenda-but-fret-over-safety-cuts-172d20b6?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqdX0Q8LKpNRnDpKL7OE-_QrP6O81nOTku_Fq-gwc4rRVM3t44uwFn-AF_RwvyY%3D&gaa_ts=692f382e&gaa_sig=MiGLymz5niWHeNMa3dLajvHmj_uMIPA7oySxXB8QeyWV33pQEp6WEjMWUHBZb8JIcaCY4hcFUcbKb3a6uTo-3g%3D%3D]  An Economy Built on Speculation—for Better and for Worse [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/whats-news/an-economy-built-on-speculationfor-better-and-for-worse/f854d9a6-0ef9-442d-b99f-71b8454ee30b]  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

An Economy Built on Speculation—for Better and for Worse

From the land mania following the Revolutionary War to the AI craze now, speculation is in the American economy's DNA. These kinds of big bets have shaped our present and continue to fuel tomorrow's economic growth. Host Katherine Sullivan unpacks the past and future of American speculators. This episode is part of The Wall Street Journal’s USA250: The Story of the World’s Greatest Economy [https://www.wsj.com/usa250?mod=WSJ_WNPOD], a collection of articles, videos and podcasts aiming to offer a deeper understanding of how America has evolved. Further Reading: From Sports to AI, America Is Awash in Speculative Fever. Washington Is Egging It On. [https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/from-sports-to-ai-america-is-awash-in-speculative-fever-washington-is-egging-it-on-c1e5c814?mod=WSJ_WNPOD] Capitalism and Democracy Often Clash in America. They Usually End Up Better for It. [https://www.wsj.com/politics/united-states-america-democracy-capitalism-810514ca?mod=WSJ_WNPOD] Financial Bubbles Happen Less Often Than You Think [https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/market-bubble-history-f6b3487b?mod=WSJ_WNPOD] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]