More Routes = More Riders

CityLab | READ STORY

Transit ridership dropped by 2.5 percent from 2016 to 2017, with a downturn in bus passengers leading the hemorrhaging. These declines have been in progress virtually across the board in North America since 2014. What’s less clear is exactly why we’re all getting off the bus. The price of gas has gone down in recent years, which may be leading more Americans to choose to drive. The economy has improved, which could mean more of us can afford to buy and drive cars. There’s also the rise of ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft; some studies have shown they’re pulling more-affluent riders off transit at certain times of day.

As Fatal Overdoses Rise, Many Americans See Drug Addiction as a Major Problem in Their Community

Pew Research Center | READ STORY

Americans overwhelmingly see drug addiction as a problem in their local community, regardless of whether they live in an urban, suburban or rural area, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. The public’s concerns come amid steep increases in the number and rate of fatal drug overdoses across all three community types in recent years.

Almost Half of US Families Can't Afford Basics like Rent or Food

CNN Money | READ STORY

Nearly 51 million households don't earn enough to afford a monthly budget that includes housing, food, child care, health care, transportation and a cell phone, according to a study released recently by the United Way ALICE Project. That's 43% of households in the United States.California, New Mexico and Hawaii have the largest share of struggling families, at 49% each. North Dakota has the lowest at 32%.

U.S. Population Pyramid From 1980-2050 

Visual Capitalist | READ STORY

It’s no secret that an aging population will be the source of major demographic challenges in the coming years. In 1975, the median age in the United States was just 28 years old. However, it’s been rising fast as the Baby Boomers age, and it’s expected to break the 40 year mark by 2030. This shift is so fundamental that its ripples will be felt in almost every area imaginable. How we manage this change will have implications on the economy, culture, and politics – and it will almost certainly affect our personal wealth and investments, as well.

Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households

Federal Reserve Board | READ STORY

The Federal Reserve Board released the fifth annual Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households. The report found that overall financial well-being continued to improve in 2017, extending the gains over the past five years. Yet, notable differences in well-being remain across race, ethnicity, education groups, and locations.