Jennifer Ludden

He said he'd ask Congress to codify a ban, though such proposals in the past have failed to gain steam.

In recent years, there's been a surge of corporate landlords buying homes to rent out, and it sparked tension in a lot of cities.

Officials say corporate owners are more likely to hike rents, evict tenants, and let houses fall into disrepair.

They also outbid potential buyers with all-cash offers.

Overall, though, housing experts say large investors own only a sliver of the market, and the bigger problem driving up home prices is a lack of supply.

Jennifer Ludden, NPR News, Washington.

The federal minimum wage has been stuck since 2009 at just $7.25 an hour.

In addition to the state hikes this year, dozens more localities are also raising their minimum wage.

It's a growing trend, according to the National Employment Law Project, as prices outpace paychecks for millions of workers.

Supporters say raising the minimum wage reduces hunger and poverty, while critics note it can also lead to job cuts.

Both blue and red states are raising rates in 2026, in some places beyond $17 an hour.

But the Employment Law Project says 20 states are keeping the lower federal rate, many of them in the South, where most Black workers live.

Jennifer Lutton, NPR News, Washington.

The federal minimum wage has been stuck since 2009 at just $7.25 an hour.

In addition to the state hikes this year, dozens more localities are also raising their minimum wage.

It's a growing trend, according to the National Employment Law Project.

as prices outpace paychecks for millions of workers.

The boost comes from new laws, cost of living adjustments, or voter ballot measures.

Supporters say raising the minimum wage reduces hunger and poverty, while critics note it can also lead to job cuts.

Both blue and red states are raising rates in 2026, in some places beyond $17 an hour.