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Tag: American

Home ownership remains a big part of the American Dream

Global Real Estate adviser Jenna Stauffer breaks down her outlook for the housing market in 2025 during an appearance on ‘Mornings with Maria.’

If you consider owning a home as part and parcel of the American Dream, you aren’t alone. A survey recently released by Realtor.com showed many American adults hold that belief.

The proportion of U.S. adults that still consider home ownership to be a component of the American Dream stood at 75%, according to the Realtor.com survey.

The survey involved about 2,200 adults in the U.S. and took place online Nov. 7-8.

Homes in the Issaquah Highlands area of Issaquah, Washington on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The association between homeownership and the American dream was observed most prominently among Baby Boomers, at 84%, per the real estate site.

TOP HOUSING MARKETS FOR 2025 REVEALED IN NEW FORECAST

Generation X, millennials and Generation Z “agree but to a lesser degree” that owning a home remains an important aspect of the American dream. The survey found 74%, 69% and 67% of those generations respectively reported they hold that belief, Realtor.com said.

Many Americans aim to purchase a home of their own during their lifetimes. Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported that feat was a “life goal,” per the survey.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the U.S. homeownership rate hovered at 65.6% as of the third quarter of 2024.

Real estate auctions can be a great way to get a good deal on a home, but there are risks to consider. (iStock / iStock)

In the Realtor.com survey, half of American adults maintained they must become a homeowner to “achieve long-term wealth.”

83% OF AMERICANS CONSIDER HOMEOWNERSHIP AN ESSENTIAL LIFE MILESTONE: SURVEY

Of the generations, millennials reported ascribing to that belief the most, at 53%, per the survey. A similar share of Gen Z Americans – 52% – did as well.

“Home, and land, ownership has been part of the American dream for generations, and while current conditions around affordability and the availability of homes make ownership more challenging, many Americans still see that ideal of having a home that belongs to them as a key cornerstone of achieving both the American Dream and creating long-term wealth for themselves and their families,” Realtor.com Vice President of Research and Insights Laura Eddy said in a statement.

Sold Home For Sale Sign and New House (iStock / iStock)

Bullish feelings about the feasibility of personally becoming a homeowner were reported by 59% of Americans, according to the survey. Meanwhile, 20% “somewhat” or “strongly” disagreed with the notion that it was “achievable.”

LOOKING TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME? THESE MARKETS ARE YOUR BEST BET IN 2025

Homes in the U.S. sold for a median of $427,670 in December, marking a 6.3% jump from the same time in the prior year, according to a Jan. 17 Redfin report. More than 1.7 million homes were on the market as of that month.

Homebuyer demand “dipped at the end of the year because mortgage rates jumped,” Redfin said.

More recently, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached 7.04% on average the week of Jan. 16, according to Freddie Mac. That marked a 0.11 percentage point increase from the prior week.

January 25, 2025
Marco Rubio tells Chinese foreign minister Trump admin will put ‘American people first’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Chinese Foreign Minister and Director of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi that the Trump administration will put the “American people first” and advance U.S. interests in its relationship with China, according to a readout of the call from spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

The meeting was the first between Rubio and Wang since the former Florida senator was unanimously approved by the Senate this week to become President Donald Trump’s first Cabinet official following Monday’s inauguration.

“The Secretary also stressed the United States’ commitment to our allies in the region and serious concern over China’s coercive actions against Taiwan and in the South China Sea,” Bruce said. “The Secretary also discussed other issues of bilateral, regional, and global importance with his Chinese counterpart.”

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Chinese Foreign Minister and Director of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi that the Trump administration will put the “American people first” and advance U.S. interests in its relationship with China, according to a readout of the call from spokesperson Tammy Bruce. (Reuters/Elizabeth Frantz/File)

Wang told Rubio during the call that he hoped he would “conduct” himself well and “play a constructive role in the future of the Chinese and American people and in world peace and stability.”

He added that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had already set the tone for U.S.-Chinese relations.

TRUMP, CHINA’S XI SPEAK ON PHONE AHEAD OF INAUGURATION

President Donald Trump on Thursday told the World Economic Forum virtually that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping have “always had a great relationship,” and all his administration wants is “fairness. We just want a level playing field.” (Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images)

“The teams of both sides should implement the important consensus of the two heads of state, maintain communication, manage differences, expand cooperation, promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations, and find the right way for China and the United States to get along in the new era,” Wang said.

MARCO RUBIO CLASHES WITH NBC ‘TODAY’ HOST WHEN PRESSED ON TRUMP’S JAN. 6 PARDONS

Trump has threatened China with 10% tariffs on imports over its role in fentanyl trafficking, starting as early as Feb. 1, and Rubio called the country the gravest threat to the U.S. during his confirmation hearing.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, flanked by his wife, Jeanette, and Vice President JD Vance, is sworn in on Tuesday in the Vice Presidential Ceremonial Office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington, D.C. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

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Trump n Thursday told the World Economic Forum virtually that he and Xi have “always had a great relationship,” and all his administration wants is “fairness. We just want a level playing field.”

January 25, 2025
Top trade association sends letters calling on big changes in 3 key departments: ‘Unleash American energy’

FIRST ON FOX: A top national trade organization has sent letters to three departments in the Trump administration advocating for specific policies that the group believes will most effectively achieve President Trump’s goal to “unleash American energy” in the United States.

The American Exploration & Production Council, a national trade association representing the leading independent oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in the United States, sent letters to the Department of Energy, Department of Interior, and Environmental Protection Agency with specific guidelines on how to best jumpstart energy production.

In the letter to the Department of Energy, AXPC made several requests including that the department “resume timely approval of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export approvals.”

“U.S. LNG plays a critical role in geopolitical stability and supporting global emission reductions — a fact that has been confirmed numerous times over the past decade,” the letter states. “As the world’s largest natural gas producer, the U.S. is well positioned to meet the dual challenge of supplying the world with affordable, clean, and reliable energy all while reducing global emissions. This misguided permitting pause should be lifted immediately, and DOE should ensure that any public interest study uses well reasoned assumptions.”

SEN KATIE BRITT: TRUMP AND HIS TEAM READY TO SUPERCHARGE AMERICA’S ECONOMY AND ENERGY SECTOR

President Donald Trump is expected to enact major reforms aimed at increasing American energy independence (Getty Images)

Other recommendations to DOE included promoting U.S. energy exports, creating fair access to export authorizations and avoiding unnecessary delays, providing greater certainty for critical energy and infrastructure, and enhancing energy reliability with advanced natural gas storage.

“Our recommendations focus on policy priorities and actions within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and some Department wide that we believe strike this critical balance and directly impact responsible onshore exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas in the United States,” the letter to the Department of Interior explained.

“In alignment with the Trump administration’s goal to ‘Unleash American Energy’, including expanding oil and natural gas production on federal lands, these recommendations aim to support responsible American energy production while maintaining crucial environmental protections and fostering economic growth here at home.”

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Recommendations to the DOI include, revoking the BLM’s Conservation & Landscape Health Rule and its implementing instructional memorandums, streamlining drilling permits, replacing the recent resources management plan amendments to align with western states’ priorities, and allowing for the commingling of oil and gas production for greater efficiency and environmental protection.

In the letter to the EPA, AXPC wrote that its recommendations “focus on policy priorities that we believe strike this critical balance and directly impact responsible onshore exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas in the United States.”

ENERGY EXPERT WEIGHS IN ON 23 STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL SUING EPA OVER NEW METHANE EMISSIONS FEE

Some of those recommendations include revising the source performance standards to “improve feasibility for emission controls” and “provide greater allowance for alternative technologies and approaches.”

The letter also calls for reforms to the Clean Water Act and modifications to the Greenhouse Gas reporting rule.

“America is stronger, the world is safer, and the environment is cleaner when the United States is the world leader in energy production, and that is best achieved with sensible, workable, and durable policies out of Washington,” AXPC CEO Anne Bradbury told Fox News Digital in a statement.

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“That’s why America’s oil and natural gas producers look forward to working with the Trump administration’s goal of energy dominance and providing affordable, reliable, and ever-cleaner energy for the American people.”

Trump’s nominees in all three departments have signaled that they intend to implement new policies and guidelines that significantly increase oil and gas production while easing regulations at the same time.

“When energy production is restricted in America, it doesn’t reduce demand. It just shifts production to countries like Russia and Iran, whose autocratic leaders not only don’t care at all about the environment, but they use their revenues from energy sales to fund wars against us and our allies,” DOI secretary nominee Doug Burgum said in his opening statement at his confirmation hearing.

“President Trump’s energy dominance vision will end those wars abroad and will make life more affordable for every family in America by driving down inflation. And President Trump will achieve those goals while championing clean air, clean water and protecting our beautiful lands.”

Andrew Mark Miller is a reporter at Fox News. Find him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and email tips to [email protected].

January 23, 2025
Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki says he wants to try an ‘American hamburger’ after signing with the Dodgers

Now that Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki has officially signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he is ready to enjoy some American food.

“I haven’t tried any American hamburgers, so I’m really looking forward to eating the best,” Sasaki said through an interpreter during an interview with SportsNetLA.

Sasaki, 23, signed with the Dodgers as an international free agent, meaning that he is under team control for six seasons. Sasaki was also given a $6.5 million signing bonus.

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) speaks during an introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

With the signing bonus, Sasaki can try as many hamburgers as he wants.

Sasaki dominated Nippon Professional Baseball, recording a 2.10 ERA across four seasons with a whopping 505 strikeouts in 394 2/3 innings.

Sasaki was highly coveted across Major League Baseball once his bidding period opened up, but chose the reigning World Series champions as his next team.

It is the second straight season that the Dodgers have signed a free agent pitcher from Japan, as they handed Yoshinobu Yamamoto the largest guaranteed contract for a pitcher in MLB history last offseason.

Yamamoto signed a 12-year, $325 million deal and delivered in year one with a 7-2 record and 3.00 ERA over 18 regular season starts and 90 innings pitched.

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) is photographed by media during an introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

If Sasaki had waited two years until he turned 25, he could have hit the free agent market and signed an exorbitant deal like Yamamoto, but Sasaki wanted to play in the big leagues sooner.

Sasaki said he plans on not just relying on Yamamoto, but fellow countryman Shohei Ohtani as well this season.

“There’s just a lot of things I’m not going to know, so I’m going to rely on our coaches and players in terms of just getting to know the team. But also, we have Japanese players on the team, so I’m going to lean on them as well,” Sasaki said.

If Sasaki pans out the way the Dodgers hope he does, they are going to have one of the best rotations in baseball.

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) is photographed by media during an introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

Ohtani will return to the mound after not pitching last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers signed two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell this offseason.

Tyler Glasnow will be back after his 2024 season ended prematurely due to an elbow injury. Add Yamamoto and Sasaki into the mix, and it gives the Dodgers five starters with ace potential in their rotation, a rarity in baseball.

The Dodgers’ journey to trying to become repeat World Series champions begins when they take on the Chicago Cubs in Japan for a two-game series, on March 18 and 19.

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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

January 23, 2025
‘Stealing American jobs’: Anti-CCP group unleashes ad demanding GOP lawmakers back Trump on saving US farms

Trump revealing his China strategy for next 4 years

Heritage Foundation senior fellow Michael Pillsbury discusses how Chinese President Xi Jinping is sending his vice president to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on ‘The Ingraham Angle.’

FIRST ON FOX: A group focused on combating the influence of China in the United States has launched a major ad buy to push state Republicans to move on President Trump’s agenda related to the threat China poses to U.S. agriculture.

The Protecting America Initiative, which bills itself as a “coalition of concerned American citizens and public policy experts who are committed to stopping Chinese influence in the states,” launched a five-figure ad buy for the one-minute ad set to run in key agricultural states warning of China’s push to “control the U.S. agriculture industry.”

“The CCP (Chinese Communist Party) is buying up farmland across our country,” the ad says. “Stealing American jobs: Communist China is moving in to control the agricultural industry. This new war is happening right now without armies or any shots being fired. Who will dominate the world’s food supply? China is on the rise.”

“We’re being ripped off at levels that nobody’s ever seen before,” Trump says in a clip in the ad before the narrator says, “Republicans in the states need to step up and help President Trump combat the CCP.”

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Trump vowed on the campaign trail to protect U.S. farmers from Chinese advancement. (Getty Images)

A farmer is featured in the ad with a clip from a Fox News interview in which he explains that “we all feel that we’ve been forgotten about here.”

“We just want Trump to keep doing what he’s doing: Put America first,” the farmer, Pennsylvania GOP state Rep. Eric Davanzo, continues. “Make sure that America’s food is safe right here and make sure that we have the land and the opportunity to produce and grow our food here.”

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Chinese President Xi Jinping (Getty Images/File)

“Tell Republicans to stand with Trump and protect America’s food supply,” the closing line of the ad states.

The ad will be placed on national cable channels, including Fox News, in the key agricultural states of Missouri, Iowa, Georgia and Idaho.

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China’s national flag (Adek Berry/File)

Last year, the Protecting America Initiative released polling it said demonstrated that the “overwhelming majority of Americans are concerned about the CCP’s threat to the United States’ national security, food security, infrastructure, and higher education, and influence over our elected officials.”

Fox News Digital reported last year that the USDA’s most recent data suggests that, as of 2021, foreign investment in U.S. agricultural land grew to approximately 40 million acres. Additionally, Chinese agricultural investment in the U.S. increased tenfold between 2009 and 2016 alone.

The increasing number of land purchases has sparked concern that foreign companies and investors, particularly those from China, may be establishing a stranglehold on key U.S. food and energy supplies.

“The Chinese national government, or some people say the Chinese Communist Party, has been about acquiring all manner of assets, not just in the United States but around the world, to control all sorts of resources,” GOP Rep. Frank Lucas of Oklahoma told Fox News Digital in a 2023 interview. “I would argue that, in addition to the importance of national security – the guns and the bullets and the planes and the resources to defend ourselves – if we cannot feed ourselves, then we are lost.”

Fox News Digital’s Thomas Catenacci contributed to this report.

Andrew Mark Miller is a reporter at Fox News. Find him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and email tips to [email protected].

January 23, 2025
American tennis star Ben Shelton puts Australian Open TV interviewers on blast over treatment of players

American tennis star Ben Shelton called out the TV interviewers at the Australian Open on Tuesday following his quarterfinal victory, saying that he believes several of the post-match interviews throughout the tournament have crossed a line.

Speaking to the media following his hard-fought victory over Lorenzo Sonego, Shelton closed his press conference with an unprompted remark about player interviews, which have come under the spotlight this week after Novak Djokovic refused to do an interview following comments made about him and his fan base.

Novak Djokovic reacts after defeating Tomas Machac following their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

“I’ve been a little shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters,” Shelton, 22, said. “I don’t think that guy who mocked Novak – I don’t think that was just a single event. I’ve noticed it with different people, not just myself.”

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Shelton named a number of incidents, including his on-court interview following his fourth round victory over 38-year-old French veteran Gael Monfils. The interviewer, Roger Rasheed, noted that Monfils is “almost your dad.”

Shelton responded, “Was that a Black joke?” Both players are Black.

Rasheed replied, “I’m not sure.”

Ben Shelton, pictured here, plays a backhand to Lorenzo Sonego during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

TENNIS PRO ERIN ROUTLIFFE EXPLODES OVER LACK OF ‘ROBOTS’ AT AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Shelton also spoke about his interview after the quarterfinal match, in which the interviewer commented that he likely would not have many fans in his semifinal match against reigning champ Jannik Sinner.

“I just don’t think that comment [is] respectful from a guy I’ve never met before in my life,” Shelton said.

“I feel like broadcasters should be helping us grow our sport and help these athletes who just won matches on the biggest stage enjoy one of their biggest moments. I just feel like there’s been a lot of negativity and I think that’s something that needs to change.”

Ben Shelton celebrates after defeating Lorenzo Sonego in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

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Broadcasters at this year’s Grand Slam came under fire after Australian Channel 9 journalist Tony Jones called Djokovic “overrated” and “a has-been” while mocking Serbian fans. Djokvic refused an on-court interview after the incident until he received an apology.

On Monday, the network said in a statement it apologized “for any offense caused from comments made” while live on air.

“No harm was intended towards Novak or his fans,” the statement continued. “We look forward to further showcasing his Australian Open campaign at Melbourne Park.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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January 23, 2025
Korean American Day 2025 Messages and HD Images: Send These Quotes, Wallpapers, Sayings and Greetings To Celebrate the Korean Americans

Korean American Day, observed on January 13 each year, commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903. This day celebrates the contributions and achievements of the Korean American community, which has played a significant role in shaping the cultural, social, and economic landscape of the U.S. It serves as a reminder of the diverse immigrant experiences that have enriched American society. 0n Korean American Day 2025, we bring you Happy Korean American Day 2025 messages, HD images, quotes, wallpapers, sayings and greetings that you can share with your friends and family to celebrate the Korean Americans. January 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Check Dates of Important Events in the First Month of the Year.

On January 13, 1903, the first large group of Korean immigrants arrived in Hawaii to work on sugar plantations. These immigrants faced numerous challenges in a new country, including discrimination and difficult working conditions. However, they persevered, and over the years, Korean Americans have made important contributions to various fields, including business, politics, the arts, and education. Korean American Day honours their resilience and success. As you observe Korean American Day 2025, share these Korean American Day 2025 messages, HD images, quotes, wallpapers, sayings and greetings. I Purple You: How To Make BTS Purple Heart, Korean Finger Heart and More? Learn the Global Love Language for Your Favourite K-Pop Idol.

Korean American Day (Photo Credits: File Image)

WhatsApp Message Reads: Happy Korean American Day!

WhatsApp Message Reads: Let Us Recognise the Contributions of Korean Americans on the Anniversary of the First Korean Immigrants’ Arrival in the US.

Korean American Day (Photo Credits: File Image)

WhatsApp Message Reads: Let’s Honour the Korean American Journey Today and Every Day.

WhatsApp Message Reads: Happy Korean American Day!

Korean American Day is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Korean Americans. From traditional Korean cuisine and festivals to the growing influence of Korean pop culture, such as K-pop and Korean cinema, the day highlights the vibrant and diverse contributions of Korean Americans to US culture. It also provides a chance to reflect on the blending of Korean traditions with American values, fostering a unique and dynamic identity.

Korean American Day is not only about celebrating history and achievements but also about strengthening the bonds within the community. It’s a day for reflecting on the challenges faced by earlier generations and the progress made by current ones. Events such as cultural performances, educational programs, and community gatherings take place to honour the Korean American legacy and look forward to the future of this dynamic group within American society.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 13, 2025 07:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

January 13, 2025