Swamp Notes The Bethlehem Project: America's affordability squeeze
Jan 29, 2026
Miles McCormick, U.S. economics correspondent at the Financial Times, provides crisp analysis on inflation, housing, and healthcare. He breaks down what is driving the affordability squeeze. He explores federal tools and limits to fixing prices. He discusses why healthcare costs soar and how subsidy lapses threaten coverage. He outlines housing supply challenges and the political fallout.
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Food Bank Reliance After Illness
- Tiffany started using the Lynx Food Pantry after her Crohn's diagnosis left her unable to work full time.
- She depends on her boyfriend's Postal Service salary and struggles as grocery prices rise sharply.
Three Forces Creating The Squeeze
- Inflation, slowing wage growth, and reduced government supports are jointly creating an affordability squeeze.
- Miles McCormick calls this confluence the key reason many Americans struggle despite positive headline economic indicators.
Musicians Hit By Insurance Hike
- Brian and Rose are musicians who moved to the Lehigh Valley to buy a house but now fear losing stability.
- They face steep ACA premium increases after pandemic-era subsidies expired and may be forced into catastrophic coverage.