Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Joe Weisenthal on Jobs and Migration

3941. Joe Weisenthal on Jobs and Migration

An argument that job availability influences migration patterns, while also considering how businesses relocate to areas with favorable conditions for labor and costs.

The secret world behind those scammy text messages

3942. The secret world behind those scammy text messages

P.J. Vogt explores the intriguing journey of Zeke Faux as he investigates the origins and motivations behind scam text messages.

DOJ confirms it has a deal with Boeing to drop prosecution over deadly 737 Max crashes

3943. DOJ confirms it has a deal with Boeing to drop prosecution over deadly 737 Max crashes

An agreement has been reached to drop criminal prosecution against Boeing regarding the 737 Max crashes, despite opposition from victims' families.

“Wisconsin’s Shifting Import Economy”

3944. “Wisconsin’s Shifting Import Economy”

The discussion highlights Wisconsin's import and export dynamics, emphasizing the negative impact of tariffs on effective protection for exports due to reliance on imported inputs.

Insurance costs are soaring around Tornado Alley. Hail is the big problem.

3945. Insurance costs are soaring around Tornado Alley. Hail is the big problem.

Michael Copley discusses the rising insurance costs in Tornado Alley, attributing the increase primarily to hail damage affecting extensive regions.

What a Decent Budget Would Look Like

3946. What a Decent Budget Would Look Like

An argument that the current budget reflects poor governance, suggesting alternative fiscal policies that prioritize fairness and responsibility, particularly regarding taxation and healthcare.

New Home Sales Increase to 743,000 Annual Rate in April

3947. New Home Sales Increase to 743,000 Annual Rate in April

New home sales rose to 743,000 in April, exceeding expectations, while previous months' sales were revised down, indicating fluctuating market conditions.

Trump threatens steep tariffs on trade with the European Union -- and on iPhones

3948. Trump threatens steep tariffs on trade with the European Union -- and on iPhones

Danielle Kurtzleben discusses Trump's proposal for high tariffs on EU goods and his warning to Apple regarding iPhone manufacturing.

ICE First Look at April Mortgage Performance: "Foreclosure Activity Edges Higher Following Recent Record Lows"

3949. ICE First Look at April Mortgage Performance: "Foreclosure Activity Edges Higher Following Recent Record Lows"

The post discusses rising foreclosure activity and delinquency rates in the U.S. mortgage market following the expiration of a moratorium, highlighting key statistics and trends.

Shops make a city great

3950. Shops make a city great

An argument that commercial density and support for small businesses are essential for creating vibrant urban environments, contrasting American and Japanese zoning practices.

A federal judge further halts Trump's radical transformation of government

3951. A federal judge further halts Trump's radical transformation of government

Andrea Hsu discusses a federal judge's ruling that restricts Trump's ability to reorganize the executive branch without Congressional approval.

Target, Klarna and Sesame Street's new addy

3952. Target, Klarna and Sesame Street's new addy

Wailin Wong discusses Target's declining sales, Klarna's financial issues, and Sesame Street's new streaming platform in this week's economic roundup.

Claude 4, I attempt a first prompt and receive this answer

3953. Claude 4, I attempt a first prompt and receive this answer

Tyler Cowen discusses two significant papers from the Journal of Political Economy that address monetary policy and income inequality trends in the U.S.

Voice of America's prospects appear grim after appeals court order

3954. Voice of America's prospects appear grim after appeals court order

A federal appeals court's decision allows the Trump administration to proceed with plans to significantly reduce Voice of America's operations.

US State-Level Abortion Regulations: Causes and Effects

3955. US State-Level Abortion Regulations: Causes and Effects

Timothy Taylor discusses the effects of state-level abortion regulations on abortion rates, highlighting research on early repeal states and natural experiments in North Carolina.

Realtor.com Reports Most Actively "For Sale" Inventory since 2019

3956. Realtor.com Reports Most Actively "For Sale" Inventory since 2019

The post discusses significant increases in housing inventory and new listings, alongside a decline in median list prices, reflecting ongoing affordability challenges for buyers.

OpenAI forges deal with iPhone designer Jony Ive to make AI-enabled devices

3957. OpenAI forges deal with iPhone designer Jony Ive to make AI-enabled devices

A partnership is formed between OpenAI and Jony Ive to develop innovative AI-enabled devices, highlighting the significance of design in technology.

Fewer Rules, Better People: What Lam Gets Right

3958. Fewer Rules, Better People: What Lam Gets Right

The discussion centers on the benefits of discretion in bureaucracy, emphasizing its alignment with libertarian principles and the importance of understanding rules' purposes.

Why 'Sell America' is trending on Wall Street

3959. Why 'Sell America' is trending on Wall Street

Concerns over the trade war are prompting investors to reevaluate the reliability of U.S. government debt.

No more pennies: In big change, Treasury will stop minting them

3960. No more pennies: In big change, Treasury will stop minting them

Scott Horsley discusses the Treasury Department's decision to cease minting new pennies while keeping them as legal tender.