Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

The Butlerian Jihad Was Never About the Machines

861. The Butlerian Jihad Was Never About the Machines

Paul Goldsmith-Pinkham argues that the Butlerian Jihad in Dune symbolizes human struggles for power rather than a simple conflict between humans and machines.

Planned Parenthood chapter settles with EEOC over treatment of white employees

862. Planned Parenthood chapter settles with EEOC over treatment of white employees

Andrea Hsu reports on Planned Parenthood of Illinois settling with the EEOC over violations of federal civil rights laws related to its DEI practices.

A Whiff of Stagflation

863. A Whiff of Stagflation

Paul Krugman discusses current economic challenges, comparing them to past stagflation, and critiques the impact of Trump's policies on inflation and job growth.

Claude Code 33: Help Claude Help Us By Continue Learning

864. Claude Code 33: Help Claude Help Us By Continue Learning

Scott Cunningham reflects on his learning journey with Claude Code and the impact of AI on education and personal growth.

Save us, Digital Cronkite!

865. Save us, Digital Cronkite!

Noah Smith discusses how AI could improve public discourse by moderating divisiveness, reflecting on his own journey as a blogger and the impact of social media on communication.

This tax season, there's a new deduction for interest on car loans

866. This tax season, there's a new deduction for interest on car loans

Camila Domonoske discusses a new tax deduction for interest on car loans available to some taxpayers in 2025.

It's called 'private credit' — and it could lead to big trouble on Wall Street

867. It's called 'private credit' — and it could lead to big trouble on Wall Street

Maria Aspan discusses the growing risks associated with private credit lending and its potential implications for Wall Street.

My excellent Conversation with Harvey Mansfield

868. My excellent Conversation with Harvey Mansfield

Tyler Cowen engages with Harvey Mansfield on topics including Machiavelli, philosophy, and the evolution of manliness in contemporary society.

The Pentagon wants an extra $200 billion for the Iran war and beyond

869. The Pentagon wants an extra $200 billion for the Iran war and beyond

An argument that Israel's attack on Iran's gas facilities escalates tensions, prompting threats from Trump and impacting market stability.

The Five Year Inflation Breakeven at 2.66%

870. The Five Year Inflation Breakeven at 2.66%

Menzie Chinn discusses the increase in the five-year inflation breakeven rate and its relationship with Treasury and TIPS data.

Snapshots of “Cross-Border Financial Centers”

871. Snapshots of “Cross-Border Financial Centers”

The post explores cross-border financial centers, their economic significance, and the implications of external financial intermediation on global finance.

Your Morning Petroleum Price Sitrep: Brent Prompt Nears $110

872. Your Morning Petroleum Price Sitrep: Brent Prompt Nears $110

Menzie Chinn discusses the recent rise in Brent crude oil prices nearing $110 and its implications for gasoline and diesel markets.

Cesar Chavez abused and raped women and girls, NYT investigation says

873. Cesar Chavez abused and raped women and girls, NYT investigation says

Adrian Florido discusses a New York Times investigation revealing allegations of abuse and rape by labor leader Cesar Chavez against women and girls.

Powell Has Been Here Before

874. Powell Has Been Here Before

Claudia Sahm discusses the economic implications of the war in Iran and the Federal Reserve's response to inflation and employment risks.

Trump temporarily waives the Jones Act to try to lower gasoline prices. Will it work?

875. Trump temporarily waives the Jones Act to try to lower gasoline prices. Will it work?

Alana Wise discusses the temporary waiver of the Jones Act by Trump and its potential impact on gasoline prices.

Donald Trump, Petropresident

876. Donald Trump, Petropresident

Paul Krugman discusses the influence of oil money on Donald Trump's policies and personal enrichment, linking it to both domestic and international decisions.

The Fed holds interest rates steady as the economy faces deep uncertainty

877. The Fed holds interest rates steady as the economy faces deep uncertainty

Scott Horsley discusses the Federal Reserve's challenges in managing interest rates amid inflation and a weakening labor market due to geopolitical tensions.

Deployment of ARG Tripoli, Betting on Hormuz Re-Opening

878. Deployment of ARG Tripoli, Betting on Hormuz Re-Opening

Menzie Chinn discusses the deployment of the ARG Tripoli and the declining probability of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting military and strategic implications.

Arizona AG files criminal charges against Kalshi over 'illegal gambling'

879. Arizona AG files criminal charges against Kalshi over 'illegal gambling'

Bobby Allyn reports on Arizona's criminal charges against Kalshi for allegedly operating an unlicensed gambling operation.

Judge orders 1,000 Voice of America staffers back to work in rebuke to Kari Lake

880. Judge orders 1,000 Voice of America staffers back to work in rebuke to Kari Lake

A federal judge mandates over a thousand Voice of America employees return to work, countering the Trump administration's attempts to reduce the outlet's operations.