Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Just got laid off? Get back on your feet with this step-by-step guide

2261. Just got laid off? Get back on your feet with this step-by-step guide

Margaret Cirino discusses practical steps to take after being laid off, including reviewing paperwork and securing health care.

One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away

2262. One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away

An argument that the cost of saving lives is examined through the impact of funding cuts to health programs in Eswatini and Lesotho under a previous administration.

Are Immigrants Self-Deporting?

2263. Are Immigrants Self-Deporting?

The discussion centers on the decline of illegal immigrants, examining potential causes, survey participation issues, and the implications for the labor market and economy.

ICE First Look at May Mortgage Performance: "Delinquencies Hold Steady and Foreclosure Sales Rise to Highest Level Since Early 2023"

2264. ICE First Look at May Mortgage Performance: "Delinquencies Hold Steady and Foreclosure Sales Rise to Highest Level Since Early 2023"

Bill McBride discusses the trends in mortgage delinquencies and foreclosure sales, noting a slight increase in both metrics in May 2025.

2265. A Fed’s-Eye View of Labor Markets

Timothy Taylor discusses the Federal Reserve's insights on labor markets, employment trends, wage growth, and inflation based on their recent Monetary Policy Report.

Companies Don’t Need Regulation to Cut Back on “Excessive Packaging”

2266. Companies Don’t Need Regulation to Cut Back on “Excessive Packaging”

Art Carden argues that companies like Amazon and Costco have valid reasons for their packaging choices, suggesting they don't need regulation to address perceived excesses.

NTSB faults Boeing for lack of safety protocols in 737 Max door plug blowout

2267. NTSB faults Boeing for lack of safety protocols in 737 Max door plug blowout

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Correction: What are inflation surprises telling us about tariffs?

2268. Correction: What are inflation surprises telling us about tariffs?

Claudia Sahm corrects her previous discussion on PPI trade services, clarifying how tariffs affect acquisition costs and margins for wholesalers and retailers.

Tuesday's Assorted Links

2269. Tuesday's Assorted Links

The author discusses various economic principles illustrated through recent news stories and offers resources for educators, highlighting Tisha Bennett Sanders' referral success.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell says tariff uncertainty warrants caution on rate cuts

2270. Fed Chair Jerome Powell says tariff uncertainty warrants caution on rate cuts

Alina Selyukh discusses Jerome Powell's caution regarding rate cuts due to tariff-related uncertainties affecting inflation.

Strikes on Iran Were by the US Government, Not Its People

2271. Strikes on Iran Were by the US Government, Not Its People

The discussion centers on the obedience to political authorities, nationalism's role in conflict, and the misrepresentation of military actions in political discourse.

Military Action and Linguistic Shortcuts

2272. Military Action and Linguistic Shortcuts

Pierre Lemieux discusses the relationship between nationalism, obedience to authority, and the implications of linguistic shortcuts in political discourse following military actions.

Why Big Tech Turned Against Democrats — and Democracy

2273. Why Big Tech Turned Against Democrats — and Democracy

Paul Krugman discusses the shift of Big Tech's support from Democrats to Republicans, highlighting the implications for democracy and public trust in technology.

Zohran Mamdani's policies will (mostly) not bring abundance to NYC

2274. Zohran Mamdani's policies will (mostly) not bring abundance to NYC

Noah Smith critiques Zohran Mamdani's policies, arguing they may not lead to economic abundance in NYC despite his progressive vision and focus on government effectiveness.

Case-Shiller: National House Price Index Up 2.7% year-over-year in April

2275. Case-Shiller: National House Price Index Up 2.7% year-over-year in April

National house prices increased 2.7% year-over-year in April, with regional variations and signs of a maturing market driven by fundamentals rather than speculation.

A wedding in Lucca, Pizzas at a party outside of town, and working

2276. A wedding in Lucca, Pizzas at a party outside of town, and working

Scott Cunningham shares his experiences navigating Lucca while preparing for a wedding, reflecting on personal anecdotes and the joy of exploration in unfamiliar places.

Salvadoran journalist's arrest in Georgia sets 'alarming precedent'

2277. Salvadoran journalist's arrest in Georgia sets 'alarming precedent'

A journalist's arrest raises concerns about freedom of speech and sets a troubling precedent for press rights.

2278. New Zealand: The Birthplace of Inflation Targeting

The post discusses New Zealand's pioneering role in adopting inflation targeting as a central bank policy, emphasizing its political origins and the economic context of the 1980s.

A Very Early Look at 2026 Cost-Of-Living Adjustments and Maximum Contribution Base

2279. A Very Early Look at 2026 Cost-Of-Living Adjustments and Maximum Contribution Base

Bill McBride discusses early projections for 2026 cost-of-living adjustments and the maximum contribution base based on current CPI-W data.

What to know about Jeff Bezos' upcoming Venice wedding — and the protests against it

2280. What to know about Jeff Bezos' upcoming Venice wedding — and the protests against it

The upcoming wedding of Bezos in Venice faces protests from locals concerned about overtourism and prioritization of the event over community needs.