Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Schedule for Week of June 22, 2025

2301. Schedule for Week of June 22, 2025

Key economic reports and events for the week include home sales, GDP estimates, and Federal Reserve testimonies, highlighting trends in housing and manufacturing sectors.

2302. Howard Fast Leaves The Communist Party Of The USA After Khrushchev's Secret Speech

Robert Vienneau discusses Howard Fast's departure from the Communist Party after Khrushchev's secret speech and its impact on his beliefs and values.

Reporters for Voice of America and other U.S. networks fear what's next

2303. Reporters for Voice of America and other U.S. networks fear what's next

Journalists for Voice of America express concerns about their future following significant cuts to their parent agency by the Trump administration.

You Cannot Have it Both Ways

2304. You Cannot Have it Both Ways

An argument that economists must accept reputational consequences for misleading claims, highlighting the tension between truthfulness and policy advocacy in economic discourse.

My mind without ChatGPT

2305. My mind without ChatGPT

Joshua Gans discusses the impact of LLMs like ChatGPT on cognitive skills and learning, referencing studies and contrasting views on AI's role in fields like radiology.

The Resilient American Dream

2306. The Resilient American Dream

David Henderson discusses the resilience of the American dream, arguing that government interventions may hinder progress, supported by Norbert J. Michel's economic data analysis.

June 20th COVID Update: Weekly COVID Deaths at New Pandemic Low

2307. June 20th COVID Update: Weekly COVID Deaths at New Pandemic Low

Bill McBride discusses the decline in weekly COVID deaths, indicating a new low in the pandemic and plans to halt regular updates unless cases rise significantly.

The U.S. is the world's bribery cop. Is that about to change?

2308. The U.S. is the world's bribery cop. Is that about to change?

The post discusses the U.S. enforcement of anti-bribery laws and recent changes under the Trump administration that may affect this policing.

Modeling errors in AI doom circles

2309. Modeling errors in AI doom circles

An argument that critiques the modeling errors in AI predictions, emphasizing the need for rigorous peer review and evidence to support claims about future AI developments.

Kari Lake guts Voice of America as U.S. reporters face threats abroad

2310. Kari Lake guts Voice of America as U.S. reporters face threats abroad

The post discusses significant job cuts at Voice of America's parent agency under the Trump administration, raising concerns among journalists about the future of reporting.

Adam Smith, George Orwell, and Rules for Writing

2311. Adam Smith, George Orwell, and Rules for Writing

An argument that compares Adam Smith's rules of conduct to writing principles, emphasizing the distinction between clear moral guidelines and the vagueness of virtuous behavior and writing excellence.

Why the Fed is on Hold

2312. Why the Fed is on Hold

Paul Krugman discusses the Federal Reserve's current interest rate policies and their political implications, particularly in relation to Donald Trump's actions and statements.

China's industrial policy has an unprofitability problem

2313. China's industrial policy has an unprofitability problem

The discussion highlights China's industrial policy evolution, its focus on manufacturing, and the challenges of unprofitability despite significant government support and export successes.

More Lucca, Plus Thoughts About My Fall Class at Harvard

2314. More Lucca, Plus Thoughts About My Fall Class at Harvard

The author reflects on a trip to Lucca, discussing personal experiences, social anxieties, and preparations for an upcoming class at Harvard.

The tech right and the MAGA right

2315. The tech right and the MAGA right

An argument that contrasts the beliefs of the MAGA movement with the tech right, highlighting their differing views on nationalism, globalization, and government intervention in the economy.

SALT-n-pessimism

2316. SALT-n-pessimism

The discussion centers on recent economic indicators, legislation related to the SALT cap, and differing perceptions of the economy based on gender.

Getting “Screwed” on Trade?

2317. Getting “Screwed” on Trade?

An argument that claims of the European Union harming the US economically are unfounded, highlighting the US's superior economic performance and investment attractiveness compared to Europe.

Deadly listeria outbreak leads to recall of ready-to-eat fettuccine Alfredo meals

2318. Deadly listeria outbreak leads to recall of ready-to-eat fettuccine Alfredo meals

Vanessa Romo discusses a listeria outbreak connected to ready-to-eat fettuccine Alfredo meals, resulting in illnesses and deaths, prompting a recall.

Political Violence in Minnesota and Elsewhere

2319. Political Violence in Minnesota and Elsewhere

Pierre Lemieux discusses the nature of political violence, its distinction from ordinary violence, and the implications of collective choices in society.

Bad Times for College Graduates

2320. Bad Times for College Graduates

Paul Krugman discusses the unusual high unemployment rates for recent college graduates despite a generally strong economy, attributing it to uncertainty in government policy.