461. An Autocracy of Dunces
An argument that the current political climate reflects a decline in democratic norms, exacerbated by incompetent leadership and the prioritization of loyalty over competence.
462. John Stuart Mill, Avowed Socialist
Robert Vienneau discusses John Stuart Mill's views on meritocracy and socialism, highlighting Mill's belief in social justice and the protection of the vulnerable in society.
463. Light Vehicle Sales Increased to 16.4 Million SAAR in September
Light vehicle sales rose to 16.4 million SAAR in September, reflecting a 2% increase from August, with concerns about future sales in Q4 due to various market factors.
464. VIDEO: Trump's tariffs, changing markets and what an uncertain economy means for you
NPR Staff discusses the uncertainty surrounding Trump's tariffs and their potential effects on the economy.
465. My excellent Conversation with John Amaechi
The discussion centers on leadership, personal experiences in the NBA, and the complexities of athlete motivations and identities.
466. Nowcasting Private NFP for September
Menzie Chinn discusses the challenges and methodologies in nowcasting private nonfarm payroll employment using ADP data and its correlation with BLS data.
467. Trump's controversial nominee drops bid to head vital data-gathering agency
A nominee for a key data-gathering agency has withdrawn amid widespread criticism, with the White House planning to announce a new candidate soon.
468. Supreme Court says Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook can stay -- for now
The Supreme Court has halted President Trump's effort to dismiss Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, raising concerns about the central bank's independence.
469. Bulging Biceps Don’t Win Modern Wars
An argument that modern warfare relies more on technology and intelligence than physical strength, criticizing misguided military leadership and outdated notions of masculinity in combat.
470. Government shutdown could delay key economic reports at an especially sensitive time
A government shutdown is expected to postpone important economic reports, notably the monthly job market update, at a critical time for the economy.
471. MBA:Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest Weekly Survey
Mortgage applications fell significantly due to rising rates, impacting refinance activity and purchase applications, influenced by broader economic conditions and job market health.
472. Network State, or a Network of States?
The post explores the concept of network states, highlighting challenges in their formation and proposing solutions for creating stable, functional communities in a digital age.
473. Devotees of the mysterious Mothman descend on its West Virginia hometown
Bill Chappell discusses how the legend of Mothman has revitalized tourism in its West Virginia hometown, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
474. Why China's ride apps are asking for odor ratings
Anthony Kuhn discusses how China's ride-hailing companies address issues of cleanliness in vehicles where drivers often sleep due to long working hours.
475. Change is brewing in the coffee industry. What lies ahead?
James Doubek discusses the challenges coffee growers face, including climate change, labor shortages, and low incomes, highlighting the industry's current state.
476. Guest Contribution: “How do UK and Australia relations with China react to US-China shocks”
Menzie Chinn discusses the evolving geopolitical relations between China, the UK, and Australia in response to US-China dynamics.
477. Save the Whales by Pricing the Ship Noise Externality
An argument that maritime shipping noise negatively impacts whale populations, suggesting economic solutions to mitigate this environmental externality while balancing trade benefits.
478. Conference Board: “A sharp deterioration in consumers’ views of the current economic situation weighed on confidence”
Menzie Chinn discusses the decline in consumer confidence and its implications for economic sentiment and consumption patterns across different income groups.
479. Tuesday's Assorted Links
The post highlights various stories illustrating economic principles and trends, including consumer behavior, pricing strategies, and perceptions of government.
480. A few Comments on the Seasonal Pattern for House Prices
An argument that house prices exhibit a seasonal pattern influenced by distressed sales, with recent trends showing increased seasonal swings despite fewer distressed sales.