Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Sergio’s, and day 2 of driving to Boston

1001. Sergio’s, and day 2 of driving to Boston

Scott Cunningham reflects on his experiences with Sergio’s burrito truck, discussing personal connections, economic concepts, and the impact of local business dynamics in Waco.

Talking With Jeff Asher

1002. Talking With Jeff Asher

Paul Krugman discusses urban crime trends with Jeff Asher, emphasizing data analysis and the implications of crime statistics amid political narratives surrounding crime in Washington, D.C.

Government forces Air Canada flight attendants back to work, into arbitration

1003. Government forces Air Canada flight attendants back to work, into arbitration

Over 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants went on strike, disrupting travel plans for many during the busy summer season.

Schedule for Week of August 17, 2025

1004. Schedule for Week of August 17, 2025

The post outlines key economic reports and events scheduled for the week, focusing on housing data and a speech by the Federal Reserve Chair.

Opinion: Remembering Ted Clark, great colleague — better friend

1005. Opinion: Remembering Ted Clark, great colleague — better friend

Scott Simon reflects on the life and friendship of his former NPR colleague Ted Clark, honoring his memory and contributions.

Private equity and crypto could be heading for your 401(k). Here's what to know

1006. Private equity and crypto could be heading for your 401(k). Here's what to know

Laurel Wamsley discusses the potential inclusion of private equity and cryptocurrency in 401(k) retirement accounts following a recent executive order.

Electricity prices are climbing more than twice as fast as inflation

1007. Electricity prices are climbing more than twice as fast as inflation

Scott Horsley discusses the rapid increase in electricity prices compared to inflation and the factors contributing to this rise.

Wisconsin under Trump Trade War 2.0

1008. Wisconsin under Trump Trade War 2.0

The post discusses declines in manufacturing employment and exports in Wisconsin, highlighting recent employment data from the Department of Workforce Development.

A Man Who Believes We’ve Been in Recession since 2022 Is Still Odds on Favorite for BLS Commissioner

1009. A Man Who Believes We’ve Been in Recession since 2022 Is Still Odds on Favorite for BLS Commissioner

Menzie Chinn discusses Dr. Antoni's controversial views on the economy and his candidacy for BLS Commissioner, highlighting his skepticism towards economic data and policies.

Class-action suit claims Otter AI secretly records private work conversations

1010. Class-action suit claims Otter AI secretly records private work conversations

Bobby Allyn discusses a class-action lawsuit against Otter AI for allegedly recording private work conversations without user consent.

Using Royalty Payments to Track Technological Leadership

1011. Using Royalty Payments to Track Technological Leadership

Timothy Taylor discusses how international royalty payments can measure China's shift from a technological follower to an innovator in the global economy.

Business Cycle Indicators – Industrial Production, Retail Sales

1012. Business Cycle Indicators – Industrial Production, Retail Sales

The discussion focuses on recent economic indicators, highlighting declines in industrial production and retail sales compared to previous peaks, while noting the rising coincident index.

After a freeze, Trump administration reluctantly agrees to fund EV chargers

1013. After a freeze, Trump administration reluctantly agrees to fund EV chargers

The post discusses the Trump administration's decision to release funds for EV chargers despite initial opposition to federal subsidies.

When our inflation infeelings don’t match the CPI

1014. When our inflation infeelings don’t match the CPI

Kenny Malone discusses the disconnect between personal feelings of inflation and official economic data, exploring how perceptions of rising prices affect people's emotions.

Fascinating Interview of Anne Krueger

1015. Fascinating Interview of Anne Krueger

The post highlights Anne Krueger's insights on trade, corruption, and economic development from an interview, emphasizing her contributions to economics and the concept of rent seeking.

We Have Never Been Woke Part 6: Consequences of Awokenings

1016. We Have Never Been Woke Part 6: Consequences of Awokenings

Kevin Corcoran discusses the long-term consequences of Awokenings, arguing they have not improved conditions for marginalized groups and may have even hindered progress.

CFPB staff layoffs can proceed, appeals court rules

1017. CFPB staff layoffs can proceed, appeals court rules

A court ruling allows layoffs affecting a significant number of staff at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to move forward.

Part 2: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-August 2025

1018. Part 2: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-August 2025

An overview of the housing market highlights increased inventory, flat sales, and pressure on prices, with insights on house prices, mortgage rates, and rents.

Day 1, and thinking of my dad

1019. Day 1, and thinking of my dad

Scott Cunningham reflects on his father's declining health and the emotional challenges faced by his family during this difficult time.

Stagflation: Shooting the Messengers

1020. Stagflation: Shooting the Messengers

An argument that Trump's attacks on economists reflect his insecurity about economic performance, particularly regarding tariffs and their impact on inflation and growth.