Econ Blog

your daily dose of economic commentary

Trump adds $100,000 fee for high-skilled foreign workers in major visa overhaul

1141. Trump adds $100,000 fee for high-skilled foreign workers in major visa overhaul

An argument that the president's executive orders impose a $100,000 fee for H1-B visa workers and create a pathway for wealthy foreigners to obtain visas.

50 Years Ago: When the US Encouraged Coal Use

1142. 50 Years Ago: When the US Encouraged Coal Use

Timothy Taylor discusses the historical shift in U.S. energy policy 50 years ago, promoting coal use in response to oil crises and energy independence concerns.

The new Derek Parfit volume

1143. The new Derek Parfit volume

The discussion centers on personal anecdotes about Derek Parfit, his struggles with insomnia, and reflections on his philosophical impact and relationships.

The political mood feels like 9/11 again

1144. The political mood feels like 9/11 again

The post reflects on the political climate post-9/11, drawing parallels to current events and discussing the implications of cancel culture in contemporary politics.

'We are all Jimmy Kimmel': What late night hosts are saying about Kimmel's suspension

1145. 'We are all Jimmy Kimmel': What late night hosts are saying about Kimmel's suspension

Clare Lombardo discusses late night hosts expressing concerns about free speech following Jimmy Kimmel's suspension.

Jimmy Kimmel's suspension shows power of FCC's Brendan Carr

1146. Jimmy Kimmel's suspension shows power of FCC's Brendan Carr

David Folkenflik discusses Brendan Carr's actions as FCC chair in relation to media criticism of the Trump administration.

AI Won’t Kill Work – It Will Reinvent It

1147. AI Won’t Kill Work – It Will Reinvent It

An argument that AI will transform the workforce by creating new jobs rather than solely eliminating existing ones, drawing parallels to past technological changes.

Trump says talk with China's Xi yielded progress, including on TikTok

1148. Trump says talk with China's Xi yielded progress, including on TikTok

Progress in discussions between Trump and Xi includes potential U.S. ownership of TikTok to prevent its shutdown in the U.S.

Without free speech, America is nothing

1149. Without free speech, America is nothing

Noah Smith discusses the complexities of free speech in America, highlighting tensions between conservatives and progressives regarding censorship and government influence.

On the use and misuse of Fisher Randomization Tests — by Kyle Butts

1150. On the use and misuse of Fisher Randomization Tests — by Kyle Butts

An argument that randomization inference is a valuable statistical method but is often misapplied, particularly in observational studies where treatment assignment may not be random.

A Lawless Nation

1151. A Lawless Nation

An argument that a recent immigration enforcement incident involving South Korean workers highlights the dangers of aggressive policies and their potential impact on international relations and business.

Grocery prices have jumped up, and there's no relief in sight

1152. Grocery prices have jumped up, and there's no relief in sight

Scott Horsley discusses the significant increase in grocery prices and the ongoing inflation affecting consumers.

Wisconsin Manufacturing Employment Declines in August

1153. Wisconsin Manufacturing Employment Declines in August

Manufacturing employment in Wisconsin has decreased, contradicting expectations from tariffs, while nonfarm payroll employment has increased, reflecting a complex labor market situation.

Civilian Employment Peaked in April 2025

1154. Civilian Employment Peaked in April 2025

An argument that civilian employment data shows a peak in April 2025, highlighting trends in non-farm payroll and adjustments in employment measures.

The Virtue of Dissent and Conversation

1155. The Virtue of Dissent and Conversation

Jon Murphy discusses the importance of dissent and conversation in truth-finding, emphasizing its role in democracy and the relationship between experts and nonexperts.

Kimmel's suspension for Kirk comments sparks furor over free speech and censorship

1156. Kimmel's suspension for Kirk comments sparks furor over free speech and censorship

The post discusses the backlash over Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, highlighting concerns about free speech and government censorship in light of his comments on Charlie Kirk's death.

Recent Trends in US Antitrust Enforcement

1157. Recent Trends in US Antitrust Enforcement

Timothy Taylor discusses the Biden administration's aggressive approach to antitrust enforcement, analyzing merger trends and regulatory actions in recent years.

Democrats and Hollywood stars decry Kimmel's suspension as government censorship

1158. Democrats and Hollywood stars decry Kimmel's suspension as government censorship

Rachel Treisman discusses criticism from politicians and celebrities regarding Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, framing it as an issue of free speech and accountability.

Changing Opinions on America

1159. Changing Opinions on America

Pierre Lemieux discusses the shifting global perceptions of America, highlighting a decline in admiration and respect due to recent events and policies.

Exploiting Male Rage

1160. Exploiting Male Rage

The post discusses the economic and social challenges faced by young white men, linking their resentment to declining labor force participation and political exploitation by certain groups.