newsletter
The paperwork trap: A sneaky way to cut Medicaid in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’?
Republicans want to add work requirements for Americans to get Medicaid. Is that a necessary step to fight "waste, fraud, and abuse" or a sneaky way of cutting the social safety net?
How Apple turbocharged China’s development
A new book raises the specter that corporate offshoring of manufacturing may have undermined America's lead in technological innovation and even its national security.
Is all this talk of recession indicators a sign a recession is coming?
For generations, people have looked for small, informal signs that a recession is coming or already here. This phenomenon recently exploded on social media, often in joke form.
Can bringing back manufacturing help the heartland catch up with ‘superstar’ cities?
In recent decades, America has seen economic opportunities concentrated in superstar cities. Manufacturing boosters hope reshoring factories could help change that. We look at the theory and evidence.
Are manufacturing jobs actually special?
More than half of American workers don't have a college degree. Is manufacturing a ticket for them to the middle class?
Why aren’t Americans filling the manufacturing jobs we already have?
Leaders from both political parties have been working to bring back manufacturing. But American manufacturers say they are struggling to fill the manufacturing jobs we already have.
A weird partisan pattern of trust in the Fed
A new study shows how partisan politics has long influenced whether Americans trust the Fed. And how, with Trump's second term, an old pattern may have changed.
Tariffs make sour grapes for American winemakers
American winemakers tell us why tariffs hurt their industry.
Crumbling trust in American institutions: A MAHA activist takes on Girl Scout cookies
A controversial study raised the specter that Girl Scout cookies are unsafe. Authorities say they are safe, but the whole saga highlights a breakdown of trust in American institutions.
Fast-er food: A productivity surge at U.S. restaurants
A new study finds that after decades of stagnation, fast-food and other restaurants finally saw a surge in productivity.
Trump is asserting extraordinary power over independent agencies. Is the Fed next?
The rise and potential fall of independent agencies.
Can President Trump ignore Congress’ spending laws? The debate over ‘impoundment’
Since taking office, the Trump administration and DOGE have been seeking to unilaterally override the spending plans set by Congress. Can they do that under the U.S. Constitution?
