newsletter
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?
This economist survived a wildfire. Now she’s taking on California’s insurance crisis
An economist's harrowing escape from fire, and her big ideas to rescue California from its insurance doom spiral.
This skateboarding economist suggests we need more skateparks and less capitalism
A skateboarder presented an unusual paper at this year's big meeting of American economists.
What America’s top economists are saying about AI and inequality
Planet Money attended the annual meeting of American economists — and the most popular topic this year was artificial intelligence.
