The Government Is Better at Picking Losers Than Winners
It's taxpayers who lose when politicians give gifts, grants, and loans to private companies.
Economics
St. Louis Schools Lost $260 Million to Economic Development Subsidies
According to a report from Good Jobs First, St. Louis' public schools took the brunt of the loss at nearly 65 percent of the total.
The Best of Reason: Is ESG Already Over?
CEOs are beginning to wonder what to do when environmental, social, and governance factors are at odds with performance.
Massive Migrant Reduction
Plus: Deepfakes of Biden, complaints of Californians, filters for aircrafts, and more...
Filterworld Is a Confused Critique of Algorithms
It's Super Size Me for internet intellectuals.
Republican Presidential Nomination
DeSantis Down and Out
Plus: Javier Milei’s powerful speech on economic prosperity in Davos
Over 300,000 Ohioans Are Employed by Foreign Companies. Why Isn't J.D. Vance Outraged?
Companies based outside the United States employ 7.9 million Americans. Foreign investment isn't something to be feared or blocked, but welcomed.
New York Wants To Help More International Students Become Entrepreneurs
The plan will help provide “university-sponsored visas that allow them to continue performing and commercializing research without leaving the state.”
The Biden Administration Has Found a Way To Keep Forgiving Student Loans
Through changes to income-driven repayment plans, the Department of Education is set to enact debt relief for thousands of borrowers.
The World Could Soon Have Its First Trillionaire. Good!
A new report brings remarkable economic illiteracy to its focus on poverty and inequality.
Interest Rates Are High. GOP Presidential Candidates Need To Get Serious About It.
They will either reduce the ability to spend money or to cut taxes.
Javier Milei Tells World Leaders: 'The State Is Not the Solution'
Speaking at the Davos conference, the Argentine president said the key to prosperity lies in free market ideals and capitalism.
California's Attack on Gig Work Predictably Drove Workers Out of Jobs
Self-employment in California fell by 10.5 percent and overall employment tumbled by 4.4 percent after A.B. 5's implementation.
Tax Us, Daddy?
Plus: Polycules go mainstream, DeSantis pulls out, tackle football lives on, and more...
The Best of Reason: The Fiscal Hawks Were Right About Debt and Interest Rates
Rosy fiscal expectations based on eternally low interest rates have proven dangerously wrong.
The Trump Train Rolls Through Iowa
Plus: A listener asks the editors if there are any bad laws that might discourage people from having kids.
Is ESG Already Over?
CEOs are beginning to wonder what to do when environmental, social, and governance factors are at odds with performance.
Why America Should Be More Like Sweden (It's Not What You Think!)
Sweden reformed socialistic aspects of its pension system and introduced partial privatization.
The Fiscal Hawks Were Right About Debt and Interest Rates
Rosy fiscal expectations based on eternally low interest rates have proven dangerously wrong.
Spanish Translation of "The Case Against Nationalism" Now Available
The Cato Institute has posted a Spanish-language version of the article I coauthored with Alex Nowrasteh.
Wonka Fights the Candy Cronies
When regulators block entrepreneurs, they take away a golden ticket.
On Economic Issues, the Populist Right and Left Share a Lot of Common Ground
That's bad news for Americans.
Labor Department's New Regs Aim To Rescue Gig Workers From Their Own Preferences
Biden undid Trump-era rules for independent contractors, but the new rule will likely last only until another Republican is elected president. This is no way to regulate an economy.
Magatte Wade: The Real Reasons Why Africa Is Poor and Why It Matters
The author discusses how cryptocurrencies are helping people like her build the Africa—and the world—they want.
The Real Reasons Africa Is Poor—and Why It Matters
Author Magatte Wade discusses how cryptocurrencies are helping people like her build the Africa—and the world—they want.
The Feds Shouldn't Subsidize Fancy, Risky Beach Houses
Government is "promoting bad behavior," says Sen. Rand Paul. He's right.
The Best of Reason: The Post-Neoliberalism Moment
Anyone advocating neoliberal policies is now persona non grata in Washington, D.C.
Biden Considering Higher Tariffs on E.V.s Imported from China, Raising Prices for Americans
Tariffs of 25 percent introduced under Donald Trump have been allowed to remain in place, and Biden may tack on even more to shield American firms from competition.
New Tariffs on Tin Cans Get Biden Administration Approval
There's no good reason for the government to block Americans' access to cheaper tin cans.
The Post-Neoliberalism Moment
Anyone advocating neoliberal policies is now persona non grata in Washington, D.C.
Welfare Is Great—for the Welfare Bureaucrats
The clients get a confusing maze and a lot of incentives to stay on welfare.
State Governments Promised Private Companies More than $10 Billion in Subsidies Last Year
The statistic, compiled by watchdog group Good Jobs First, only takes into account "megadeals" involving at least $50 million in subsidies.
Biden Administration Quietly Extended the Unnecessary COVID Bailout for States and Local Governments
Republican senators say the change is "mind-bending and deeply concerning."
The Modern Miracle of Cheap Aluminum Foil
These are the best of times, so let's all stop complaining.
The FAFSA 'Soft Launch' Was a Confusing, Glitchy Disaster
While the new version of the financial aid form was supposed to simplify the process, it has instead been riddled with technical problems and considerable delays.
Argentine Court Blocks Milei's Labor Reforms
The president says the changes are needed to "avoid disaster."
3 Economic Myths That Need To Die
As we step into 2024, it's crucial to adopt a more informed perspective on these dubious claims.
America Has Borrowed $1 Trillion Since the Start of Football Season
The federal government is borrowing money at a mind-spinning rate, and you can't blame it on the COVID-19 pandemic anymore.
Former NIH Director: Ignoring 'Collateral Damage' Inflicted by COVID-19 Policies Was 'Really Unfortunate'
Francis Collins’ remarks highlight the folly of attaching "infinite value" to a life saved by government regulation.
In 2024, Teens Will Get Pregnant in Driverless Cars
Plus: State officials attempt to ban Donald Trump from 2024 election ballots.
My New National Affairs Article on "The Case Against Nationalism"
Coauthored with Cato Institute scholar Alex Nowrasteh.
Protectionism Ruined U.S. Steel
Another round of federal intervention to prevent its sale makes no sense.
Photo: Is SpaceX Ready for Liftoff?
With another “rapid unscheduled disassembly,” the second Starship test in November was a mixed success.
Red State, Red Tape
How Florida’s legacy of slow-growth laws is holding back its post-COVID boom.
