What Is a Tariff? An Economist Explains
An optimal tariff maximizes the difference between the terms of trade gain and the efficiency loss and hence is essentially a “beggar-thy-neighbor” trade policy.
Category: Politics
How Reagan’s notions of a ‘good society’ resonate with Trump supporters today
Reagan linked American exceptionalism, particularly its role as a “shining city on a hill” to neoliberal ideas including a limited government, tax cuts and reduced social services. At its heart, neoliberalism views every aspect of civic, social and cultural life in terms of the market economy.
U.S. Department of Justice Sues Yale University for Race Discrimination
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) sued Yale University for the alleged discrimination against White and Asian applicants. The lawsuit was filed on Thursday October 9, 2020 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. It accuses Yale University of illegally considering the race of the candidates in its admission decisions.
Open, Honest and Effective: What Makes Jacinda Ardern an Authentic Leader
The qualities that have made Jacinda Ardern New Zealand’s most popular prime minister in a century were on display as she took an earthquake in her stride during a live television interview.
Police Solve Just 2% of All Major Crimes
When considering approaches to police reform, it’s important to remember that Americans still don’t report about half of major crimes.
By Filing for Bankruptcy, the Boy Scouts May Compensate More Survivors of Sexual Abuse
The Boy Scouts of America has filed for bankruptcy to figure out how to fairly compensate thousands of survivors of alleged sexual abuse who accuse the Scouts of neglecting to protect them.
U.S. Mortgage Rates Go Down Under 3%, the Lowest in the Past 50 Years
Mortgage rates in the United States went down below 3%, which is the lowest level in history, leading to an increase in home buying demand. According to the data released by Freddie Mac on Thursday July 16 2020, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 2.98%. A year ago, its rate was 3.81%.
France Returns the Skulls of Algerian Freedom Fighters to Algeria, 170 Years Later
The Algerian skulls belong to freedom fighters who had resisted to the French colonial forces in 1830. They were exhibited in Paris as a racial specimen.
Radiation Increase in Scandinavia Probably Linked to Russian Nuclear Accident
The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland has found small amounts of radioactive isotopes of cobalt, caesium and ruthenium in Helsinki.
Coronavirus: Why We Should Be Sceptical About the Benevolence of Billionaires
The Gates Foundation is the largest funder of the WHO after the U.S. It shapes the global health agenda in a way that has been described as a “cartel”.
U.S. Green Card Lottery DV-2021 Results Available Online
The results of the Electronic Diversity Visa Lottery for the year 2021 (DV-2021) will be available online starting at noon (EDT) on Saturday June 6, 2020. The results are related to the registration period that opened on October 2, 2019 and closed on November 5, 2019. Initially scheduled for May 5, 2020, the DV-2021 announcement was delayed due to the Covid-19 crisis.
Hertz Stock Surges Spectacularly, Two Weeks After Bankruptcy
Two weeks after filing for bankruptcy in May 22, 2020, the 102 year-old Hertz saw its stock surging to spectacular figures. Why?
The Us Owes $23.5 Trillion but Can Still Afford a Big Coronavirus Stimulus Package
The U.S. government is adding US$2 trillion Covid-19 response stimulus package to its existing US$23.5 trillion debt. How is that possible?
TRUMP POSTPONES TAX FILING DEADLINE TO JULY 15, 2020
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced in a tweet the decision to move Tax Day from April 15 to July 15.
“All taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties” Mnuchin said in his tweet, posted on Friday March 20, 2020.
TRUMP TO SEND CHECKS TO AMERICANS AS PART OF A STIMULUS PACKAGE
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Tuesday March 17, 2020 that the Trump administration is “looking at sending checks to Americans immediately”.
SAUDI ARAMCO NET PROFITS PLUNGE 21% – OIL PRICE WAR LOOMING
The Russian Energy Minister told reporters: “From April 1 neither OPEC nor non-OPEC have restrictions”. A relentless price war is looming.
TRUMP DECLARES CORONAVIRUS NATIONAL EMERGENCY – WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
Trump declared national emergency in response to coronavirus. This declaration gives him over 100 special provisions to tackle the spread of the pandemic.
HARVARD ASKED STUDENTS TO LEAVE DORMS AND TAKE COURSES ONLINE
Harvard University has asked students to leave their dorms by Sunday, March 15 2020. This decision comes in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK FORCES THE FEDERAL RESERVE TO CUT RATES
The Federal Reserve decided to drop interest rates by half a point on Tuesday March 3, 2020. This decision comes amid growing fears about coronavirus.
One Million Britons Will Be on Zero-Hour Contracts by the End of 2020
If current trends continue, around a million working people will be on zero-hours contracts by the end of the year 2020, researcher says.
Real Pay Data Show Trump’s Blue Collar Boom Is More of a Bust for Us Workers, in 3 Charts
Next time you read a story about a rise in pay, try to see if it reports the wage data in nominal or real terms, and if it includes fringe benefits too.
Negative Interest Rates Will Not Fix the Global Economy – Just Ask Switzerland
Base interest rates have been negative in Switzerland, Denmark, Japan and the eurozone for years. This represents a new macroeconomic policy experiment.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Who’s Decision To Not Declare a Global Public Health Emergency Explained
The concept of the World Health Organization declaring global public health emergencies first arose after the 2003 Sars coronavirus outbreak.
The English Language Is Evolving – Here’s How It Will Change After Brexit
How about a Slovenian cyclist being interviewed in English language by a French journalist about his performance in an Italian cycling event.
Mental Health: One in Three Young People in England Are Struggling – New Report
Over 38% of young people in England are struggling with poor mental health. This is the highest proportion since the 2006 survey.