THE $800 BILLION PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM: WHERE DID THE MONEY GO AND WHY DID IT GO THERE?
Economic Way of Thinking
The Paradox of Wealthy Nations’ Low Adolescent Life Satisfaction
Journal of Happiness Studies - Using PISA 2018 data from nearly half a million 15-year-olds across 72 middle- and high-income countries, this study investigates the relationship between economic...
Just Finnish things: reindeer, Nokia, and $130k speeding tickets
Don’t worry: The fine went to one of the richest people in Finland.
Nevada lawmakers consider public financing for Athletics stadium
Whether or not to fork over the money has divided various groups in Nevada, which relies on tourism and entertainment for a disproportionate share of its economy.
Las Vegas ballpark pitch revives debate over public funding for sports stadiums
A proposal to help finance a new ballpark for Major League Baseball's Athletics in Las Vegas has revived nationwide debates about public funding for private stadiums. And that has pitted Nevada’s powerful tourism industry and labor unions against some progressive groups, raising concerns about ceding tax revenue when services such as public schools are funded below the national average. Proponents say the proposal could create new jobs, increase the state’s general revenue and further diversify the city's casino and gaming-based economy. But skeptics warn of empty promises, citing growing evidence that minimal dollars generated from the new stadium would not otherwise be spent among nearby resorts and restaurants.
The most athletic DH ever or a Gold Glover in center field? Breaking down the Twins' great Byron Buxton experiment
Is a healthy Buxton -- without his glove -- more valuable than risking injury with him in the outfield? So far, Minnesota is betting on it.
Art Carden (@artcarden) / Twitter
pic.twitter.com/EsdaVSKmdI— J.C. Bradbury (@jc_bradbury) March 28, 2023

Trade offer: You get a free TV, Telly gets your eyeballs
You can get a free 55-inch flat-screen, but you’ll have to surrender your data and watch constant ads.
Why Nashville Should Rethink Its Multi-Billion Dollar East Bank Redevelopment Plan | Baker Elkins
The tech company Oracle has agreed to take on $175 million worth of infrastructure development in return for substantial tax breaks. However impressive that number may sound, it’s only pennies compared to the full price of the project.
The NFL and Tennessee Titans have also pledged to pay roughly $840 million to help cover the cost of a new stadium. While this is admittedly a good chunk of change, that still leaves well over a billion dollars to Nashville and the state of Tennessee.

Michigan business leaders: ‘We’re a below-average state’ with no quick fix | Bridge Michigan
The state needs to up its economic development game to compete among states that are growing, Business Leaders for Michigan says. Doing so will require setting a long-term education and business development plan.
Workers Now Spend Two Full Days a Week on Email and in Meetings
New data shows why it can be so hard to get things done.
KAYAK: Budget Artist
Oof, family vacation off to a bad start? It’s probably because you’re trying to save money during your trip, because you spent too much planning your trip. A...
surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
NYPD’s answer to TikTok car theft challenges: 500 free AirTags
NYC has seen a rise in Kia and Hyundai thefts.
The Incentive Game
This game is designed to teach one of the most important fundamental concepts in economics: The idea that incentives matter and people will change their behavior in a predictable way when their incentives change.
Americans May Feel Inflation Pain Even When It Cools | Bankrate
The massive post-pandemic price burst has harmed Americans’ ability to take the prudent financial steps that could set them up for success in the long run.
Misaligned Incentives Plague Professional Drafts
Professional sports drafts are designed to promote parity and competitiveness among teams, with the worst-performing teams getting the top picks in the next season. However, this well-intentioned system has been plagued with misaligned incentives that have led to tanking and other forms of unsportsmanlike behavior. Recent events in the NBA and NFL drafts highlight these problems and their economic implications.
Opinion | Could Peer Influence Be a Cause of the Global Baby Bust?
The decision to have or not have children isn’t made in isolation.
Most Common Use of Time, By Age and Sex
Typical time use varies by who you talk to. This interactive shows you the differences when you vary age and sex.
Walmart sets its sights on automation as the “year of efficiency” marches forward - Robinhood Snacks
“I’m sorry, Dave”… I might take your job. Walmart said it expects 65% of its stores to be serviced by automated distribution centers by the end...
Swimming pools and lavish gardens of the rich are driving water shortages, study says
Socioeconomic disparity is just as influential as climate change and population growth when it comes to explaining why so many cities are struggling with their water supply, researchers say.
South Korea Tries $500 Handouts to Help Reclusive Kids Get Out
The South Korean government wants shut-in kids to leave the house and go outside.
How mobile phones have changed our brains
The handheld cellphone is 50 years old and has become an essential multi-tool that helps us run our lives. But is it altering the way our brains work?
These maps provide graphic evidence of how parking lots "eat" U.S. cities
Parking lots are about one-fifth of all land in U.S. city centers, making them "easy to get to, but not worth arriving at."
Ramen for breakfast? Cup Noodles' new flavor tastes like egg, sausage and maple syrup pancakes
The limited edition flavor will sell for $1.18 at Walmart.
South Korea will give families $770 a month for one year to have a baby
The Asian nation has already spent $200 billion trying, and failing, to boost fertility rates
Goldman Says AI Will Spur US Productivity Jump, Global Growth
German monks create world's first powdered beer
A monastic brewery in East Germany says it's created the first powdered beer. Just add water, and it'll froth up, complete with a foamy head and full flavor. The result promises massive savings on transport, because it can be shipped at 10% of the weight.
U.S. plans major revamp of troubled organ transplant system
Seventeen people die every day waiting for organ transplants in the U.S.
Can money buy happiness? Scientists say it can.
There is no $75,000 income happiness threshold, psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Matthew Killingsworth say. For most in the U.S. earning up to $500,000, more money can bring greater satisfaction.