Next Economy

Stiglitz: Here's How to Fix Inequality

In his new book, a Nobel laureate outlines how the huge disparity arose and the huge course correction needed to address it.

• Gillian B. White
• November 2, 2015

Ignore Prestige: The Colleges That Provide the Biggest Earnings Boost

In a new ranking system, some of the nation’s most storied schools underperform.

• Gillian B. White
• November 2, 2015

The Week the Rest of America Learned About RushCards

Will anything change now that prepaid debit cards have failed so publicly?

• Gillian B. White
• October 24, 2015

Millennials: Forever Renters?

For young adults, purchasing a home would be about 25 percent cheaper than paying a landlord. But the numbers only tell part of the story.

• Gillian B. White
• October 23, 2015

Working From Home: Awesome or Awful?

Telecommuting can increase employee satisfaction and decrease turnover. It can also be lonely.

• Gillian B. White
• October 22, 2015

Are Public Universities Going to Disappear?

Facing giant budget cuts, the chancellor of the University of Kansas worries aloud about the future of state-funded higher education.

• Alana Semuels
• October 21, 2015

Congratulations Tennessee: You’ve Got the Most Regressive Tax System in America

With no income tax and high sales taxes, the state is asking poor people to pay far more than their fair share.

• Alana Semuels
• October 21, 2015

The Computer Glitch That's Keeping Poor People From Their Money

“I work hard for my money and now I can't get it.”

• Gillian B. White
• October 20, 2015

Ghost Towns of the 21st Century

After factories close, will one-time manufacturing hubs ever recover?

• Alana Semuels
• October 20, 2015

When Technology Is Too Advanced

GPS is universally loved, but the possibility of driverless cars has people scared.

• Janie Boschma
• October 17, 2015

Hangovers: They're Costing the U.S. Economy

Excessive drinking doesn’t just result in a high bar tab, it also lowers productivity and costs the country billions.

• Gillian B. White
• October 17, 2015

Free Tuition Is Not Enough

The Tennessee Promise has boosted enrollment at the state’s community colleges. But will those students graduate?

• Alana Semuels
• October 15, 2015

Americans Are Feeling Pretty Glum About Obama and the Economy

Citizens’ views of their finances haven’t improved in the past couple of years. Some blame the president.

• Ronald Brownstein
• October 11, 2015

Black Americans Would Have Been Better Off Renting Than Buying

Since the start of the century, the net worth of African Americans would have increased more without a mortgage.

• Gillian B. White
• October 11, 2015

How Has Technology Changed the Concept of Community?

For some, making connections has become easier, but others say that life has become more isolated.

• Ronald Brownstein
• October 10, 2015

America's Growing Pessimism

A recent poll shows that people are worried about education, the elderly, and the decisions of business leaders and the government.  

• Ronald Brownstein
• October 10, 2015

A Fear of Toys to Come

Americans love their GPS, but the high-tech products of the future—driverless cars, especially—give people the willies.

• Janie Boschma and National Journal
• October 8, 2015

What Would Americans Do With an Extra Couple Hundred Bucks?

That's not a hypothetical question. Falling gas prices mean the average household will be about $700 richer this year.

• Gillian B. White
• October 8, 2015

How the Trans-Pacific Partnership Threatens America's Recent Manufacturing Resurgence

Some firms have slowly been moving operations back to the U.S. Will the new trade deal undo the progress?

• Alana Semuels
• October 8, 2015

A Glass Half (uh, Two-Thirds) Empty

The latest Heartland Monitor Poll finds Americans optimistic about technology and diversity, but glum about other big trends reshaping the nation.

• Ronald Brownstein and National Journal
• October 7, 2015