guest column

One unpleasant aspect of being an economist is that it sometimes falls on us to explain why a feel-good idea is actually harmful. This includes the “preference policies” used by many U.S. states to assist local businesses, by giving an advantage to in-state vendors who submit bid proposals for state projects. Our new research finds that, despite the support they enjoy on both sides of the political aisle, preference policies may be costing you hundreds of dollars each year.

Bradley Cooper’s entrance into the wage gap discussion as an ally following Jennifer Lawrence’s article on her disparate pay in Hollywood has reignited a hot debate.

Justin Bieber turned 21 this year. He also lost a significant copyright case in the U.S. Court of Appeals.