Wrap Up for September 2026

How does the cost of living compare in different states?

Finally, more clarity from Kevin Warsh at Jackson Hole.

Did Trump's tariffs even achieve his own stated goals?

What if recycling doesn't work as well as we thought?

Fossil fuels still account for 81 percent of primary energy use in the U.S.

Nurses could be the near future fastest growing job in at least 42 states.

Rental housing is no longer a one size fits all story.

It has become impossible for the Fed to return to the operating system it used prior to 2008.

This has been an unfortunate summer for statistical integrity in the U.S.

The loss of the Bahrain Navy Base is proving to be more profound than was first realized.

Brad Delong highlights some perspectives on Warsh's Jackson Hole speech.

Three risks for the likelihood of continued inflation.

A graph for countries with the highest debt ratios.

Scott Bessent confidently declared that "I am the House now" and, well, this song comes to mind.

Maybe we have been teaching music for the wrong reasons.

Work holds more meaning for people than is often recognized.

There's a chance we could lose the ability to glean accurate stories about what is actually happening in the U.S.  But for now the numbers are still okay.

Comparing utility costs by state. 

Each possible map of the world has its own distortions.

Auto parts suppliers are especially having a difficult time with the uncertainties of tariffs.

Which states will feel the most impact from Canada's counter tariffs?

Supplements have become an important part of our daily routines.

For years, candy prices didn't go up much. What happened?

How does macroeconomics factor into the AI boom?

"The U.S. created a system where it rejects its own talent, then acts shocked when it runs out of personnel."

How useful is the theory of low growth correlating with political dissatisfaction?

Which countries depend on the U.S. the most for their exports?

It seems the hoped-for shift to male breadwinners didn't quite work out as planned.

Even though a rate hike is the best option, it is still costly.

Warsh held the line this time. Will he still hold it next time?

The customer's time preferences are also important for the price of a product.

Even after land use reforms, Nimbys are more motivated than ever to block new housing.

Which is worse: protectionism for sale, or protectionism for show?

The Fed had a good meeting, but the monetary policy that Warsh believes in, still isn't clear.

For Germany, post war politics was always about moderation. "That's over."

James Marriott and Russ Roberts discuss Marriott's new book about the decline of reading.

Gasoline prices in the U.S. are higher than one might expect, in relation to global comparisons.

Why have Arab armies struggled on the battlefield?

A visual for the world's largest oil importers in 2025.

When calculating changes in total immigrant numbers, it helps to consider the level of U.S. population as a whole.

Becoming a lame duck president could prove difficult for Trump.

Supply chain resilience also means higher prices in the future.

The U.S. tops the list for the most interest on government debt payments.

Main Street millionaires have been flying under the radar as they've gradually become part of crony capitalism.

A visual for the countries which exported the most oil in 2025.

Banning diesel exports would not guarantee cheaper diesel prices in the U.S. by any means.

Saudi Arabia has a stronger position in this war than some realize.

Will Warsh become more specific about his preferred monetary aggregate? 

The broad effects of AI in the creative class are still underway.

Long term yields in France and Italy are getting out of control.

"Until 1975, half of Americans said they entertained guests at their home every month."

The blockade on Iran has been quite effective.