Prospect Weekend Reads Week of April 3rd Stories from the week you don’t want to miss!
ILLUSTRATION BY ROB DOBI
How Models Get the Economy Wrong: Underneath the arcane mathematics of economic modeling, there are simplifying assumptions at play. Often, the wrong simplification can lead to the wrong answer. For our April 2023 print issue, Joseph Stiglitz writes about how popular models do not explain today's economy.
Brandon Johnson's Ground Game Defeats Obama Machine in Chicago: Brandon Johnson’s historic mayoral win in Chicago shows how progressive politics can win in big cities. What makes his win even more significant? His opponent was endorsed by the Obama machine. Luke Goldstein has the story.
Hidden in Plain Sight: Read David Dayen and Rakeen Mabud of Groundwork Collaborative on how economic models are often used as a political weapon to dismiss innovative policy solutions before they can build a coalition of popular support.
‘Zero Interest in Doing Business’: TSMC Snubs Phoenix Construction Workers: In the most recent edition of our newsletter BASED, Lee Harriswrites about the uphill battle for unions in Phoenix’s burgeoning job market. Though the building trades have gained a foothold through the city council, CHIPS Act guidance for businesses only suggests hiring union labor.
Idaho's Abortion Fixation Decimates Rural Health Care: Under a new Idaho law, any adult who assists a minor in obtaining an abortion out of state is subject to prosecution. Read Gabrielle Gurley on how the law has created a shortage of doctors statewide.
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