In The News

Heather Long January 9, 2019
Donald Trump insists that a formidable wall along the twisting US-Mexico border – about 1,900 miles in length– is the only solution to what he calls an immigration crisis. Economists argue the wall will do little to reduce illegal migration. Also, the wall “would hurt the U.S. economy because there would be fewer workers and lower output,” report three economists who modeled the wall’s impact, as...
Melina Kolb December 26, 2018
Perhaps it is human nature as so many people take credit for their every success but blame others – trade, migration, technological advances and other facets of globalization – for their woes. The Peterson Institute for International Economics undertakes the task of reminding about the age-old processes of globalization, urging an understanding of the relative costs and benefits to avoid the...
Steven Johnson December 12, 2018
Organizations of all types are reviewing partnerships with Saudi Arabia since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was among the first universities to review ties, including $25 million for MIT research from Saudi Aramco. Gifts from Saudi donors account for about 40 percent of overall spending in recent years,...
Jonathan Hahn December 3, 2018
Only foolish or superstitious societies ignore clear evidence of danger and take chances. The science on climate change and a warming world is overwhelming, yet a small, vocal minority insists that there is no need for humans to take precautions by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. US government scientists released the fourth National Climate Assessment, as required by Congress. “The report is...
Colby Hamilton November 30, 2018
Donald Trump’s former attorney pleaded guilty to lying to US Congress about Donald Trump’s attempts to secure a Russian real estate deal during the US presidential campaign. Michael Cohen is cooperating with the investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Russian meddling in the US presidential election. Cohen admitted to considering plans for him and Trump to travel to Russia and...
Patricia Zengerle and Matt Spetalnick November 29, 2018
The US is weighing the possibility of new background checks and restrictions for Chinese attending US colleges. The goal is to protect national security and prevent intellectual property theft in sensitive areas. “In June, the U.S. State Department shortened the length of visas for Chinese graduate students studying aviation, robotics and advanced manufacturing to one year from five,” reports...
Joshua Barajas and Amber Partida November 28, 2018
US border patrol officers fired tear gas to deter asylum seekers crossing the border from Mexico. The asylum seekers, many starting in Honduras, formed a caravan hoping for strength in numbers and media attention on their flight from poverty and drug-cartel violence. US officials regard the caravan as a security threat although photographs and videos show a crowd consisting of many women and...