The cleanup cost of the April 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is estimated at $6 billion, not including the economic damage to the fishing and tourism industries, which will likely add several billion more. Proponents of stricter environmental regulation believe such catastrophes could...

State and local government employees have long enjoyed the perk of a guaranteed pension in retirement, but that may no longer be the case — because of the recent recession, state budgets are in trouble. Many states have under-funded their pension plans to pay current expenses, and many pension...

Greek's current sovereign debt has reached crisis levels. Should the United States expect something similar? Probably not. Read the August 2010 Newsletter to learn why (or why not).

For years, economists have debated the wisdom of increasing government spending during recessions. On the one hand, increased spending adds to budget deficits, but on the other, increased spending can stimulate the economy during a downturn, thus speeding recovery. Deficits topped $1.4 trillion...

The emphasis on global economics is here to stay, but how does it affect the average citizen? The April 2010 Newsletter examines the links between foreign exchange rates and global trade and explains the effect on U.S. prices and import/export trading.

Patent rights are becoming increasingly controversial in areas such as pharmaceuticals and genetics. Should the public good come before the private gain of new product inventors or developers? The May 2010 Newsletter tackles this issue.

The new economic terms and programs—from TARP to TALF to COP—are important, but trying to keep track of it all can make your head spin. Read the March 2009 Newsletter for a clear, concise explanation of the Treasury's Troubled Asset Relief Program designed to help alleviate the nation’s...

Before the current recession, soaring stock prices and housing values made many Americans feel well off, and thus many were lax in saving for retirement. The current financial market downturn has erased much of the previous gains, leaving many workers unprepared for retirement.

The FDIC estimates that an additional 4 to 5 million mortgages could enter foreclosure over the next two years. How did this happen, and what can be done to improve the situation? The April 2009 Newsletter offers some insights and further resources on the foreclosure situation.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), achieving a higher level of education is one way to guard against unemployment and increase earnings: A 2008 report found that workers with a bachelor’s degree earned 65 percent more than workers with only a high school diploma and nearly 130...