Latest from Ellen Rolfes

• Aug 30, 2024

  Why you keep hearing about canceling medical debt

  

  In this week’s “Make Me Smart” newsletter, we explore the rise of medical debt forgiveness and how crypto is influencing the 2024 elections.

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• Aug 23, 2024

  Catch up on all the news you missed from the DNC

  

  Plus, The Onion is back in print and Burning Man is losing some heat.

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• Aug 16, 2024

  No political party can take union voters for granted

  

  Democrats and Republicans want to win over union voters. Plus, the impact of extreme heat on Americans’ utility bills. Subscribe to get the “Make Me Smart” newsletter every Friday!

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• Aug 12, 2024

  How song makes the union strong

  

  Labor songs were sung at home, on the job and on the picket line. Let’s look at the history, starting with “Harlan County, U.S.A.”

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• Aug 9, 2024

  Why investors backed away from carry trades this week

  

  Investors are reminded why its risky to invest with borrowed money. Subscribe to get the “Make Me Smart” newsletter every Friday!

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• Aug 5, 2024

  In a company town, how much power does the company have?

  

  “Harlan County U.S.A.” depicts a labor dispute in a coal town with a violent history, where organized workers waged a 13-month strike to check the power of an industry in which employers have long had the upper hand.

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• Jul 31, 2024

  We asked for your work’s “Always Be Closing” — here’s what you said

  

  “Econ Extra Credit” readers told us about their own “Glengarry Glen Ross” experiences.

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• Jul 26, 2024

  Senate advances bills that boost privacy and safety for kids

  

  The legislation would force tech companies to do more to prevent harm. Subscribe to get the “Make Me Smart” newsletter every Friday!

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• Jul 23, 2024

  Cooling-off periods give consumers certain rights to change their mind

  

  In “Glengarry Glen Ross,” this month’s “Econ Extra Credit” film, that right to cancel becomes a central part of the plot. Let’s dig into the history.

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• Jul 19, 2024

  Republicans embrace economic populism at the RNC

  

  It’s part of the GOP’s pitch to working-class voters. Plus, get smarter about lunar caves. Subscribe to get the “Make Me Smart” newsletter every Friday!

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