Quick hits: Interesting links
Student loans, unions, tariffs, and more
This week, we’re trying a new format and bringing you a collection of links to interesting facts or analyses we’ve encountered recently. Let us know what you think by responding to the poll at the end of the post.
The share of student loan balances that are delinquent jumped to 8% from 1% in the first quarter of 2025. Among borrowers with payments due, 23.7% are behind on payments (vs. 22.1% prior to the pandemic).
Americans have warmer feelings towards labor unions and cooler feelings toward big business than at any time in 6 decades of data.
Exports to key trading partners are falling amid the Trump administration’s slew of tariffs.
Women tend to accept lower pay in favor of nonwage amenities, such as predictable schedules, to a degree that could explain up to two-thirds of the gender pay gap.
There’s a “live” handbook of education policy research aimed at policymakers, with chapters on broader effects of early childhood care and education, various forms of school choice, teacher evaluation, workforce development, student loans, and many other topics.
Prices of imported retail goods are rising rapidly but are only slightly above October 2024 levels.
If you’re starting a new job, consider negotiating over your salary.
I very much like this short version, but I'd suggest weekly.
Good format, but twice a month would be a good interval.