Back to Basics
Column Published in syndication October 14, 2026Dr. Vivienne Malone-Mayes, the iconic civil rights activist and pioneering Baylor mathematics professor, was an early mentor and later a dear friend. She taught me many things about mathematics - and life. One of her most frequent lessons was that, when you face a particularly challenging problem, it is often useful to set aside the incremental work that has been done previously and go back to the very origins of the issue you are seeking to address. The work of Robert Hall and Michael Woodford, this year's Nobel Laureates in Economics, is the embodiment of that principle. You may not be aware of their achievements, but you are much the better for them.
- Tags:
- economics,
- Nobel Prize
Defense
Column Published in syndication October 07, 2026Texas is one of the top US states for private-sector defense industries, with hundreds of firms engaged in businesses ranging from land and sea defense systems to cybersecurity. In addition to the presence of large companies, the state has developed a robust supply chain network of smaller entities providing key input goods and services. These firms play a crucial role in national defense and global security. They also generate substantial economic benefits through their operations, including well-paying jobs (more than 40% higher than the regional average) and opportunities for other businesses across the state.
Labor Force Participation
Column Published in syndication September 30, 2026The Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is a closely watched indicator of the level of engagement of people in the workforce, whether employed or seeking a job. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks the measure, which has recently fallen to levels not seen since the mid-1970s (excluding the pandemic). While notable, the implications of the decline are somewhat nuanced.
Making Ends Meet
Column Published in syndication September 23, 2026Recent data from the Census Bureau indicates that US real median household income reached $87,460 last year. It's a record high dating back to when the series began in 1967. The fact that it's "real" means that it is adjusted for inflation, and the "median" describes the level at which half fall above and half below. Clearly, it's nice to see some progress in this overall measure, but there are notable caveats that should be examined.
- Tags:
- median household income
Educational Evolution
Column Published in syndication September 16, 2026Notable shifts with profound implications are underway in higher education and other post-secondary training across the country. More students are choosing less time-consuming (and, hence, less expensive) options, demographic trends are decreasing the numbers of potential students in many regions, and international enrollment is falling precipitously. Institutions are facing myriad pressures, and some will no doubt need to adapt to remain viable. Let's explore the big-picture trends.
- Tags:
- education
The Short‑Term Economic Forecast for Texas Metropolitan Areas
Column Published in syndication September 09, 2026Texas and its metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) and metropolitan divisions (MDs) are projected to see notable economic expansion from 2025 to 2030 despite national and global uncertainties and significant headwinds. The pace will be uneven and likely backloaded to the later segments of the projection period, but gains are expected over the five-year horizon. Let's review some highlights from our most recent forecasts.
- Tags:
- Texas,
- economic forecast
LNG
Column Published in syndication September 02, 2026The process of compressing natural gas into a liquefied form and transporting it around the world has been a true game changer. Previously constrained by pipeline routes, the natural gas market had been largely regional and domestic. Now, areas with abundant supplies can access areas an ocean away, thus creating a functioning global market.
Affordability
Column Published in syndication August 26, 2026Over the past few years, costs of living have increased significantly faster than wages, thus creating a major affordability problem for millions of Americans. It is a hot-button campaign topic at present, but the real issue is much more visceral. It is multifaceted, and solutions won't be simple. Let's briefly explore how we arrived at this point.
Omnipresent Oil
Column Published in syndication August 19, 2026The United States remained the world's largest crude oil producer in 2025, continuing a trend that began in 2018 and reflects a remarkable turnaround from past decades. With a record high 13.6 million barrels per day (bpd), the US led Russia (9.9 million bpd), Saudi Arabia (9.6 million bpd), and Canada (5.0 million bpd) by a wide margin.
- Tags:
- oil,
- production,
- United States
Making Stuff
Column Published in syndication August 12, 2026One of the most important economic sectors to long-term growth is manufacturing, which is the process of making stuff. Manufacturing is what economists call a "basic" (or export) industry, meaning that it is one that creates value and incomes in an area rather than supporting a population and using that income. It also leads to some of the largest dynamic or "ripple" effects through the economy, thus generating additional business activity.
- Tags:
- manufacturing