ahead

With the current U.S. inflation rate at 7.1%, interest rates rising and housing costs up, many Americans are wondering if a recession is looming. Two economists discussed that and more in a recent wide-ranging and exclusive interview for The Conversation. Brian Blank is a finance professor at Mississippi State University who specializes in the study of corporations and how they respond to economic downturns. Rodney Ramcharan is an economist at the University of Southern California who previously held posts with the Federal Reserve and the International Monetary Fund. Both were interviewed by Bryan Keogh, deputy managing editor and senior editor of economy and business for The Conversation. Below are some highlights from the discussion. Answers have been edited for brevity and clarity. B...

Women athletes continue to face scrutiny for their looks, from their hairstyles to the cut of their uniforms. Candice Norwood Originally published by The 19th The two-time Paralympic world champion Olivia Breen had just wrapped a long jump competition at the English Championships on Sunday when she was approached by an official who said her competition shorts were “too revealing” and suggested she buy another pair. “I didn’t know what to say,” Breen later told Sky News. “I just looked speechless.” A day after this exchange, the European Handball Federation said it would fine Norway’s women’s beach handball team €1,500, or about $1,760, as a penalty for the players wearing shorts instead of the required bikini bottoms during a match over the weekend. As athletes gear up for the start ...