Tuesday's Assorted Links

Commemorative coins, world news, ocean activity, cheap medicine, and the NFL

Hi y’all! Here are five stories from this week that contained some neat applications of economic principles or are related to teaching:

1. The US Mint unveiled its first-ever set of commemorative coins honoring abolitionist Harriet Tubman, which includes $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar coins [The Hill]

2. This interactive site displays news from around the globe, literally. Rotate the Earth to see top stories [Pale Blue]

3. Researchers used artificial intelligence and satellite imagery to map ocean activities that take place out of sight, including fishing, shipping, and energy development [The Conversation | Original Study]

4. The FDA has authorized Florida to purchase medicines directly from wholesalers in Canada, where prices are far cheaper [The New York Times]

5. The NFL was responsible for 93 of the top 100 broadcast programs on TV last year [Sportico]

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I’ve been wishing warm welcomes for the past few weeks now, but given the cold spell that swept across much of the United States yesterday, it’s extra timely. I want to wish a warm welcome to our 75 newest followers who have joined over the past week. I’m glad you signed up and I hope you find our journey together fun and engaging!

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You’ve likely seen those quirky, funny electronic signs along the highway and had a quick chuckle. But now, the federal government has decided these signs are no laughing matter. This week’s post looks at the theory behind why these signs exist, but also the unintended consequences of going too far.

Have Amusing Signs Become a Road Hazard?

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