Tuesday's Assorted Links

CEO salaries, gym memberships, negative gas prices, free healthcare, and Spirit Airlines

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

1. S&P 500 CEOs make 268 times more than their employees, on average [Sherwood News]

2. Gyms typically profit from members not showing up, but Gen Z is breaking the trend by actually using their memberships, which is causing challenges for gyms [Business Insider]

3. Natural gas is so plentiful in West Texas that they’re paying people to take it [The New York Times]

4. U.S. athletes are taking full advantage of free healthcare in the Olympic Village [Sports Illustrated]

5. Spirit Airlines is trying to go upmarket with snacks, Wi-Fi, and checked bags included [CNBC]

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The Federal Reserve’s independence is critical to its role in maintaining economic stability, yet this principle is under threat. Donald Trump’s push for presidential influence over the Fed echoes past attempts to politicize monetary policy—a move that history warns us could lead to dire consequences. Explore why keeping the Fed independent is essential for a stable economy:

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