October 2008

Community Colleges: Not So Junior Anymore

Originally, their goal was to prepare students to transfer to a four-year college. Today, they also offer work force training, certification in professions, adult continuing education—and even bachelor's degrees.

Income Inequality: It's Not So Bad

Census data show that the income of the rich is growing faster than the income of the poor. But such common measures exaggerate the degree of income inequality. In addition, income inequality is the result of—and not a detriment to—a well-functioning economy.

District Tops U.S. in Growth of Exports to China

Missouri is leading the region's pack, with an annual rate of growth topping 31 percent.

Did Credit Scores Predict the Subprime Crisis?

One might expect to find a connection between borrowers' FICO scores and the incidence of default and foreclosure during the current crisis. The data don't show such a cause and effect, however.