Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

What Is “Bidenomics”? Is It the New Reaganomics?

President Joe Biden talking into a microphone.

What is Bidenomics? Why is it being compared to Reaganomics? And will it achieve its goals? The term “Bidenomics,” which has gained attention as President Biden prepares for a 2024 presidential run, refers to a set of policies Biden introduced. Experts are drawing parallels between Bidenomics and Reaganomics because both propose fresh approaches to boost economic growth. Continue reading to learn about Bidenomics and how it compares to Reaganomics.

This New Nonprescription Birth Control Pill Is a Game Changer

Why are nonprescription birth control pills so important? How much will they cost? What do anti-abortion groups think about the decision? The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a nonprescription birth control pill for the first time. This is a huge deal, especially in a post-Roe v. Wade country where abortion access is restricted in many states. Continue reading to learn about this OTC birth control pill, the impact it will have, and how much it might cost.

Working in Extreme Heat: Why Aren’t There More Regulations?

Why don’t protections exist for Americans working in extreme heat? As climate change pushes temperatures higher, will they get relief? A growing number of Americans are working in extreme heat and dying, yet almost no federal laws exist to protect them. Federal efforts to implement heat safety regulations are complicated to implement and face opposition, leaving workers vulnerable to increasingly dangerous conditions. Here’s a look at the dangerous conditions and why regulation isn’t yet in place.

Fitch’s Credit Rating for the US Went Down—What It Means

What is a government credit rating? What does Fitch’s credit rating mean for the United States? Fitch Ratings, one of the major financial institutions that assign credit ratings to national governments, recently lowered the United States’ credit rating from AAA to AA+. In principle, the lower rating could make it harder for both the US government and US corporations to raise money. Here’s a background on sovereign credit ratings and the impact of the lowered rating.

GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Are Changing the Game

How has the diet industry’s attitude about weight evolved? How does the explosive rise of Ozempic and other “GLP-1” weight loss drugs impact its current trajectory? US weight-loss companies have made billions promoting ineffective diet and fitness advice. However, the recent, explosive rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs that promise faster, more effective, less stigmatizing options is forcing weight-loss companies to reevaluate their approach. Here’s how GLP-1 drugs are changing the weight-loss industry.

Is the United States Housing Market Improving in 2023?

What’s happened to the housing market in recent years? What do experts predict for it in the remainder of 2023? How can homebuyers and sellers make the most of market conditions in the months ahead? The United States housing market is on the road to recovery after being disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Experts predict that over the remainder of 2023, home price growth will slow, inventory will remain low, and demand for homes will stay high. Continue reading for an overview of the current housing market.

AI Copyright Lawsuits Are on the Rise: Here’s Why

What is copyright and what’s its relevance in the digital era? How will courts determine the legality of generative AI training and content creation that draws from copyrighted material? A growing number of lawsuits complain that AI tools are being trained and producing content based on copyrighted material. Courts are in the early stages of determining whether AI companies’ use of copyrighted materials to train, create, and sell content is fair use or copyright infringement. Below, we’ll explore AI copyright lawsuits and issues.

How to Offset Tourism’s Carbon Footprint & Travel Responsibly

How much pollution does the tourism industry actually cause? Is it possible to travel the world without polluting it? When we travel, we’re supposed to “leave nothing but footprints,” but tourism’s carbon footprints can wreak havoc on the planet. Thankfully, there are ways to travel responsibly and to give back to local communities, wildlife, and the planet. Here are some tips for seeing the world without harming it in the process.

Is Peak TV Dead, or Are We Just Entering a New Era?

What is Peak TV? Why are some people saying it’s dead? What does the future hold for viewers whose days of choosing from an overwhelming abundance of programming are allegedly over? Peak TV is dead—and the days of Americans being able to choose from the greatest-ever number of original scripted shows is over, according to some. With rising production costs, lagging streaming adoption rates, and strikes, some argue that programming will decline, while others say it’s simply a new era. Keep reading to find out whether Peak TV is really dead or not.

Breaking Down Biden’s SAVE Program

What is the SAVE program? Who will it affect? How do you know if you’re eligible? More than 43 million US students leave college with federal student loan debt—a crushing burden that forces many to forego buying homes and delay key life milestones like having children. President Joe Biden’s income-driven student loan repayment program, SAVE, aims to bring borrowers relief. Here’s a look at the SAVE program, and whether or not you may qualify.