How and why the Bureau of Labor Statistics revises US job numbers
We explain why it’s not unusual for preliminary and final employment estimates to differ, sometimes substantially. Plus, two charts showing the history of these data revisions.
Economics
Research roundups, tip sheets, articles and explainers related to the topic of economics and economic equality
Expert Commentary
Four-day school week: Research shows the impact of a condensed schedule varies by school location and student grade level
To help recruit teachers, many U.S. schools have switched to a four-day schedule. We look at research on how the change affects students.
Expert Commentary
Study reveals stark divide in how Democrats and Republicans cite science
An analysis of 25 years of U.S. policy documents reveals there’s very little overlap in the scientific studies that Democrats and Republicans cite in congressional committees and think tanks, deepening concerns over shared facts.
Expert Commentary
Community college transfer processes often discourage students from earning bachelor’s degrees, research shows.
Recent research can help journalists investigate barriers many U.S. students face trying to transfer from a community college to a university. Some papers published in 2025 provide solutions.
Expert Commentary
The national debt: How and why the US government borrows money
The US government is paying $1 trillion a year in interest on its debt. With interest costs outpacing national defense spending, this piece will help journalists understand the public debt and explain it to audiences.
Expert Commentary
If you need K-12 education data, these 10 data tools from nonprofit research organizations can help
Use these free tools to examine data on student achievement, school segregation, dual enrollment programs and other education topics. Most generate maps, charts and lists that journalists can incorporate into their news coverage.
Expert Commentary
Fluoride in water: A research roundup and reporting tip sheet
To help journalists with their reporting, we read through dozens of published research papers and unpacked several recent studies about fluoride in water.
Expert Commentary
As Congress considers cuts to SNAP, we address 8 questions about this US federal nutrition program
Here’s important background info and research to bolster news coverage of potential reductions in federal spending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Expert Commentary
A journalist’s guide to the climate risk data market
Over the past decade, there’s been a proliferation of private firms offering highly detailed climate risk assessments for sale. Here’s what journalists need to know about this burgeoning market — plus, six big questions they should ask.
Expert Commentary
Private school vouchers: An explainer (with research) to help you navigate school choice policies
We updated this explainer to help journalists understand and ask more probing questions about private school vouchers and other school choice programs.
Expert Commentary