Will Amazon deliver NYC jobs? Texas study says not so fast

Amazon HQ2: Texas experience shows why New Yorkers should be skeptical [Click here to view this message in your web-browser](. Edition: US 7 February 2019 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair Editor's note Amazon’s plan to build one of its two new headquarters in New York City faces mounting criticism – and even the possibility it’ll be blocked. While local politicians and activists are mainly worried about the $3 billion cost to taxpayers and the impact on infrastructure, scholars Nathan Jensen and Calvin Thrall raise another question: Will Amazon follow through on its commitment to create 25,000 jobs? Their study of a Texas economic development program that offers cash for promises of investment suggests [New Yorkers have good reason to be skeptical](. The rising price of drugs, from generics to blockbusters that cure intractable diseases like hepatitis C, affects nearly all Americans. Simon Haeder of West Virginia University explains why drug prices in the U.S. started rising about 20 years ago, diverging from the prices in other industrialized countries. He also analyzes whether the [president’s plan to discount some drugs]( will really move the needle on prices. Many scientists expect climate change will hit African countries particularly hard – crop yields will fall and famines will worsen. One way to protect against these events is by investing in crops that are more tolerant of heat and can grow in marginal soils. But Africa is in general fearful of genetically modified crops and has rejected them. Plant physiologist Walter Suza, born in Tanzania and now at Iowa State University, explains why he believes it is dangerous for Africans to dismiss these technologies and why [he is fighting anti-GMO sentiment]( through education. Bryan Keogh Economics + Business Editor Top stories Amazon’s plan to build a new headquarters in Long Island City faces mounting resistance. AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews [Amazon HQ2: Texas experience shows why New Yorkers should be skeptical]( Nathan Jensen, University of Texas at Austin; Calvin Thrall, University of Texas at Austin New Yorkers are questioning the wisdom of giving Amazon billions in tax breaks on the promise of job creation. A study of a Texas economic development program suggests they have good reason to worry. Policymakers and consumers are well aware of rising pharmaceuticals prices. AP Photo/Elise Amendola [Why the US has higher drug prices than other countries]( Simon F. Haeder, West Virginia University The Trump administration's proposal to lower drug prices focuses on discounts. A health policy scholar argues that the US could learn from Europe's system of measuring drug value and effectiveness. Many parts of Africa suffer from food insecurity. Here, women and children wait to be registered before a food distribution. REUTERS/Siegfried Modola [I fight anti-GMO fears in Africa to combat hunger]( Walter Suza, Iowa State University Predictions suggest that Africa will suffer dramatic losses of crops and productive land as the climate warms. Perhaps adopting GM crops designed to tolerate stress can save the continent from famine. Arts + Culture - [Did academia kill jazz?]( Adam Gustafson, Pennsylvania State University Jazz used to be experienced on a dance floor. But over time, it became something to dissect and analyze. Politics + Society - [Democrats court rural Southern voters with Stacey Abrams’ State of the Union response]( Sharon Austin, University of Florida The South is changing, with more Asian and Latino immigrants moving in and diversifying a region that was once black and white. 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Today’s chart - [Enable images to see the chart]( From the article: [Why the US has higher drug prices than other countries]( [Simon F. Haeder] Simon F. Haeder West Virginia University [Follow us on Twitter.]( [Join us on Facebook.]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly](. We’ll miss you. 89 South Street - Suite 202 Boston, MA 02111