Op-Eds

Op-ed: Don’t just read the headlines on inflation

Written by: Shawn Teigen

I implore you to avoid just reading the headlines. Instead, read the whole story. We should all know that by now, having been repeatedly suckered into stories with alluring clickbait across the internet. For instance, you may have seen or heard that “Consumer prices heated up in July.” Here is a better headline for you: “Consumer prices are perhaps the only thing that didn’t heat up in July.” Inflation had been trending down, and it … Continued

Op-ed: Ways we can make Utah safer for bicycles

Written by: Shawn Teigen

Bikes are the best. They are good for our physical and mental health, as well as for economic, environmental and practical reasons. OK, not everyone feels that way. Many drivers would prefer not to share the road with bicycles, or pedestrians, for that matter. Further, many who would like to bicycle are reluctant for one reason or another. A top reason for this reluctance is danger. That makes sense, particularly given a recent spike in … Continued

Op-ed: Is our inflation too high? The math, explained

Written by: Shawn Teigen

Seeing inflation at nearly 5% for April was not great. But had it been 2%, that could have been even worse for some Utahns. It is all about the math. Speaking of math, if you dine out, you have probably felt the increase in restaurant prices. This is in part because overall food prices are up by 20% since the pandemic began. I have certainly felt it. My family went out for a congratulatory lunch … Continued