The stimulus bill will dramatically accelerate corporate concentration. It opens up a massive spigot of easy cash for the largest corporations, while consigning small businesses to a slow and cumbersome process of applying for loans from a limited pool of funds. … Read More
In the American Prospect, ILSR Legal Fellow Shaoul Sussman explains that it is almost impossible for small businesses selling on Amazon’s platform to borrow from private banks, forcing entrepreneurs to borrow from Amazon itself.… Read More
ILSR Co-Director Stacy Mitchell released a statement in response to the FTC’s announcement that it would examine past acquisitions by large technology companies. … Read More
The Athena coalition launched today as the first national coalition organized to fight Amazon’s growing grip over our economy. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance is a founding member of Athena.… Read More
In the pathway to 100% renewable energy lie electric utilities. Despite some changes to market structure in past decades, most utilities still have enormous market, and political power. How do they wield it, and how does it impact the shift toward cleaner energy?… Read More
In a new piece for the University of Chicago Stigler Center’s blog, ProMarket, ILSR’s co-director Stacy Mitchell, and legal fellow Shaoul Sussman, describe how Amazon rigs its shopping algorithm to produce results that favor its own interests, harming shoppers and the many businesses that rely on its platform to get to market.… Read More
Independent pharmacies could flourish and multiply, helping to solve the growing problem of healthcare deserts — if only policymakers would stand up to the big players in the drug industry.… Read More
Fueled by easy cash from Wall Street, two dominant chains are opening thousands of dollar stores across urban and rural communities, and causing economic distress nationwide. Inspired by ILSR’s research, a growing number of cities, including Birmingham, Cleveland, and New Orleans, are now taking legislative action to block new dollar stores and support local grocery store development instead. We take a closer look at this national movement. … Read More
In a new CNN documentary titled “The Age of Amazon,” ILSR’s Stacy Mitchell offers crucial perspective on Amazon’s monopoly power and control over the digital infrastructure of the economy.… Read More
