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Articles by Kyle Abbott
The case against Google fails by any reasonable standard
The Department of Justice targeted Google’s web advertising business in its latest anti-big tech litigation. The Justice Department alleges Google used a monopoly in online advertising to capture profits from website publishers and advertisers by coercing consumers and acquiring or eliminating any meaningful competition. However, the Department of Justice (DOJ) failed to demonstrate any specific harm to consumers at September’s trial and November’s closing arguments.
Virginia’s K-12 funding system needs an overhaul, not tweaks
The last five years have brought major challenges to the K-12 educational landscape in Virginia—the COVID-19 pandemic, school closures, a rise in chronic absenteeism, and more. Public education has been changing at a rapid pace. And yet, Virginia continues to fund its public schools using its outdated Standards of Quality (SOQ) formula that was developed in the 1970s. This system is non-transparent, inflexible, and unfair.
Economists receive 2024 Nobel for work on institutions and economic prosperity
Economists have long been fascinated by questions of what institutions, from government laws to societal customs, are most conducive to prosperity. However, to many, it was unclear how the boom in empirical data-driven research enabled by computing technology would address these questions. Ideas about history, individual freedom, and colonial legacy—of great importance when studying institutions—can be hard to quantify and analyze with an economist’s modern toolkit.
Colorado's attempt to regulate AI harms innovation, won't protect consumers
A newly signed bill in Colorado that regulates artificial intelligence use imposes a series of onerous rules on so-called high-risk AI systems. It’s one of the most sweeping AI regulatory bills passed by a state legislature. Unfortunately for Coloradans, it will likely deter investment in AI in their state, reduce employment around AI, and reduce deployment of AI systems in Colorado, all without addressing or solving any issues with AI applications. On May 17, Colorado Gov.
SCOTUS ruling jawboning unconstitutional would bolster free speech
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments regarding the federal government’s practice of jawboning—the practice of using influence or the threat of action to coerce companies and organizations to engage in certain behaviors like censorship, often against their wishes.
Justice Department's antitrust case ignores much of the competition Google faces - Reason Foundation
Arguments concluded last November in U.S. vs. Google, one of the most important antitrust trials in recent history, focusing on whether the massive tech company has an unfair monopoly on internet searches. The outcome of the trial will depend, in part, on which definition of an “internet search” the court embraces. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is pushing a definition of the search engine marketplace that is inappropriately narrow and fails to capture the role of search in consumer behavior.
North Carolina bill would fund schools more fairly, reduce complex bureaucracy
Throughout North Carolina’s long-running Leandro school finance lawsuit, multiple judges have ordered legislators to invest more in a “sound basic education,” as the state constitution requires. While much of this battle is about how much money is spent on K-12 education, more attention should be focused on how the state distributes the money it spends.
Examining the impacts of education reform legislation proposed in Kansas
In the 2023 legislative session, Kansas lawmakers have a historic opportunity to pass vital school choice legislation and reform the state’s K-12 education finance system. By expanding its modest tax credit scholarship program and enacting an education savings account program, the state could improve from one of the worst states for school choice to one of the best.
Kyle Abbott, Author at Reason Foundation
Kyle Abbott is a policy analyst at Reason Foundation. Prior to joining Reason, Abbott served in a variety of capacities with federal and state legislatures. Most recently, Kyle was the chief of staff to Kansas House Appropriations Committee Chairman Troy Waymaster. Abbott is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill in the Department of Public Policy, where his research focuses on school choice and school finance.
The strangest selection
Dodgy selection call? Ask this man about them © Getty Images The Jury's Out Bizarre picks. And even more bizarre non-picks February 2017 Peter Taylor January 1987 By John Harms January, 1987. Half of Australia is at the beach. Swimming. Lazing around. Watching tennis on the telly. Talking about the lamentable state of Australian cricket. The Englishmen have beaten us by an innings at the MCG to retain the Ashes. We've capitulated for 194, having made just 141 in the first innings.
Home | Game Theory
Honestly, the three of us get bored arguing amongst ourselves in texts or Twitter, so we decided to do one of these blog things, which will essentially be an online diary for us. If you're reading this, you're either our parents or someone who got tricked into clicking on the link. And if it's the latter, like, come on, be better than that. If you're still here and looking for the answer to the above question, I have no idea man.
Letter to the editor: Unfair ‘income’ tax
On Nov. 16, the House of Representatives passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The bill does several things, including cut tax rates and repeal deductions. I support these concepts wholeheartedly. However, there is one provision in the act that I just as strongly object to: the tax on tuition waivers. In most doctoral programs, we as graduate students are compensated in two ways. First is a stipend from employment as a research or teaching assistant. The second is a tuition waiver.
KU Basketball: Jayhawks Use Strong Half to Defeat Rebels
After a hot first half, the Jayhawks played a sloppy second half en route to a 71-53 win. Here are three takeaways for KU basketball. This is no surprise, as Self played eight before the injury to Udoka Azubuike. Self has played a tighter rotation in the past, most notably during the 2012 NCAA Tournament run. In this case, the composition of the rotation is unique in the Self era. Only two big men (Bragg and Lucas) are playing meaningful minutes for KU basketball, while Self is playing five smalls.
KU Basketball: Where do the Jayhawks Turn Without Key Big?
In a blow to an already thin KU basketball frontcourt, freshman center Udoka Azubuike is out for the season. What does it mean moving forward for Kansas? Due to Carlton Bragg and Landen Lucas’s struggles, Azubuike was inserted into the starting role against UNC-Asheville, and didn’t give it up. Over those six games, he averaged 7.5 points and 3.8 rebounds. He was also KU basketball’s best rim protector, with two blocks per game over his last six.
Kansas Basketball: Can the Jayhawks Avoid a Trap Game?
The Kansas basketball team plays their first true road game of the season Thursday against UNLV. Here’s what to watch for. The Rebels from Las Vegas have had a rough time of late. After a tumultuous year, which has involved four coaches and mass player departures, the Rebels are in rebuilding mode. As such, they don’t have a lot of depth, but do have talent a few positions. Their leading scorer is sophomore guard Jalen Poyser, with 14.6 per game.
KU Basketball Overcomes Slow Start to Beat Davidson
After a slow start, the Jayhawks stormed back in the second half and defeated Davidson, 89-71. Here are my takeaways from the KU basketball win. After the distractions of the week, it was terrific for KU basketball fans to see Carlton Bragg back on the court. He didn’t disappoint either, scoring seven points and pulling down eight rebounds in 18 minutes. The sophomore appeared much more focused and ready to play than he had lately. If he keeps improving, look for Bragg to reclaim a starting role.
Kansas Football Signs Impact Junior College Class
To infuse game-ready talent, Kansas football head coach David Beaty signed seven junior college players and one mid-year high school graduate. They all could have big roles for the Jayhawks this upcoming season. After losing five seniors of the two-deep in the Kansas football secondary, the Jayhawks look to reload for 2017. They’ve done just that with junior college signees Hasan Defense (yes, that’s his real name), and Shakiel Taylor.
Kansas Basketball Takes on Familiar Davidson Team
Kansas basketball returns to the Sprint Center Saturday to take on old foe Davidson. Here are three things I’m watching for. Bragg has certainly had an eventful week, and missed the last game due to suspension. However, he was never suspended from other team activities pending investigation. Bragg will return Saturday, when Kansas basketball plays the Wildcats. Even before the incident, Bragg lost his starting job to Lagerald Vick. This likely will not change anytime soon.
KU Basketball: 3 Takeaways from the UNL Win
Even without Carlton Bragg, the Jayhawks have plenty of offensive firepower, and serviceable big men. Five Jayhawks scored in double figures, and shot 60% as a unit. KU basketball spent most of the game hovering around 67% from the floor, a remarkable shooting performance. Graham and Mason were their usual selves, with 14 and 18 points, respectively. Mason also led KU with seven assists. Josh Jackson was erratic, but had some highlight reel plays as well.
KU Basketball Meets Former Conference Foe Nebraska
After news broke Friday morning of Bragg’s arrest for battery, it became clear that Bragg would not play Saturday, and likely not for some time. It does mean that Lagerald Vick will continue to start at the four spot, where he’s played well. Bragg’s absence does have a big impact on the depth of the KU basketball team. Landen Lucas and Udoka Azubuike will continue to man the center position, but the four will certainly lack depth.
Kansas Football: Jayhawks Awarded All-Big 12 Honors
We’ve remarked all season long that there has been vast improvement among nearly every unit on the Kansas football team. The defensive line especially stood out. Several of those linemen were rewarded with All-Big 12 selections, both from the Associated Press and Big 12 coaches. The media and coaches rewarded other KU players with all-conference honors as well. The biggest star of them all is Dorance Armstrong.
Kansas Basketball: Can KU Blow Out the Roos?
The UMKC Roos are very guard dominant, and only get 12 points per game from their starting big men. The Roos are undersized up front as well, with four man Kyle Steward listed at 6’7 and 190 pounds, and center Darnell Tillman at 6’8 265. Neither are scoring threats, or great rebounders.
KU Basketball Spoils Homecoming for Haase, Defeats Stanford
The stat lines won’t wow you, but KU basketball’s frontcourt tandem Landen Lucas and Carlton Bragg looked about as good as they have all season. Lucas finished with eight points and five rebounds in 18 minutes. He looked much more active and explosive than he has most of the year. I wouldn’t be surprised if he reclaims the starting job soon. Bragg was active as well, and showed the nice shooting touch we’ve come to expect from the sophomore.
Kansas Basketball: Stanford Hopes to Slow Down the Jayhawks
Stanford has good frontline, headlined by junior Reid Travis. He’s nearly a double-double player, averaging 16.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Whoever starts for Kansas basketball will have their hands full with the 6’8” junior. The Cardinal have some depth and experience up front as well. 6’9” junior Michael Humphrey starts alongside Travis, and averages 7.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per contest. Senior Grant Verhoeven is usually their first big man off the bench.
KU Basketball: Who Gets Left out of PG Musical Chairs?
The 2017 crop of point guards is one of the thinnest in recent memory. After the top four of Duval, Collin Sexton, Young, and Quade Green, there’s a precipitous drop off to the remaining top 10 guards in the 247 Composite ranking. As such, multiple high profile programs are competing for a slim number of impact guards. The terrific 2016 class, full of one-and-done talents, compounds the problem. Most big programs, like Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky, need guards.
Kansas Basketball: Jayhawks Run Over 49ers
It’s hard to say what Vick doesn’t do well. After starting the season shooting only 12.5% from three-point range, Vick has made seven of his last eight, including all four attempts tonight. In his postgame remarks, head coach Bill Self agreed, “He did play well and he shot it great.” Self said. “He’s improved a ton and that’s obvious.
KU Basketball: 49ers Provide Tuneup for Jayhawks
Against UNC-Asheville, KU basketball head coach Bill Self trotted out a new starting lineup for the Jayhawks: Mason, Graham, Jackson, Vick, and Azubuike. In his postgame remarks, Self announced that they would start again against Long Beach. It was a coming out party for freshman center Udoka Azubuike, who scored 17 points, almost all of which were on dunks. Vick played well too, going for 15 and nine rebounds.
KU Football: Sunflower Showdown Favors KSU, but KU Competes
From my terrific vantage point at the game Saturday (thank you to the very good friend for the ticket!), I finally got to see this KU football team in person. When compared to last year, it’s night and day. The skill position units are definitely Big 12 caliber, and will get even better over the offseason. Wide receivers LaQuvionte Gonzalez and Steven Sims are very good talents, evidenced by Gonzalez’s 95-yard touchdown reception and run after catch.
KU Football: Can the Jayhawks Upset the Wildcats in the Finale?
In the KU football season finale, the Jayhawks take on in-state rival Kansas State. Overall, Kansas leads the series 64-44-5. It promises to be a huge road test for the Jayhawks, who are coming off a huge upset of the Texas Longhorns. Kansas State is playing for a better bowl, and their seniors. KSU head coach Bill Snyder always gets his teams up to play the Jayhawks. Can KU bring the Governor’s Cup back to Lawrence?
KU Basketball: Three Things to Improve
The stats tell the story for KU basketball’s frontcourt: 45 minutes, 15 fouls, eight rebounds, and five points. I’m disappointed, coaches are disappointed, and I’m sure the players are more disappointed than anyone. Landen Lucas had maybe his worst night as a collegiate athlete. The senior was scoreless, had just two rebounds, three turnovers, and fouled out all in just ten minutes. For a Jayhawk team that needs a consistent frontcourt presence, (that Lucas has actually been) they’ll need more.
Kansas Basketball: Can KU Take the CBE Title Over Georgia?
Like Mason is to the Kansas basketball team, Frazier is to the Bulldogs. He’s only 5’10” and 155 pounds, but plays much larger. Against most opponents, he gets into the lane at will. Frazier’s penetration can collapse the best defenses, and open up the supporting cast for open looks from distance. The good news for KU is that Georgia doesn’t have many shooters that are effective from outside, when excluding Frazier. The Bulldogs only shoot 32% as a team from beyond the arc.
Kansas Basketball: Three Questions Against UAB
My go-to resource for college basketball statistics, KenPom.com, illustrates this point. The Kansas basketball team is ranked 6th in his composite rankings, while UAB is ranked 100th. The mismatch is especially apparent in the frontcourt. The Blazers have some depth, headlined by leading scorer Chris Cokley, who scores 14.3 points per game. At 6’8” and 216 pounds, he’s slightly undersized for a forward, but still pulls down six rebounds per contest.
KU Basketball: Did the Jayhawks Answer Pressing Questions?
At times, yes. The Jayhawks started out on a 17-0 run, fueled by terrific shooting and even better defense. The KU basketball defense ended up holding the Blazers to 36% shooting from the floor, their best defensive performance to date, and one head coach Bill Self will like. The Jayhawks’ post defense was especially good. They held the Blazers’ starting frontcourt, Chris Cokley and William Lee, to 3-17 shooting and just eight points.
KU Football: Jayhawks Stun Texas in OT
There had been some chatter among the fanbase that Beaty should be let go after this season if the KU football program went 1-11 and 0-9 in conference. The victory over Texas should (and for good reason) quiet that chatter. It was always going to take multiple years to get KU back to respectability. This was the win Beaty needed to show average fans, not just those who follow the program religiously, that the Jayhawks are improving, and at a fairly rapid rate.
KU Basketball: Jayhawk Firepower too Much for Saints
Throughout the game, it was obvious to me that the KU basketball team was still not 100% after back-to-back tough games against Indiana and Duke. It showed on several lob plays, as well as KU’s 12 turnovers against a sub-par Siena defense. It appeared that especially Landen Lucas isn’t completely health, as he didn’t show even the average athleticism we normally see from the KU big man. In 21 minutes, Lucas only scored six points and pulled down five rebounds, a poor line for the senior.
KU Basketball: Billy Preston Signs with the Jayhawks
Preston committed to KU basketball on ESPNU Friday after a long recruiting process. KU’s pursuit of the talented big man picked up steam after DeAndre Ayton committed to Arizona. After Preston’s visit to Lawrence for Late Night in the Phog, momentum shifted Kansas’s way in Preston’s recruitment.
Kansas Basketball: Siena Preview
Don’t be surprised if Kansas basketball comes out sloppy against the Saints. It’s the home opener, so there could be some nerves for newcomers. There shouldn’t be a ton of turnovers, since Siena isn’t a team that forces a ton of them, only 25 through two games. I would be more concerned about shot selection and fouling, both issues that have plagued the Jayhawks so far. Once the Jayhawks settle in, I expect them to play well.
Kansas Basketball: 11/16 Recruiting Roundup
After long being rumored a USC or overseas lean, the skilled forward announced he would commit to a college this week. After Preston’s visit to the Kansas basketball program for Late Night in the Phog, momentum seemed to shift to Kansas. In addition, the plethora of playing time available in the frontcourt plus a strong returning roster makes KU a very appealing destination for the five-star forward. Rumor has it that Preston will announce tomorrow, November 17th and sign in the spring.
KU Basketball Prevails Over Top-Ranked Duke
Many fans were concerned, and even panicked, about the state of the KU basketball frontcourt. Tonight, they came through in the clutch. Udoka Azubuike, Landen Lucas, and Carlton Bragg each had very good moments. Azubuike pulled down 12 boards in 15 minutes, and had a highlight reel coast to coast layup. Bragg pulled down five rebounds in 16 minutes, and showed a feathery shooting stroke and his passing ability.
Kansas Falls to Indiana in Overtime: Three Takeaways
Like we assumed before the season, the KU basketball starters are set. Frank Mason, Devonte Graham, Josh Jackson, Carlton Bragg, and Landen Lucas have all established themselves as starters. Off the bench, Svi Mykhailiuk appears to be the first off the bench, followed by Lagerald Vick. Udoka Azubuike will be the first, and looks to the only, rotation big so far. Both Svi and Vick played pretty well. Svi played a career high 32 minutes, scoring 12 points on 5-9 shooting.
Kansas Point Guard Target Commits to Alabama
By most reports, the Kansas basketball staff made up a significant amount of ground over the last several months in pursuit of the electric point guard. However, Alabama head coach Avery Johnson was recruiting and had offered Sexton much earlier. This turned out to be an advantage that no school could make up. The Alabama coaching staff’s continuous pursuit of Sexton, as well as it’s proximity to his home in Georgia put Alabama over the top.
Indiana vs. Kansas: What to Watch for
Bragg looked somewhat disjointed in KU basketball’s two exhibition games, scoring only six and two points, respectively, and even fouling out against Emporia State. There are a couple reasons why this could be the case. First is that Bragg is pressing. He knows he will be counted on to score a lot in the post this season, as Landen Lucas isn’t really a scoring threat. Bragg’s transition from role player into star won’t be an easy one, and some early growing pains aren’t really an issue.
Can KU Upset Iowa State?
At his press conference today, Kansas football head coach David Beaty declined to name a starter, “We’re still in competition mode. We’ll go through practice today and tomorrow then make a decision.” The options right now seem to be either redshirt junior Montell Cozart or redshirt freshman Carter Stanley. Cozart has not played well of late on the road. He’s barely completed 50% of his attempts (31/60), hasn’t thrown a touchdown, and has thrown three interceptions.
KU Blasts Emporia State 104-62 in Easy Victory
How could this be the case? Frank Mason, Devonte Graham, and Josh Jackson were always thought to be the best in the nation. However, in the exhibition games, the depth of the backcourt has really stood out. Lagerald Vick could be the breakout star for Kansas basketball this season, as he’s scored nine and seven points in the two games, and has had the most consistent activity level of any Jayhawk so far. He even earned the start tonight against Emporia State, in place of ineffective Carlton Bragg.
Kansas Basketball: Wing Troy Brown Commits to Oregon
Troy Brown is a multi-talented wing, but the fit for the Kansas basketball program would have been questionable. Brown’s major weakness is his lack of shooting, and it’s unclear if it will ever get a lot better. In head coach Bill Self’s system, wings need to at least be a threat from the three-point line for them to be effective. Brown’s fit would’ve been as more of a combo guard, with his ballhandling and passing ability.
KU Football Falls to West Virginia, 48-21
After last night’s defeat, the quarterback position for the KU football team is murkier than ever. That could actually be a good thing. Montell Cozart disappointed, completing only 11 of 24 passing attempts for 124 yards and an interception. After displaying concussion-like symptoms in the third quarter, redshirt freshman Carter Stanley replaced Cozart, and performed admirably. Stanley completed nine of 11 attempts for 127 yards and two touchdowns.
Kansas at West Virginia: What to Watch for
West Virginia quarterback Skyler Howard is the straw that stirs the drink for the Mountaineer offense. He ranks 32nd in the country in passing with 2033 yards, and adds 13 touchdowns. Howard is also a key component of head coach Dana Holgorsen’s rushing attack. Howard is third on the team with 68 carries for 183 yards and four touchdowns. West Virginia, though nominally an Air Raid team, doesn’t really play like one.
Are You the Country's Best Sports Fan?
If you can convince FanSided that you are the biggest sports fan in the country, we’ll send you and a guest to New York City to attend the annual Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year event and name you Sports Fan of the Year! Imagine Lou Gehrig giving his farewell speech to a vacant Yankee Stadium or the final Border War in an empty Allen Fieldhouse. Without the fans, there is no roar, there is no electricity, there is no glory.
KU Basketball Player Preview: Devonte Graham
After coming in as an unheralded post-graduate, Devonte Graham has proven to be one of the great recruiting steals of the Self era at the KU basketball program. In his two seasons at Kansas, Graham has improved in every facet of his game. Graham came to Kansas with the reputation of being a true point guard, with the ability to score. His freshman season, Graham was somewhat erratic, and struggled on the defensive end. At times, Graham was overaggressive on defense, fouling 3.4 times per 40 minutes.
KU Basketball Player Preview: Josh Jackson
After a long recruitment, Josh Jackson picked playing at the KU basketball program over Arizona and Michigan State. The top ranked player in the 247 Composite, Jackson is a special player. Don’t just take my word for it, listen to 247 Director of Basketball Scouting Jerry Meyer, “I would mention Jackson’s ball handling and passing. He loves to distribute the ball. And at 6-foot-7 he has the instincts of a high level point guard in seeking and manufacturing opportunities for his teammates.
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