Heather Long

Washington, D.C.

Editorial writer and columnist

Education: Wellesley College, BA in economics and English ; Oxford University, master's in financial economics and medieval literature

Heather Long is a columnist and member of The Washington Post's Editorial Board. She was formerly U.S. economics correspondent from 2017 to 2021 and played a large role in identifying and covering the K-shaped recovery from the pandemic and the Great Reassessment of work. Before joining The Post, she was a senior economics reporter at CNN and a columnist and deputy editor at the Patriot-News in Harrisburg, Pa. She also worked at an investment firm in London.
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Latest from Heather Long

If we avoid a recession, we can thank Black and Hispanic workers

The U.S. labor force is more diverse today than ever. Now policymakers should find out how many more people might be able to find jobs.

July 9, 2023

Here are President Biden’s debt ceiling options, ranked

Biden's best option is a deal. But if House Republicans refuse to budge from their extreme position, Biden does have other options.

May 23, 2023

The powerful lesson from 18 million workers getting a pay raise over $15

The Fight for $15 movement might soon need a rebrand. The number of Americans earning less than $15 has fallen by almost half in the past three years.

March 26, 2023

There’s a warning sign in this otherwise hot economy

It's plausible the situation could deteriorate, especially if a recession arrives.

March 8, 2023

This isn’t the ‘end of ambition’ for young Americans. It’s a redefining of it.

This isn’t the "end of ambition" for young Americans but a redefining of it.

February 19, 2023

One plausible explanation for this too-good-to-be-true economy

U.S. employment is strong, and inflation is cooling off. How is this possible?

February 10, 2023

What the mass tech layoffs mean for the U.S. economy

Tech sector layoffs are a warning for the economy.

January 27, 2023

America’s teacher shortage will last until pay rises

Communities can either pay more to attract qualified educators or they can lower their standards. The better solution is obvious.

December 27, 2022

‘Soft landing’ is a terrible name for what’s coming

Even if the United States can avoid a recession, there will be tangible pain.

December 4, 2022

(Most) stores are closed on Thanksgiving. Thank the Great Resignation.

For the third year in a row, most U.S. stores will be closed on Thanksgiving. Walmart and Target say they don't expect to ever open again on the holiday.

November 23, 2022