Lauren Smyth is a WORLD contributor specializing in economics reporting and a 2025 graduate of the World Journalism Institute. She is also the author of five novels for young adults.
Hollywood has long cast AI as the villain. Now researchers are exploring whether stories can train it to be the hero instead. WORLD economics correspondent Lauren Smyth talks with an economist who envisions a future with greater prosperity instead of mass unemployment.
Fewer than one in five American workers say they find purpose in their jobs. WORLD’s Lauren Smyth talks with an economics professor who runs ultramarathons, a pastor, and a former Google engineer about finding meaning in work when the finish line is hard to see.
MONEY | IMF chief chides economic powers for excessive borrowing
Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros. leaves it $80 billion in debt. WORLD’s Lauren Smyth explains why that could mean better choices for audiences.
WORLD’s Lauren Smyth meets the first responders working multiple jobs to keep their neighbors safe in rural Illinois
You mention something in conversation, and suddenly the ads appear. Is your phone listening? WORLD’s Lauren Smyth reports.
The prospect of tariff refunds seemed almost too good to be true. It was. WORLD’s Lauren Smyth reports.
Parents can be shut out of their children’s medical portals even as insurance records can still reveal supposedly private care. WORLD’s Lauren Smyth reports.
As affordability becomes a midterm campaign theme, WORLD’s Lauren Smyth asks what government can—and cannot—do about prices
Lauren Smyth | Participation in dangerous sports is on the rise. What are these thrill-seekers really looking for?
