Author: Dee Shore

Jan 22, 2014

What makes for effective schools?

Improving K-12 student performance is a long-term priority for government at all levels. As a school teacher for more than 30 years, host Mary Walden asks husband Dr. Mike Walden what can be done to accomplish this goal. 

Jan 21, 2014

Do households have more breathing room?

Household spending accounts for almost 70 percent of the nation's economic activity. But before the recession, households were overloaded with debt and payments on that debt. But N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says conditions have improved tremendously. 

Jan 20, 2014

Do mergers always lead to price increases?

Many fliers are worried about what the merger between American Airlines and U.S. Airways will mean for airfares. And this raises the general question, What have mergers of large national companies ultimately done to the prices consumers pay? With less competition, shouldn't prices rise? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jan 17, 2014

Why Food Stamp enrollment has risen

Enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as Food Stamps, rose by almost 20 million people in recent years. Was the jump due to the economy -- or were there other factors at work? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 16, 2014

Do people work harder during recessions?

Economic production fell less than the employment dropped in the recession, implying that worker productivity increased. Traditionally thinking holds that this was because businesses kept their hardest-working individuals and let go of their least productive ones. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses with host Mary Walden whether this is true. 

Jan 15, 2014

Salary trends

Many of those concerned about the economy have focused recently on the unemployment rate and jobs. Perhaps an equally important issue is pay. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains that, over the past five years, salaries have not kept up with inflation. 

Jan 14, 2014

The supply side of the health-care debate

To say that the new affordable care act has sparked controversy is an understatement, especially over consumer issues such as insurance costs and access to doctors and insurance. But some issues come from the producers' or suppliers' side, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. 

Jan 13, 2014

Competing economic outlooks

It’s been said that if you ask 10 economists a question, you’ll get 10 answers. As economists look into their crystal balls for 2014, what are their alternative views on… 

Jan 10, 2014

Should we revive apprenticeships?

Years ago, one way young people could train for an occupation was to work with experts in the fields they were interested in entering. These on-the-job programs are called apprenticeships, and some say we should bring them back. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains why. 

Jan 9, 2014

What are bit coins?

Host Mary Walden admits she's not a tech person but knows that bitcoins are a type of cyber mobey. Where do they come from? Who controls the amount? And why would anyone use them? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.