News

Apr 9, 2014

Study shows blueberries reduce risk of Parkinson’s

A recent study has shown that consumption of blueberries, long considered a “super food,” may protect human brain performance and reduce the risk of contracting Parkinson’s disease. In the United States, it is estimated that one million people suffer from Parkinson’s, which is the 14th leading cause of death in the country, according to the National Parkinson Foundation. 

Apr 9, 2014

Suggestions for Supporting Work

I think there are two goals that just about everyone can agree on -- encouraging work and reducing poverty, says host Mary Walden. Now I understand that leaders from across the political spectrum may be coming together on a plan to do both, she says. “What is it?” she asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. 

Apr 8, 2014

Has Wealth Increased for Everyone?

The Federal Reserve recently released its latest wealth report, and it was upbeat, says host Mary Walden. “Does this mean we should all be happy?” she asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. 

Apr 7, 2014

The Apartment Boom

Traditionally we have been a country of home owners with about two-thirds of households owning rather than renting, says host Mary Walden. But I understand this might be changing. “What’s happening?” she asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. 

Apr 4, 2014

Challenges for Homebuyers

Last year seemed to be a good one for the housing market. By one measure prices were up at double digit rates, says host Mary Walden. Foreclosures were down, and there were more buyers, she says. “But are there any negatives you and others see in the housing recovery?” Walden asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. 

Apr 3, 2014

World agricultural boom

Host Mary Walden says, the United States has always been known as a rich agricultural country with good land and growing conditions and smart farmers. She asks her husband, N.C. State economist Mike Walden, have these attributes of farming spread to the rest of the world? 

Apr 2, 2014

Inflation and the job market

We need more jobs in this country, yet most of us also would like low inflation, says host Mary Walden, adding that there’s a theory in economics suggesting that higher inflation would actually create more jobs. She asks her husband, economist Mike Walden, How so? 

Apr 1, 2014

To trade or hold?

The investment world has been looking better recently, according to host Mary Walden. Of course it’s always subject to ups and downs. This raises the question of how an investor should deal with market fluctuations. She asks her husband, economist Mike Walden, should the investor try to anticipate changes and move money accordingly or just let his investments ride? 

Mar 31, 2014

Income redistribution

Host Mary Walden says that there are many federal and state programs that use tax revenues to financially and economically help families with limited resources. When we look at families of different income levels, what kinds of differences do we see in terms of taxes paid compared to government benefits received, she asks her husband, N.C. State economics Mike Walden? 

Mar 28, 2014

You Decide: Competition or Regulation in the Cable Market?

There’s controversy in the cable industry, and it has to do with company size, market power and the level of competition. Recently, the largest cable consolidation ever was announced. Will the company be too big?