News

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 17, 2014

YOU DECIDE: What’s the best way to count jobs?

N.C. State University economist Dr. Mike Walden explains the different surveys measuring employment rates. 

Jan 16, 2014

Centennial website provides news, information on Extension’s 100 years

Throughout 2014 as North Carolina Cooperative Extension celebrates its 100th birthday, watch for news and learn more about the organization through Extension's centennial website: ncce100years.ces.ncsu.edu. 

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

Prestage family donates 200 turkeys as part of N.C. State fundraising challenge

The second annual “Recent Grad Holiday Turkey Challenge,” a fundraising campaign led by the North Carolina State University Annual Giving Program, brought in $28,056 for the university, as well as 200 turkeys for those in need. 

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 the economy? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. “There really are probably 10 opinions for every 10 economists, but there really are two main… 

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.