One of the great pleasures of writing this column is explaining economic research results to readers who are experts at something other than economic research. After all, we are all experts at something, and if my wife is to be trusted on these matters, most subjects are more interesting than economics. This week I thought…
A lot of people want what I do from the media and feel they’re not getting it: more facts and fewer opinions; more investigative reporters and fewer pundits; more substance and less fluff; more policy exploration and less politics. I’ll be the first to admit that when it comes to journalism, I’m a traditionalist. Old-fashioned,…
Three Ball State colleagues and I recently authored a meta-study analyzing the potential impact of automation, trade and urbanization on regions and households in the United States. The motivation for his study is our casual observation that there is great angst over the state of the economy in many corners of the country. We thought…
Fellow Hoosiers, As I’ve traveled across Indiana these past weeks, many of you have asked me about the federal health care debate. You want to know how legislation may affect us, especially those who rely on Medicaid, our HIP 2.0 program or the federal insurance exchange. You’ve asked about the potential gaps that could be…
The notion of a universal basic income (UBI) is quite popular these days, and is undergoing pilot tests in a few countries. The idea has created some strange bedfellows as support develops, and there are both practical and philosophical problems with it. Still, I think UBI is a provocative idea that everyone should consider with…
As Father’s Day comes again this year, I think it useful to reflect on the economics of fatherhood and how it has changed over my lifetime. This is a difficult issue to write about because it is fraught with nearly all the minefields of political correctness; race, gender, government aid and the enduring success of…
It’s summertime and that means it is time to fire up the backyard barbecue. So if you are a BBQ novice or expert you might like to know just how to get your meat grilled to perfection. Stacy Zuelly has made a career out of perfecting the selection of good meat for cooking and grilling….
Purdue Extension Does….Safe Home Food Preservation It’s garden time in our county. For many that will mean an overabundance of garden produce will be readily available soon. It is not too early to be thinking about and preparing for how you plan to preserve extra produce safely. During the season, I receive phone calls from…
I am not the cupcake police. It wouldn’t be the first time I walk into a school building and I get a look of “uh-oh, hide the cupcakes.” Over the years, I have grown to enjoy the funny pun at my job. While I don’t walk around wearing a uniform and badge, it is often…
With the return of spring also comes the return of home lawn care, with cut grass, fertilizer, and pest control. As homeowners beautify their lawns as well as landscaping and garden areas, however, take the time to carefully read the labels of the pesticides and fertilizers you might be applying. Product labels for required to…
