2011

Jan 13, 2011

Why have long-term interest rates jumped?

After falling to generation lows, long-term interest rates, such as on fixed rate mortgages, have surged higher recently. Some of the rates are up almost three quarters of a percentage point. Why is this happening? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 12, 2011

N.C. State University dedicates first 'green' building at Eastern 4-H Center

The facility that is expected to be N.C. State University’s first “green” LEED-certified building was dedicated Jan. 6, but it isn’t on campus. The conference center at the Eastern 4-H Educational Center in Tyrrell County was dedicated before a crowd of 300, including 4-H’ers, N.C. State’s Chancellor Randy Woodson and N.C. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall. The conference center is awaiting LEED certification -- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design -- the rating system for green buildings created by the U.S. Green Building Council. 

Jan 12, 2011

Who's lost the most?

Data from the Federal Reserve showed that real estate values continue to fall. They fell over $600 billion dollars in just the third quarter of 2010. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says that low value homes are losing the most. 

Jan 11, 2011

Job trends

Jobs -- or the lack of jobs -- is clearly the Number One issue in the country today. But even if the recession ended tomorrow, some say we would still face job issues related to technology and globalization. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden takes listeners through the long view of job trends, answering whether good jobs still be here. 

Jan 10, 2011

How much are states losing from Internet sales

Buying on the Internet is increasing by leaps and bounds, and a large portion of these sales escape sales taxes. Do we know what this costs states, including North Carolina? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 7, 2011

YOU DECIDE: Does North Carolina follow Hauser’s Law?

Tax rates change, but tax collections as a percentage of the economy don't. Economist Mike Walden discusses this seeming contradiction. 

Jan 7, 2011

What is full employment today?

Everyone longs for the day when the unemployment rate was only 5 percent, as it was before the recession. But can we ever get back to that level? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 6, 2011

Unemployment and unemployment benefits

Congress will likely extend again the period for receiving unemployment benefits. Supporters say this is needed to help those survive the tough economy. However, some critics say that, while compassionate, the extension also causes more unemployment. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in. 

Jan 5, 2011

Evaluating improvements in unemployment

In 2010 North Carolina’s unemployment rate dropped from 11.2 percent to 9.6 percent. That’s a welcome big drop. But is there more behind it that may not make us smile? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 4, 2011

Obituary: Ken Fager, CEFS research specialist

Ken L. Fager, 48, passed away Dec. 31. He was a researcher and educator at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems at N.C. State University. A native of Pennsylvania, Fager earned his bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Penn State University in 1984.