November 2012

Nov 9, 2012

Tobacco taxes and smoking

Although not as dominant as it once was, tobacco production is still an important industry to North Carolina. Traditionally tobacco products have been subject to relatively high taxes. Do we know the impacts of those taxes on tobacco product users? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Nov 8, 2012

Day five on the Dean’s tour: Kannapolis, Charlotte and Winston-Salem

On the fifth leg of his statewide tour, Dean Richard Linton visited the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis and had meetings in Charlotte and Winston-Salem. 

Nov 8, 2012

Wealth update

Household wealth took a big hit during the recession and has struggled to come back. Many economists think a rebound in household wealth is a key to a robust economic recovery. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden takes a look at where we stand today on household wealth. 

Nov 7, 2012

Paying to learn

Most people want students in school to learn more and get better grades, and many programs and ideas have tried to accomplish this. One that has generated some controversy is paying students who do better on tests. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains the consequences. 

Nov 6, 2012

Re-evaluating rent control

Several U.S. cities impose controls on the amount of rent landlords can charge tenants. On the surface, this may seem like a good idea. But are there also some unintended consequences? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Nov 5, 2012

2012-2013 CALS Distinguished Alumni, Outstanding Alumni honored

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has announced Dr. Charles W. Stuber and Jessie Thomas “Tommy” Bunn as its 2012-2013 Distinguished Alumni. The two were honored at the College’s annual Alumni Awards Reception Nov. 2, when the College’s Outstanding Alumni and Outstanding Young Alumni for 2012 were also announced. 

Nov 5, 2012

A growing industry for North Carolina

Information technology has been expanding for several decades, and North Carolina has several IT firms in the Research Triangle Park and other locations. But a new part of the IT sector is emerging in our state. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Nov 2, 2012

N.C. State celebrates Morrill Act

On Wednesday, Nov. 7, N.C. State University will hold a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Morrill Act, the original legislation that established land-grant universities like N.C. State. The celebration will be held at McKimmon Center, 3:45 -5:45 p.m. 

Nov 2, 2012

The explosive employment report

The recently released national jobs report has created a stir. It showed more than 800,000 jobs created in September and a drop in the unemployment rate from 8.1 percent to 7.8 percent. But some people have cried foul, wondering if the numbers were too good to be true. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says the report came as a surprise. 

Nov 1, 2012

Colleen Church named Yadkin Extension director

Colleen Church, a North Carolina Cooperative Extension agent in Davie County for the last nine years, has been named to direct Cooperative Extension programs in Yadkin County.