News

Jan 2, 2014

Income distribution in North Carolina

The national media has given lots of coverage to the increasing gap in recent years between the highest-income and lowest-income households. Is that same trend occurring in North Carolina? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 1, 2014

Health insurance issues

One way to possibly start an argument with someone is to talk about health insurance, because there has been much disagreement about the Affordable Care Act's implementation. But what are the key health insurance questions today? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Dec 31, 2013

North Carolina jobs

North Carolina appears to be ending the year on a good note for jobs, with the state jobless rate now down to 8 percent after peaking at more than 11 percent during the recession. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses whether we'll continue to see progress in 2014. 

Dec 30, 2013

Why isn’t inflation higher?

There's been much criticism over the Federal Reserve 's policies in recent years, especially among those who say that the amount of money the Fed has created will eventually result in higher inflaction. Why hasn't that occurred yet? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 27, 2013

The military’s impact

The military is an important part of North Carolina's economy. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains some measures of the military's impact on our state. 

Dec 26, 2013

Costs and benefits of ultra-low interest rates

Interest rates have been super low for almost five years now. Has the Federal Reserve's efforts to keep the interest rates it controls been a plus or minus for the economy? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 25, 2013

What a difference two decades make

Time changes things and often fools us. Things don't often change in the way we might imagine. Can we see this in our energy use and production? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 24, 2013

Will driving decline?

Many communities are debating how to handle traffic, deciding whether mass transit systems or more highways are the answer. But some folks predict that driving will significantly decline in the future. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains why. 

Dec 23, 2013

Concierge medicine

Health care and the new affordable care act have made headlines almost every day recently. But flying below the radar is another development in health care called concierge medicine. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden describes what it means. 

Dec 21, 2013

CALS donors and retirees celebrated at December reception

The Retiree and Donor Appreciation Event, celebrating the contributions of donors and retirees to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, this year included an opportunity for the guests of honor to participate in a special Cooperative Extension Visioning Initiative.