News

Aug 27, 2010

‘Unleash Your Potential’ at CALS Career Expo

Mark your calendars for the 19th annual CALS Career Expo, "Unleash Your Potential," on Thursday, Oct. 28! 

Aug 27, 2010

Tax-free holidays

Shoppers in North Carolina got a break earlier this month: During the first weekend in August no sales tax had to be paid on lower-priced clothing, school supplies and certain computers. What is the purpose of these tax breaks, and what is their impact? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Aug 26, 2010

Growing New Farmers

Though North Carolina is among the nation’s largest agricultural states, it is rapidly losing farms and farmers. According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, between 1999 and 2006, the state lost 10,000 farms and close to 500,000 acres of farmland. The losses are even greater among African-American farmers. In response to such statistics, N.C. Cooperative Extension initiatives and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ education programs are helping to ease new and young farmers into agriculture. 

Aug 26, 2010

10% Campaign hosts sign-up at Raleigh market

The 10% Campaign was on hand at the Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market Wednesday, Aug. 25, to sign up new participants. Since the campaign website opened in July, nearly 1,000 participants have signed up and reported spending more than $60,000 on local food. 

Aug 26, 2010

Two new CALS degree programs have begun: Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Master of Environmental Assessment

The selection of degrees to pursue has increased by two for students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University -- a bachelor of science degree in genetics and a master’s degree in environmental assessment. The new degree in genetics will be the first major in genetics in the UNC system. The Master of Environmental Assessment Degree is designed as a completely online degree. 

Aug 26, 2010

Business incentives

Before completing its short session the North Carolina General Assembly approved a new group of business incentives. These incentives are used to attract new businesses by reducing their tax payments to the state. How can the state afford this kind of program? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden lends his perspective. 

Aug 25, 2010

Different views on health care

Although the legislative battle over health care is complete, the debate continues. Part of this debate stems from different ways of looking at the role of health care in our economy. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden summarizes the competing views. 

Aug 24, 2010

State pensions

State pensions are important to many workers. In North Carolina state and local government workers as well as teachers rely on state pensions for their retirement. But there is a looming problem in many states where pension funds might run out. How serious is this issue? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden responds. 

Aug 23, 2010

Who’s buying the debt?

The federal government has issued over $2 trillion of new debt during the past two years. Who bought it? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden answers. 

Aug 20, 2010

Jobs created and saved

The president’s chief economic advisor issued a report recently saying the $800 billion dollar stimulus package passed last year has so far resulted in between 2.5 million and 3.6 million jobs being created or saved nationwide. How has this number been arrived at? Did someone go around and count the jobs? N.C. State University extension economist Mike Walden explains.