Dee Shore

Dec 11, 2012

Is more borrowing a good sign?

Government data show consumer borrowing for mortgages, car loans and other reasons is beginning to rise after several years of falling. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers whether this is a positive sign for the economy – or if it means trouble ahead. 

Dec 10, 2012

Workers and economic growth

Although the economy has been expanding and jobs have been increasing, the pace of improvement has been slow. Does this mean we’re stuck with unemployment rates much higher than we’d like? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Dec 7, 2012

The up, down and up of housing

There’s finally some optimism about the housing market as prices, sales and construction have all begun to rebound. But how far does housing have to go to get back to where it was? And will it ever get back to that level? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 6, 2012

Union County 4-H’ers light up lives of area seniors

Union County 4-H’ers have been spending time off from school installing water-saving aerators and energy-saving light bulbs and water-heater blankets in the homes of area senior citizens. In return, they’ve gotten plenty of hugs, as well as lessons in community service, leadership and energy conservation. 

Dec 6, 2012

Suffering from a cost disease

There are certain parts of our economy -- such as health care and education -- where prices seem to be rising consistently faster than in other sectors. Is there a fundamental economic reason behind this? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 5, 2012

Growing green

The loss of burley tobacco production and a glut in the Christmas tree market delivered a one-two punch to rural Madison County in recent years, but North Carolina Cooperative Extension and partner Madison Family Farms are helping the agricultural industry rebound through a grant-funded project aimed at opening up retail markets for locally produced Christmas trees and wreaths. 

Dec 5, 2012

Guaranteeing jobs

Jobs continue to be the country’s number one economic concern. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses a bold but simple plan another economist has offered for increasing jobs. 

Dec 4, 2012

N.C. State scientists work to stop the spread of boxwood blight

Since colonial days, the boxwood has been an important part of American gardens and landscapes. Research from N.C. State University is designed to help keep it that way, in spite of the threat to the plant posed by a disease new to the United States. 

Dec 4, 2012

Where do we go from here?

The country has voted, and now the discussion is about the public issues to be addressed in the upcoming years. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden is asked to use his crystal ball to predict those key issues and debates. 

Dec 3, 2012

Defining tax changes

Tax reform may be on the agenda of both our new national- and state-elected office holders. When someone talks about changing taxes, are they only talking about changing tax rates? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.