Author: Dee Shore

May 25, 2012

Social Security problems

Each year the trustees of the Social Security system issue a report on the system’s financial condition. The 2012 report is out, and N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says the news it contains is not good. 

May 24, 2012

Dean honors Awards of Excellence winners

Five College of Agriculture and Life Sciences staff members were honored recently with 2012 Awards of Excellence, which honors outstanding individual achievements and contributions to the CALS mission. The winners were honored during an awards luncheon in Raleigh May 18. 

May 24, 2012

The bio-economy

Recently the federal government outlined a strategy for developing and expanding something called the bio-economy. What exactly is the bio-economy, and why is it important? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

May 23, 2012

Watching interest rates

Interest rates are one of the key factors in the economy. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden tells where they are now – and where they might be headed. 

May 22, 2012

A budget idea

Most people know the federal government has big budget issues, including the recent significant growth in the national debt. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden takes a look at one simple idea to address the budget that might have wide appeal. 

May 21, 2012

Smaller education gains

Since World War II generations in the United States have successively gotten better educated. Economists say this is a big factor in standard-of-living improvements over the last 60 years. But N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says this trend is beginning to change. 

May 18, 2012

Can we stop high gas prices?

Gas prices are clearly hitting people in their wallets and pocketbooks. They also have to potential to stall the economy. Is there anything we can do to push prices down? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

May 17, 2012

Unemployment confusion

Many people have questions about how unemployment and the unemployment rate are calculated each month. Issues have arisen about the tie-in to unemployment benefits -- whether self-employed workers and others are included. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden helps clear up the confusion. 

May 16, 2012

Student Perspectives: Justin Hills

Working in the laboratory of Dr. Rob Dunn has given N.C. State University biological sciences student Justin Hills insight into – and passion for – public health and science communication. This summer, he’s headed to Ghana to investigate liver cancer, a first step in his quest to help address health disparities that exist among different communities nationally and internationally. Hear more in this audio slideshow, with photos by Becky Kirkland, N.C. State University Communications. 

May 16, 2012

'Almanac Gardener' continues through September

“Almanac Gardener,” featuring North Carolina Cooperative Extension home horticulture experts, continues its season on WUNC-TV through September.