Author: Dee Shore

Aug 9, 2011

Big changes from small differences

Economists are constantly adjusting their forecasts for economic growth. Usually the changes appear to be relatively small – say, from 3 percent annual growth to 2 percent annual growth. But such small percentages can make big differences in the economy, says N.C. State University’s Mike Walden. 

Aug 8, 2011

Confusion over the deficit and debt

The big national economic story is about the deficit and the debt. But the terms can be confusing, so N.C. State University economist highlights some of the differences. 

Aug 5, 2011

What are tax loopholes?

In discussions about reducing the federal government deficit, the term tax loopholes was used frequently. Tax loopholes sound like tax benefits that people or businesses shouldn’t receive. But, as N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains, this isn’t correct. 

Aug 4, 2011

Taxes vs. fees

In North Carolina’s latest state budget, there were some tax reductions but also some fee increases. As N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains, taxes and fees aren’t the same, but, bottom line, they both mean the government is getting money from the people it serves. 

Aug 3, 2011

Grading quantitative easing

The Federal Reserve ended quantitative easing, their latest program to improve the economy. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden gives the program a mixed review. 

Aug 3, 2011

N.C. State gets $25 million grant to nullify norovirus

North Carolina State University will use a $25 million grant to strengthen food safety by studying human noroviruses across the food supply chain in an effort to design effective control measures and reduce the number of virus-caused food-borne illnesses. 

Aug 2, 2011

Childhood obesity is conference focus

The Kannapolis Scholars, a program of N.C. State University, will host a one-day conference at the N.C. Research Campus to address the challenges of childhood obesity. 

Aug 2, 2011

Lessons from abroad

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden spent a recent vacation with his wife, Mary, in Germany. As an economist, what did he observe? 

Aug 1, 2011

No more low-hanging fruit?

The condition of the economy is a concern to everyone. Some economists argue we’ve been in a long-run slump because all of the easy improvements -- the low-hanging fruit -- have been accomplished or picked. N.C. State University’s Mike Walden explains what they mean. 

Jul 29, 2011

The economics of vehicles

Vehicle buying has gotten harder. Fuel efficiency is a big concern. When we look at the major alternatives to the combustion engine – such as all-electric and hybrid vehicles -- is economics working in their favor? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.