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You Decide: Is the Economy Headed for a Nosedive?

Economic Perspective

Mike Walden, CALS ARE Extension

Aug 7, 2026

You Decide: How Will Social Security Be Fixed?

NC State Economist Mike Walden explores potential solutions for funding Social Security in the countdown to 2032, the year experts say changes will have to be made to prevent cuts in payments to U.S. retirees. 
NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences professor Dr. Mike Walden working in a recording studio.

Jul 24, 2026

You Decide: What are the Benefits and Costs of Immigration?

NC State economist Mike Walden breaks down a new report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas that sheds light on the economic impact of unauthorized immigration. 
Mike Walden, CALS ARE Extension

Jul 10, 2026

You Decide: How Important Is Income Inequality?

NC State economist Mike Walden explores the factors that cause income inequality, ways to address it and what's on the horizon for wage gaps as the use of AI grows. 
Mike Walden, CALS ARE Extension

Jun 26, 2026

You Decide: How Good Is the Job Market?

NC State economist Mike Walden examines North Carolina’s job market, which impacts both businesses and households. Will emerging technologies or other factors disrupt current trends? 
NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences professor Dr. Mike Walden working in a recording studio.

Jun 12, 2026

You Decide: What to Expect From the New Federal Reserve?

With a new chair at the helm of the Federal Reserve, NC State economist Mike Walden discusses whether the inflation rate or unemployment rate will likely be the organization's priority in the coming months. 
Mike Walden, CALS ARE Extension

May 29, 2026

You Decide: How Will You Vote on New Tax Proposals?

State legislators have approved adding constitutional amendments on taxes to North Carolina ballots. NC State economist Mike Walden provides context on the potential pros and cons of these measures. 
Mike Walden, CALS ARE Extension

May 15, 2026

You Decide: Is the U.S. Energy Independent?        

NC State economist Mike Walden explains the challenges in filling U.S. fuel needs from domestic supplies versus imported oil. 
Mike Walden, CALS ARE Extension

May 1, 2026

You Decide: Why Are Trailer Parks Disappearing?         

Economist Mike Walden examines one factor contributing to the housing affordability crisis: less land dedicated to trailer parks. Is there a way to keep mobile home ownership as an important part of affordable living? 
Mike Walden, CALS ARE Extension

Apr 17, 2026

You Decide: Is COVID To Blame for High Housing Costs and Property Taxes? 

NC State economist Mike Walden examines whether the issues both homebuyers and homeowners have been facing in recent years began during the pandemic. 
Mike Walden, CALS ARE Extension

Apr 3, 2026

You Decide: Is the Economy Headed for a Nosedive?

NC State economist Mike Walden takes a closer look at how the Iran War could affect the economic outlook for 2026.