News

Jan 13, 2014

Competing economic outlooks

It’s been said that if you ask 10 economists a question, you’ll get 10 answers. As economists look into their crystal balls for 2014, what are their alternative views on the economy? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. “There really are probably 10 opinions for every 10 economists, but there really are two main… 

Jan 10, 2014

Should we revive apprenticeships?

Years ago, one way young people could train for an occupation was to work with experts in the fields they were interested in entering. These on-the-job programs are called apprenticeships, and some say we should bring them back. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains why. 

Jan 9, 2014

What are bit coins?

Host Mary Walden admits she's not a tech person but knows that bitcoins are a type of cyber mobey. Where do they come from? Who controls the amount? And why would anyone use them? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 8, 2014

The next big housing problem

The housing market appears to be recovering from its worst crash in history, but just as we are seeing the market return to some semblance of normality, there are warnings of another possible housing problem. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains the problem to host Mary Walden. 

Jan 7, 2014

Differences in jobless rates

Although the economy is improving and unemployment rates are falling, the job market is not good for everyone. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains to host Mary Walden who's having the toughest time landing a job. 

Jan 6, 2014

N.C. Cooperative Extension Service makes progress with reorganization

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service has wrapped up a series of 14 public listening sessions and is moving forward on schedule with its system-wide reorganization effort in 2014. Nearly 2,000 employees, volunteers, elected officials, agricultural producers and others participated in listening sessions in November and December. A new plan for Extension is expected by spring. 

Jan 6, 2014

Should we bring back apprenticeships?

Host Mary Walden remembers the father of her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, talking about coming home from World War II and becoming an apprentice. The economist a revival in apprenticeship programs in different areas of the country. 

Jan 3, 2014

YOU DECIDE: Up, down or sideways — what direction for the economy in 2014?

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden looks into his economic crystal ball to tell us what to expect in 2014. 

Jan 3, 2014

Presidents and the economy

When discussing the economy, people will often credit or blame the president for economic trends. But how much control does the president really have over the economy? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jan 2, 2014

Income distribution in North Carolina

The national media has given lots of coverage to the increasing gap in recent years between the highest-income and lowest-income households. Is that same trend occurring in North Carolina? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.