News

Dec 10, 2013

Aquaculture conference to be held in February

N.C. Cooperative Extension is a sponsor of the annual North Carolina Aquaculture Development Conference that will be held in New Bern, Feb. 20-22, 2014. Navigating Currents of Change will feature keynote speaker Debbie Hamrick, director of specialty crops for N.C. Farm Bureau Federation. 

Dec 10, 2013

The decline in labor-force participation

One of today's top economic issues is the significant decline in the percentage of working-age people who either are working or are looking for work. N.C. State University's Dr. Mike Walden outlines how economists explain this trend. 

Dec 9, 2013

Report cards

Schools are clearly important in preparing students for rewarding jobs, but the economy reflects that importance, says N.C. State University's Dr. Mike Walden. 

Dec 6, 2013

YOU DECIDE: What are the key debates over health insurance?

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses the key issues related to the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. 

Dec 6, 2013

Top inventions of all time

We live in a fast changing world dominated by advances in technology. But it's easy to forget how much we benefit from the past. Recently, the Atlantic magazine assembled a panel of experts to rank the top 50 inventions since the wheel. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses the Top 10. 

Dec 5, 2013

Superstar cities

People who travel across the United States may notice that some of our cities are vibrant and growing, but also costly, while others are shrinking and struggling, yet very inexpensive. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses new research into those differences. 

Dec 4, 2013

Bank lending

Lending and credit help drive our economy, and both took big hits during the recession. But where does lending stand now? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 3, 2013

Missing home buyers

Although the housing market has been recovering from the recession, some analysts say something is still lacking — buyers, particularly young buyers. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses the issue. 

Dec 2, 2013

Advisory leaders meet and tour sites in Watauga County

Extension’s State Advisory Council toured two sites in Boone, following its fall meeting there in November 2013. SAC members toured a constructed that Extension had been involved in creating. They also toured a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm in Foscoe, near Boone. 

Dec 2, 2013

Does the cost of living vary?

Economic statistics showed that the cost of living typically rises over time. A big family challenge is to earn enough to keep up with rising prices. But di the cost of living and how much it changes vary in different parts of the country? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.