News

Oct 15, 2012

Commercial real-estate revival

Commercial real estate was battered during the recession. New construction came to a virtual halt and values fell. Now there are signs that commercial real estate is coming back. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains why. 

Oct 12, 2012

YOU DECIDE: How would you grade the Fed?

The Federal Reserve has been front and center when in comes to both policies and debates related to the economy in recent years. But what exactly is the Federal Reserve, what does it do and what impacts can it have? Mike Walden discusses. 

Oct 12, 2012

Medicare and Medicaid

The federal government’s two big health care support programs, Medicare and Medicaid, have been in the news recently. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains the differences between these programs. 

Oct 11, 2012

CALS Sustainability Programs Office launches site

The CALS Office of Sustainability Programs just launched a new website designed to promote faculty programs in sustainability, highlight faculty and student efforts in sustainability and serve as a visible point of contact for external stakeholders interested in the college’s sustainability programs. 

Oct 11, 2012

Government help

Statistics show that the percentage of households receiving some kind of government help reached an all-time high of 50 percent in 2010. What’s behind this amazing number? And will it continue to rise? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Oct 10, 2012

$10 million gift names Poultry Science Department for Prestage family

North Carolina State University's Poultry Science Department has been renamed for the Prestage Family. Chancellor Randy Woodson announced a 10 million gift that will name and endow the department in N.C. State's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 

Oct 10, 2012

The future of gasoline

One of the most watched of prices is that of gasoline. Although gas prices don’t change in a straight line, the trend has appeared to be up. Should we expect more of the same in the future? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Oct 9, 2012

Extension answers questions at State Fair

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is sharing information about education and jobs in agriculture during the 2012 N.C. State Fair, Oct. 11-21. CALS is a partner in the fair’s Cultivate a Career exhibit, located near the fair’s Gate 11 and Kerr Scott Building. 

Oct 9, 2012

What starting point?

There’s a big debate going on about whether we’re better off now, economically speaking. Of course, such comparisons must have both a starting point and an ending point. For most, the ending point is now. But what is the appropriate starting point? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Oct 8, 2012

Is there a structural labor problem?

The job market is still a big issue in the economy. Some say much of the problem is structural rather than cyclical. What is structural versus cyclical? Which is the problem? And why does it matter? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.