News

Sep 19, 2012

Impacts of smoking bans

Smoking bans in commercial areas and public places have increased in frequency across the country and even here in North Carolina. In fact, one North Carolina community is even contemplating banning smoking on the beach. N.C. State University economist takes a look at how such bans affect smoking. 

Sep 18, 2012

N.C. State gets new plant scientist, expands at N.C. Research Campus

N.C. State University’s Plants for Human Health Institute continues its expansion efforts by adding another established scientist to its team at the N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis. Dr. Tzung-Fu Hsieh (pronounced: “Zung Foo Shay”) joined the institute in August 2012 and is developing a research program centered on the biological systems of flowering plants, including fruits and vegetables. With the addition of Hsieh, N.C. State now employs nearly 50 faculty and staff in Kannapolis. 

Sep 18, 2012

QE benefits

The Federal Reserve has enacted a couple of QE, or quantitative easing, programs in recent years. And they may be ready to embark on another. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what quantitative easing is and outlines the benefits. 

Sep 17, 2012

Areas of agreement

There seems to be nothing but disagreement over what should be done about the economy. But N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says there are some areas that economists and policymakers agree on. 

Sep 16, 2012

Program teaches participants to 'Shop Smart'

With just $10 to spend on food, a mother and her teenage daughter came away from a Durham Food Lion recently with quite a bit of food: two yogurts, bananas, lettuce, strawberries, cucumbers, salad dressing and bread. The two were among a group participating in Durham County Cooperative Extension’s “Shop Smart, Eat Smart and Move More” program. 

Sep 14, 2012

YOU DECIDE: Are we better off today?

The question, "Are you better off today?" has become a major debate of the political campaigns. Mike Walden brings economics to bear to address this often controversial question. 

Sep 14, 2012

It paid to be small

It’s commonly thought that big companies can survive adversity better than small firms. Big companies have more resources and perhaps better access to credit for loans in tough times. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers whether this conventional wisdom was true in the past recession. 

Sep 13, 2012

Butterfly bushes, redbud recognized

New types of butterfly bushes and redbuds developed by a North Carolina State University plant breeder are attracting attention around the world. 

Sep 13, 2012

Measuring poverty

Poverty rates have risen about 4 percentage points in the last decade, with the 2010 measure standing at near 15 percent. But N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says that analysts don’t think this is an adequate measure of poverty. 

Sep 12, 2012

Organic broccoli is focus of Waynesville workshop

N.C. State University will host a workshop on growing organic broccoli, Sept. 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Mountain Research Station, 265 Test Farm Road, Waynesville. Learn about organic broccoli production, insect management, post-harvest techniques and marketing. Also, view 28 broccoli varieties and help rate the best ones. The workshop is free and…