News

Mar 12, 2012

Has the Fed helped?

The Federal Reserve has traditionally been a rather obscure agency that few outside of finance and economics knew about. But the Fed has already been a prominent subject in this year’s political campaigns. Some say the Fed has outlived its usefulness, and may even be harming the economy’s long-run health. How can we decide if the Fed is helpful or harmful? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 10, 2012

Fresh off the Bench

Eager instructors, ‘cool courses’ and the very latest from the lab are the benefits of the Biotechnology Program’s unique teaching postdoctoral fellowship. 

Mar 9, 2012

Cyclical and structural issues

It’s easy to get confused over proposals to fix the economy. Some say the answer is more government spending, while others say government spending is the problem. Is there an easy resolution? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in. 

Mar 8, 2012

Container gardening guidance

A new publication from N.C. Cooperative Extension gives Piedmont gardeners guidance on growing fruits, herbs and vegetables in containers. 

Mar 8, 2012

Who avoided the recession

A new report looks at the impacts of the recession on both states and communities. One interesting finding was that some areas continued to prosper, even during the economic hard times. Where were these areas? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 7, 2012

Lowes Foods pledges support to 10% Campaign

Lowe’s Foods Stores, Inc. of Winston-Salem has signed on as a major partner of the 10% Campaign, a North Carolina initiative designed to encourage consumers to spend 10 percent of their food budget on locally-produced foods. 

Mar 7, 2012

Forecasting energy jobs

There’s great interest in the energy sector as a way to create jobs. Proponents of these energy sources -- from oil and gas exploration to solar and wind power -- often tell what they will mean for new jobs. But is it easy to make a connection between energy production and jobs? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in. 

Mar 6, 2012

College names sustainability coordinator

Dr. Danesha Seth Carley, a 2006 doctoral graduate of the North Carolina State University departments of Crop Science and Plant Pathology, recently was named coordinator for sustainability programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She is the first person to hold this new position. 

Mar 6, 2012

Lyndsie Young named Davie Extension Director

Lyndsie N. Young, Davie County’s 4-H leader for the last five years, has been named to direct North Carolina Cooperative Extension programs in the county. 

Mar 6, 2012

Impacts of tax changes

Whenever there’s a proposal for a tax increase or decrease, there’s debate about the proposal’s merits. But, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, it’s not sufficient to look at the impacts of such tax changes in isolation.