News

Aug 24, 2010

State pensions

State pensions are important to many workers. In North Carolina state and local government workers as well as teachers rely on state pensions for their retirement. But there is a looming problem in many states where pension funds might run out. How serious is this issue? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden responds. 

Aug 23, 2010

Who’s buying the debt?

The federal government has issued over $2 trillion of new debt during the past two years. Who bought it? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden answers. 

Aug 20, 2010

Jobs created and saved

The president’s chief economic advisor issued a report recently saying the $800 billion dollar stimulus package passed last year has so far resulted in between 2.5 million and 3.6 million jobs being created or saved nationwide. How has this number been arrived at? Did someone go around and count the jobs? N.C. State University extension economist Mike Walden explains. 

Aug 20, 2010

YOU DECIDE: Is there a better way to help the unemployed?

Unemployment compensation is the main way we help the unemployed. But some economists say the current unemployment compensation system isn't working. North Carolina State University Economist Mike Walden discusses the issue. 

Aug 20, 2010

Sibling Excellence

When the two-day International Poultry Scientific Forum held its Student Award of Excellence competition, two graduate students from N.C. State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences were among the competitors making oral and poster presentations of their research. In fact, while one of the students was making her poultry science research presentation, in a nearby session the other student simultaneously was presenting her food science research to a team of judges. 

Aug 19, 2010

North Carolina 4-H names four “Partners in Excellence”

Four organizations were recently named 2010 North Carolina 4-H Partners in Excellence: Carolina Farm Credit, North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, NC SPIN and the North Carolina State Grange. “The spirit of service and unselfish leadership of these organizations allows 4-H to tackle real-world issues like hunger, environmental stewardship, sustainable energy, youth health and obesity, and… 

Aug 19, 2010

CALS alumna receives Walter B. Jones Sr. Memorial Award for coastal work

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences graduate Robin Worrell Wienke is one of four North Carolinians who has received the Walter B. Jones Sr. Memorial Award for Excellence in Coastal and Marine Graduate Studies. She was honored by the NOAA for current and expected roles in coastal or ocean management activities. 

Aug 19, 2010

Energy costs

There haven't been too many complaints about gas prices this summer. Are energy prices finally behaving themselves? North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden weighs in. 

Aug 18, 2010

Path to a health-care career can start at N.C. State

CALS has long provided that grounding for those who wish to pursue post-graduate education for careers in human medicine, nursing, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy or physical therapy. 

Aug 18, 2010

Expiring tax cuts

Some federal tax rates are scheduled to increase next year unless Congress takes action. Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist, explains how people will be affected.