Commentary/Opinion
Letter To The Editor: Reform Not Ruin – Fixing The House Without Burning It Down
By John Cabascango Despite the usual online noise of doom and gloom regarding the public school system, some lessons can be applied to the public school system here in Johnston…
You Decide: Why Are Gas Prices Down, Food Prices Up?
By Mike Walden Two of the most important purchases by consumers are food and gas. We obviously need food to sustain ourselves, and most of us enjoy the experience of…
Social Security Matters – Do I Need To Sign Up For An Online Social Security Account?
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens Dear Rusty: I recently I heard the tail end of a…
You Decide: Can We Predict The Economy?
By Mike Walden As I have mentioned in previous columns, I’ve made over 3,000 presentations in my career as an economist. Most of them occurred during my 43-year career at…
Social Security Matters – How Do I Navigate The Social Security Maze?
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens Dear Rusty: I am a woman, turning 65 this October (2025).…
You Decide: What Does The Fed’s Rate Cut Mean?
By Mike Walden Recently, the Federal Reserve (the “Fed’) cut its key interest rate — the group’s first rate cut in nine months. Although the reduction was modest — one…
Opinion: Popularity Is Precisely What We Want
By John Hood RALEIGH — What is the most popular state in the continental United States? You guessed it: our own North Carolina. That’s the headline from a recent YouGov…
You Decide: Is “Buy Now, Pay Later” A Good Deal?
By Mike Walden “Buy now, pay later” offers have been gaining popularity, especially among young people. They offer a quick and easy way to obtain what you want now. About…
Social Security Matters – Should I Claim Social Security Early Because It Is Going Bankrupt?
By Russell Gloor, National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens Dear Rusty: My best friend is going to be 62 and…
Oldest Playground In Clayton To Get A Modern Update
CLAYTON – The Town of Clayton is moving forward with an exciting upgrade at Donald “Clyde” Sinclair Park at 400 East Front Street. The playground replacement follows a comprehensive review…
You Decide: Is The Housing Market Improving For Buyers?
By Mike Walden Ever since the pandemic, the housing market has been difficult for buyers, especially for young and first-time buyers. Housing prices have been rising at a rate much…
You Decide: Good Or Bad Direction On Inflation?
By Mike Walden Inflation continues to be one of the top issues in the country. Although some prices have fallen, many are still rising and, what’s more troubling, are rising…
