Business and Economic News

Chris Farrell and Louis Johnston's economic views
Economists Louis Johnston and Chris Farrell team up to discuss the state of the economy, in an event moderated by longtime MPR host Gary Eichten. Farrell and Johnston say the economy is basically healthy and going in the right direction, but the "distribution of well-being" isn't very good.
Candidates for president talk a lot about job creation -- and blame each other for job loses. But many factors are beyond the reach of government. Two experts explain how jobs are gained and lost in the modern economy.
Could you come up with $400 if disaster struck?
According to the Federal Reserve Board, 47 percent of Americans would have trouble coming up with $400 for a health problem, car repair or other emergency.
Lawmakers won't name the firm but say they must move quickly or risk losing a plant that could bring some 250 good-paying jobs to a hard-hit part of Minnesota. Not everyone's on board, however.