Economic Downturn
Economic Downturn
  • Guthrie cuts its budget in wake of revenue problems
    The Guthrie Theater is enacting wage freezes, work furloughs and layoffs in response to an anticipated 14 percent drop in revenue in the coming year.March 25, 2009
  • Minnesotans' income grew last year
    New Commerce Department numbers show a key measure of prosperity grew slightly more in Minnesota than the national average last year.March 25, 2009
  • Arts colleges face unique challenges in a recession
    As the economic recession deepens, colleges and their students are feeling the pressure to stay afloat. Private art schools are facing their own particular challenges, convincing families they can lead a student to a successful career.March 23, 2009
  • Wenonah Canoe steers straight in the recession
    Winona-based Wenonah Canoe, an internationally-known canoe builder, is so far riding out the recession without cutbacks.March 20, 2009
  • 8.1 percent jobless rate; a glimmer of light?
    The jobless rate in Minnesota rose again in February, hitting 8.1 percent. That's up more than half a percent from the January reading. The state also lost more than 13,000 jobs.March 19, 2009
  • General Mills 3Q profit falls on higher costs
    General Mills says its profit dropped 33 percent in the latest quarter on higher input costs and a stronger dollar, while sales increased on the strength of some of its well-known brands.March 18, 2009
  • Wholesale prices edge up; housing starts surge
    Wholesale prices edged up a tiny 0.1 percent in February as a big decline in food prices offset a second monthly increase in energy costs, the Labor Department reported Tuesday.March 17, 2009
  • Federal Reserve meets this week
    The Federal Reserve this week hosts its regular two-day meeting, at which it sets key interest rates. Economics professor Louis Johnston and MPR's chief economics correspondent Chris Farrell join Midday to discuss the current crisis.Midday, March 16, 2009
  • Walker Art Center cuts $2 million from budget
    The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis announced today it will cut $2 million from its budget because of the economic downturn, but has avoided laying off any staff.March 16, 2009
  • New jobless claims rise more than expected
    The number of initial claims for jobless benefits rose last week, while the total number of people continuing to receive benefits set a record high, the government said Thursday.March 12, 2009
  • Star Tribune seeks to abandon union's contract
    The Star Tribune of Minneapolis is seeking bankruptcy court approval to abandon one of its labor contracts as it tries to cut more costs in its restructuring.March 11, 2009
  • Impact of recession on the young
    Experts wonder whether this recession will revive Depression-era pessimism among young people today. We'll discuss how this troubled economy may shape the choices of the uber-confident Millennial generation.Midmorning, March 10, 2009
  • Lawmakers consider bill to help homeowners avoid foreclosure
    A new bill being considered by state lawmakers would force lenders to negotiate with struggling homeowners to avoid foreclosure.March 10, 2009
  • Obama calls latest job losses astounding
    Obama spoke at the graduation ceremony for 25 police recruits who owe their jobs to the $787 billion economic recovery bill he signed into law less than three weeks ago.March 6, 2009
  • Jobless rate bolts to 8.1 percent
    The government says the nation's unemployment rate bolted to 8.1 percent in February, the highest since late 1983, as cost-cutting employers slashed 651,000 jobs.March 6, 2009

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