MPR News Reflections and observations on the news

By Paul Tosto

ptosto@mpr.org

Paul Tosto is an editor for MPR News.

Fed’s largest financial asset?

Paul Tosto April 11, 2012, 1:28 PM Apr 11, 2012

It was eye-opening a few weeks ago when the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau took a deep look at private and federal student loans outstanding and concluded that the market had topped $1 trillion. Equally sobering is a new analysis by financial markets researcher Doug Short. On his blog today, Short offers a pop quiz: Read more →

Is the good weather masking a weak economy?

Paul Tosto April 11, 2012, 11:00 AM Apr 11, 2012

1

It’s been a lovely spring here and across the country. Only an economist could find something wrong with it.

Tsunami bullet, dodged

Paul Tosto April 11, 2012, 9:01 AM Apr 11, 2012

This tsunami watch appears to have a happy ending.

In bankruptcy data, signs of better economy

Paul Tosto March 29, 2012, 4:15 PM Mar 29, 2012

Have we turned the corner on bankruptcies in Minnesota?

Live by the ranking …

Paul Tosto March 29, 2012, 2:20 PM Mar 29, 2012

1

There’s long been a love-hate relationship between law schools and U.S. News rankings.

Best Buy’s woes show up in their numbers

Paul Tosto March 29, 2012, 10:12 AM Mar 29, 2012

Best Buy’s problems go deeper than quarterly losses.

Synthetic pot: not safe

Paul Tosto March 19, 2012, 3:39 PM Mar 19, 2012

7

Synthetic pot: Not safe

Feeling better about the housing market?

Paul Tosto March 19, 2012, 12:47 PM Mar 19, 2012

8

Despite improving economy, young people still reticent about buying a home.

The ‘rock star’ heads for the minors

Paul Tosto March 19, 2012, 9:26 AM Mar 19, 2012

He still has the smile and super model wife, but Tsuyoshi Nishioka is Rochester bound.

Who cheats and how in college

Paul Tosto March 16, 2012, 11:17 AM Mar 16, 2012

4

Students don’t just cheat because they can.

Irrational Connecticut pride

Paul Tosto March 16, 2012, 8:47 AM Mar 16, 2012

Nutmeggers unite!

The ‘boomerang’ kids are alright

Paul Tosto March 15, 2012, 4:30 PM Mar 15, 2012

4

The economy made many of us move home, and that’s OK.

Take this job ….

Paul Tosto March 15, 2012, 1:30 PM Mar 15, 2012

1

“I am leaving…” becomes a sensation.

MN’s new grad job market tougher than you thought

Paul Tosto March 15, 2012, 11:19 AM Mar 15, 2012

5

Opportunities for new grads in Minnesota took a dive during the Great Recession.

North Dakota’s Bakken oil boom in one image

Paul Tosto March 15, 2012, 9:56 AM Mar 15, 2012

1

The big, red blob from space that is the Bakken.