economy

Trash disposal is up in Minnesota and a state agency says that's a good sign for the economy. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says historical trends show the amount of materials brought to landfills tend to increase as the economy grows and decrease when the economy contracts.

It's another nervous day for investors on Wall Street. Standard and Poors downgraded the U.S. credit rating from AAA to AA+, which has investors selling off stocks. However, St. Cloud State Economics Professor King Banaian says the bigger picture is the overall global economy, which is also struggling.

It's another sign the economy is improving -- boat sales in Minnesota are on the rise. Customers are returning to showroom floors and buying everything from docks and lifts to new and used boats.

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says the United States followed Greece into democracy but should take steps so the country does not follow it into bankruptcy.