Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Are the best days of the U.S. economy over?

Season 2016 Episode 280 | 8m 26s

If you add up all of the innovations made from the late 1800s up to 1970, there's been no comparable stretch of economic growth, before or since, says economist Robert Gordon. According to his new book, "The Rise and Fall of American Growth," slower progress is just the new normal. But in our current computer age, not everyone buys that idea. Economics correspondent Paul Solman reports.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
July 27, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
U.S. air defense supply shrinks during Iran war, leaving experts concerned
India's youth-led 'cockroach' protests expose cracks in Modi's government
Documentary explores why U.S. mothers lack support systems found in other countries
Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on midterm voter enthusiasm
Cyclospora and salmonella outbreaks raise concerns about U.S. food safety
News Wrap: French firefighters battle massive wildfire
3 killed in shooting at crowded festival in Seattle
Senate faces packed, complicated agenda as midterms loom
July 24, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode