Growth in the U.S. economy slowed in the first quarter of 2011. One reason: our growing trade deficit (BBC).  Bonus: is there a linkage between GDP growth and jobs (ESA)?

Bloomberg: Meanwhile, German unemployment is at its lowest level in 19 years thanks to a robust trade surplus.

NYT: Even the New York Times editorial board says something needs to be done about our eroding manufacturing sector.

WSJ: Newt Gingrich says Paul Ryan’s proposed budget spends too little on research. We agree.

Reuters: A word cloud of Fed Chair Ben Bernanke’s press conference yesterday. Inflation is on his mind. Jobs, not so much.

WSJ: Trade negotiators consider an alternative to the stalled Doha Round of the World Trade Organization.

NYT: Chrysler is expected to pay back its government loans.

CBS: The world’s last typewriter plant closes down.