Former BLS Commissioner Erica Groshen joins POLITICO Money to discuss how the very low unemployment number masks some persistent weaknesses in our economy. Plus, Brenda Dryer, the director of workforce solutions in Ames, Iowa, explains the conditions in the city with the lowest unemployment rate in the nation at just 1.4 percent.

Reading inbetween the lines of the 4.1% unemployment rate

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By making local officials the gatekeepers for million-dollar businesses, states have unintentionally created a breeding ground for bribery and favoritism. POLITICO's Mona Zhang reports. This episode is the second in a two-part series on the unintended consequences of marijuana legalization laws. (This episode of "POLITICO Dispatch" aired May 4, 2021.)

The edge of legalization, Part Two: Ripe for corruption

Welcome to Ontario, Oregon, home of the tater tot — and now, a massive marijuana market for customers crossing the Idaho border. POLITICO's Natalie Fertig explains how the tiny town border town of 11,000 people became one of America's cannabis capitals — and what it means for other towns as weed legalization spreads. This episode is the first in a two-part series on the unintended consequences of marijuana legalization laws. (This episode of "POLITICO Dispatch" aired May 3, 2021.)

The edge of legalization, Part One: Border Weed

“If we miss this opportunity, God help us.” Joe Manchin and Lisa Murkowski. Two moderate senators smack in the middle — and on either side — of a split 50-50 Senate. On our first episode of Playbook Deep Dive, the two friends open up in a rare interview with POLITICO’s Burgess Everett. They get personal: about reconciliation, frustration over the Senate’s hurdles — even why Murkowski hogs the best fishing holes. And Manchin reveals a major endorsement, heard first on this show.

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Reading inbetween the lines of the 4.1% unemployment rate

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