The metro area's population will grow by a third and the "gross metro product" will reach $400 billion during the next three decades, according to a report from the Metropolitan Council. "Our forecast finds that migration for economic reasons will be a strong factor in our expected population growth," says the council's chairwoman, Susan Haigh.

A mix of government agencies and private corporations calling themselves Greater MSP says they're aiming to get Minneapolis above the national average for job growth by creating 25,000 new jobs.

For the second year in a row, Minneapolis-St. Paul has retained its No. 1 ranking among 50 metro areas in the annual American Fitness Index ranking by the American College of Sports Medicine. The index considers many factors, from diabetes rates and farmers markets per capita to the percentage of people who have exercised in the last 30 days.

The Economic Policy Institute found the unemployment rate for African Americans in the metro is about 24 percent compared to six percent for Caucasians -- the biggest gap than any other metropolitan area in the United States.

Rankings were based on unemployment rates and antidepressant usage. The saddest city in America? St. Petersburg, Fla.

For the second consecutive year, the American College of Sports Medicine has ranked Minneapolis-St. Paul as "the healthiest, fittest metropolitan area in the United States." The rankings are determined by four factors: preventive health behaviors, levels of chronic disease, access to health care, and community resources and policies that support physical activity.

The Business Journal reports the metro ranks 8th in the nation when it comes to the number of jobs added in the last year. Between August of 2010 and August of 2011, the Twin Cities added more than 26,000 jobs. For the record, Houston topped that list, adding 65,00 news jobs.

Recently, a series of reports, books and events are putting a spotlight on the enormous contribution women are making to their companies, communities and the global economy. Now it's time for companies to act ...