Social Progress Index: Why does US rank No. 16?
The Social Progress Index – covering everything from social inclusion to environmental stability and literacy rates – offers a window into the well-being of people in 132 nations.
Mark Trumbull
Janet Yellen confirmation marks new era at Federal Reserve
The Janet Yellen confirmation breaks a glass ceiling for women at the Federal Reserve and also comes at a time when the nation’s central bank is under intense scrutiny.
No ‘grand bargain’ in budget deal: What does that mean for the economy?
The best part of the budget ‘mini-deal’ is that it exists, economists say. It should boost GDP next year, and paves the way for more bargaining. But in the long term, a grand bargain is still the way to go.
Sandy Hook report answers some questions, but many still a mystery
Sandy Hook report, released Monday, concludes that shooter Adam Lanza ‘had a fascination with mass shootings and firearms,’ but displayed no ‘aggressive or threatening tendencies.’
Government shutdown didn’t save money. It cost $2 billion, report says
From a budgetary perspective, the government shutdown was a lose-lose scenario, with federal employees sitting at home getting no work done but then later getting paid for it.
Fixing the Obamacare website: a status report in three numbers
Kathleen Sebelius, in Senate testimony, said a ‘couple of hundred’ problems remain to be fixed, just 24 days before a promised Nov. 30 deadline to get the Obamacare site working properly.
Not enough pre-launch testing of Obamacare website, contractors testify
Testing was inadequate before the debut of Healthcare.gov, contractors who helped to build the Obamacare website told a House panel Thursday. And when will it be fixed? No ‘exact date,’ said one.
Obamacare Web troubles: what’s known so far – and what big questions remain
Lawmakers on the House Energy and Commerce Committee are likely to ask some pointed questions Thursday about why the rollout of Obamacare website has gone so badly.
Fed nominee Janet Yellen: ‘Too many Americans still can’t find a job’
Janet Yellen, after being nominated Wednesday by President Obama, spoke of the dual role of the Federal Reserve to help ensure ‘the opportunity to work hard’ while keeping inflation in check.
Debt limit: Raise it or risk financial crisis, Treasury warns Congress
If a debt limit impasse in Congress led to a default, a Treasury report said, it could be ‘catastrophic’ for job creation and consumer spending. Negative effects ‘could last for more than a generation.’
Five years after Lehman bankruptcy: Will we see the next crisis coming?
On Sept. 15, 2008, the investment bank Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy. Today, broader oversight of financial markets is designed to make financial crises less frequent and less severe.
What will your Obamacare premium be? Numbers are in for 17 states
So far, premiums are coming in a bit lower than was anticipated by the Congressional Budget Office, according to a new report. That doesn’t mean Obamacare is cheap, but worries about massive cost spikes may be overblown.
Obama’s ‘grand bargain’ twist: Let’s focus on jobs, not the deficit
President Obama’s ‘grand bargain’ offers Republicans corporate tax reform in exchange for GOP support for more public spending.
Boston Marathon bombing suspect pleads ‘not guilty,’ shows no remorse
Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who appeared in federal court Wednesday, faces the possibility of life in prison or the death penalty.
Cory Booker the favorite for NJ Senate seat, but still has a race to win
The death of US Senator Frank Lautenberg has set off a scramble to fill the seat via a primary election in August and a special election in October. On Saturday, Newark Mayor Cory Booker entered the race.
Republicans pursue probe of Benghazi attacks, name witnesses for hearing
Witnesses at a May 8 hearing ‘have critical information’ about terrorist attack that killed the US ambassador and three other Americans in Benghazi, Libya, last year, says Rep. Darrell Issa. He says others might testify if they can overcome fear of retaliation by superiors.
‘Palestine’ finds a new home as Google follows ‘lead of the UN’
The Internet search giant Google said it was ‘following the lead of the UN’ in changing its references from ‘Palestinian Territories’ to ‘Palestine.’
New arrests hint at unseen side of Boston bombing suspect
Three of Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s friends were arrested Wednesday and charged with covering up for him. Two told authorities they heard Tsarnaev brag about his bombmaking ability.
Putin, Obama speak again amid probe into Tamerlan Tsarnaev
Boston bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev remains the focus of investigation in both Russia and the US, as authorities seek to learn how he became radicalized. Here are four other developments in the case.
Mormon Church to accept gay Boy Scouts
In a major step regarding openness in the Boy Scouts of America, Mormon Church officials have approved the scout organization’s acceptance of gay scouts. Still, the new ruling remains controversial because it bans gay scout leaders.