As if the Washington politics of a potential government shutdown isn’t confusing enough, now Congress is throwing a healthy helping of math at the American people — and it’s all rather fuzzy.

Energy firms, high-tech businesses and even some manufacturing companies are expected to be among the bright spots in hiring. Most in demand are skilled laborers, salespeople, engineers and computer whizzes.

What may be one of the biggest data breaches of all time occurred at marketing firm Epsilon. But it’s the company’s clients, such as Best Buy, JPMorgan, TiVo and Walgreen, who will end up paying the price.

The president’s goal drew applause from an audience at Georgetown University. But it also prompts some obvious questions: How hard will it be for America to reach that goal? Is it the right goal to reach for?

For an industry whose very existence could depend on finding ways to raise revenues from online content, the Times scheme is being watched closely by media consultants looking for a model that can be emulated.

American incomes continued to rise in February, but not enough to offset rising prices at the gas pump and grocery stores. The shift points to a potential economic danger spot — the risk that inflation could chip away at consumer well-being.

Will fatter bounties for turning in one’s co-workers and bosses improve the ethics of corporate America — or undercut them?

Even though plenty of oil is around, there is fear of further disruptions, and consumers, business people and politicians have all been making adjustments. Here’s how higher energy prices are starting to affect America.

Lurking in a proposed mortgage fraud settlement with the state attorneys general is a clause that could be worth billions for the big banks. The proposal might let the banks avoid tens of billions of write-downs.

The severity of the recession, the protracted recuperation of the job market and the cost implications of the new health-care law have some in the industry wondering if more temporary work is here to stay.

The crux of the debate: Should your mobile device serve up the Internet the way your desktop computer does — namely, all the data you want? Or should it offer just certain channels of data, like cable or satellite TV does?

The United States needs a new system for financing American homeownership. The old system collapsed in 2008 when skyrocketing losses forced Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two mortgage giants, into federal conservatorship.

Is it worth spending $50 million in taxpayer dollars to help 42 families refinance their underwater mortgages?

While the cards have great appeal — the money comes faster and there are no hassles with lost or stolen checks — they have also generated controversy.

Apple’s next-generation iPad is a leap forward for tablets and a further blurring of lines among high-tech devices.

The case — a dispute over whether certain FCC investigative files should be released to the public — was closely watched in part because some legal analysts viewed it as a potential indicator of a pro-business bias at the high court.

It’s a common worry in a sour labor market. When offers don’t come, job seekers with excellent resumes search for reasons why.