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General News with the Government at it's Worst

Fred Thompson on the Economy---Check it out!!

Dan Mitchell De-Bunking Keynes - Keynesian myth that big government, spending borrowed money, can "stimulate" the economy.

Blagojevich Saga - More bad government

Obama - What's he Doing

Florida Consumer E-Alerts - New Phishing Scam

House OKs $410B bill to boost spending - February 25, 2009 - Bill, passing mostly along party lines, chips away at Bush era policies

Obama seeks $634 billion for health care - February 25, 2009 - President calls for a significant ‘down payment’ over 10 years

Miami banker who gave away $60 million is hailed in Obama speech - February 25, 2009 - Miami's Leonard Abess Jr., who has become a national celebrity after giving away $60 million, received a standing ovation in Congress.

Tax hike not an option for Florida House Republicans - February 24, 2009 - Fiercely opposed to the idea of raising taxes, Republican leaders in the Florida House urged finding other ways to combat Florida's $5 billion-plus budget deficit.

Fed chief: U.S. suffering ‘severe contraction’ - February 24, 2009 - Bernanke hopes recession will end in ’09, but sees significant risks

In stimulus plan, how much bang for the buck? - February 24, 2009 - Thousands of cities, counties compete for scarce infrastructure funds

Polls: Most support Obama's economic plan - February 24, 2009 - Approval ratings high as president moves to stem recession woes

Miami-Dade, Broward to receive federal funds for homeless - February 20, 2009 - Florida will get more than $74 million in grants to help hundreds of local homeless-assistance programs, federal officials in Washington announced Thursday.

Big-city mayors to meet with Obama at White House - February 20, 2009 - The mayors of major U.S. cities will gather Friday at the White House to talk about the economy with President Barack Obama

Latest 'phishing' scam lures you with tax return - February 19. 2009 - Cyber-thieves' e-mail looks like it's from the IRS, but it's a rip-off

Gov. Sarah Palin to pay back taxes - February 18, 2009 - Gov. Sarah Palin must pay income taxes on thousands of dollars in expense money she received while living at her Wasilla home, under a new determination by state officials.

Beware Of Latest Scheme Targeting Social Networking Sites - February 4. 2009 - Friends of Bryan Rutberg were alarmed to hear Bryan was in trouble overseas recently, and one sent money to help out.

Obama: Economy Keeps Me Up At Night - February 4. 2009 - WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama said he's alarmed at how fast the U.S. economy has deteriorated and that worrying about it keeps him up at night.

Analysis: Obama is tarnished by nominees' tax problems - February 4. 2009 - Instead of 'change you can believe in,' Americans could see business as usual when it comes to the problems of some of President Barack Obama's personnel choices.

Obama to announce limits on executive pay. - February 3. 2009 - Restriction would apply to those getting ‘exceptional’ bailout assistance

Obama warns against 'gridlock' on stimulus. - February 3. 2009 - WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama is making another push for the economic stimulus plan being debated in the Senate, saying that with stakes so high, the nation can't afford the "same partisan gridlock."

Obama performance chief Killefer out, citing taxes. - February 3. 2009 - WASHINGTON -- Nancy Killefer withdrew her candidacy to be the first chief performance officer for the federal government on Tuesday, saying she didn't want her bungling of payroll taxes on her household help to become a distraction for the Obama administration.

Obama Names Gregg As Commerce Secy. - February 3. 2009 - Gregg Would Be Third Republican In Obama Cabinet

Daschle withdraws as health secretary nominee - February 3. 2009 - He follows withdrawal earlier Tuesday of chief performance nominee

Obama warns against 'gridlock' on stimulus. - February 3. 2009 - WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama is making another push for the economic stimulus plan being debated in the Senate, saying that with stakes so high, the nation can't afford the "same partisan gridlock."

Charlie Crist keeps options open for Senate run. - February 3. 2009 - Gov. Charlie Crist won't close the door on running for the U.S. Senate in 2010 when Mel Martinez steps down.

On Day 1, Holder promises break with Bush policies - February 3. 2009 - WASHINGTON -- On Attorney General Eric Holder's first day on the job, he signaled a clean break with past policies of the Bush administration and promised to hold Wall Street accountable if any major financial institutions engaged in fraud that contributed to the global financial crisis.

Obama performance chief Killefer out, citing taxes - February 3. 2009 - WASHINGTON -- Nancy Killefer withdrew her candidacy to be the first chief performance officer for the federal government on Tuesday, saying she didn't want her bungling of payroll taxes on her household help to become a distraction for the Obama administration.

Senate starts to tinker with $900 billion stimulus plan. - February 3. 2009 - WASHINGTON -- A divided and discontented Senate on Monday began debating a nearly $900 billion economic stimulus plan, while President Barack Obama launched a new grassroots campaign asking Americans to prod their lawmakers to act on it.

Obama finds that partisanship still lives in Washington - February 1. 2009 - WASHINGTON -- As a candidate, Barack Obama pledged to change politics, to make it more civil, to reach out to Republicans and to find bipartisan answers to the nation's pressing problems.

GOP leaders doubt stimulus bill will pass Senate - February 1. 2009 - WASHINGTON -- Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Sunday the massive stimulus bill backed by President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats could go down to defeat if it's not stripped of unnecessary spending and focused more on housing issues and tax cuts

Senators await review of Daschle's tax mistake - February 1. 2009 - WASHINGTON -- Senators awaited guidance from the committee reviewing Tom Daschle's nomination to be health secretary before deciding whether the former majority leader's big tax mistake might trip him up.

Senate Republicans to push to lower mortgage rates, cut tax rates - January 31, 2009 - WASHINGTON -- Republicans will push to lower mortgage rates to 4 percent and cut the lowest tax rates when the Senate begins consideration of its economic stimulus plan Monday, Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell said Saturday.

Homelessness surges as funding falters - January 30, 2009 - Providers to the poor try to stretch meager resources to meet growing need

Postmaster Gen'l: Mail Delivery Could Be Cut - January 28, 2009 - Agency Could Cut One Day Of Delivery

House passes Obama economic stimulus plan - January 28, 2009 - President: 'Perilous moment' requires swift action to kick-start economy

Senate OKs Geithner for Treasury - January 26, 2009 - President Obama's pick survives failure to pay some taxes in 2001

Congress may soon freeze salaries - January 26, 2009 - President Barack Obama’s decision to freeze top White House staff salaries may force members of Congress to do something they never want to do — block their own automatic pay increase. 

Biden: We've Inherited A Real Mess - January 26, 2009 - Face The Nation: VP Says Stimulus Plan Is Off and Running, But U.S. Faces Challenges On Pak-Afghan Front, Closing Gitmo

Fed may win sweeping financial oversight - January 26, 2009 - Some worry plan would give central bank too much power

Jury selection for third Liberty City Six trial gets under way Tuesday - January 26, 2009 - The third -- and likely last -- trial of a Liberty City group charged with conspiring with al Qaeda to blow up Chicago's Sears Tower and FBI buildings will get under way with jury selection Tuesday.

Democrats try to lower economic expectations - January 25, 2009 - They say despite bailout, stimulus, downturn may last for a while

Obama Touts Aid Plan's Impact On Americans - January 24, 2009 - President Warns Of $1 Trillion Shortfall

Obstacles await Obama's stimulus effort in Congress - January 24, 2009 - WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's economic stimulus effort faces a series of obstacles — including serious questions about its tax provisions and how quickly it might spark the economy — as Congress prepares to vote on the package.

Obama restores some of the 'Freedom' to FOIA - January 24, 2009 - WASHINGTON — One curious soul on Feb. 8, 2001, filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the State Department.

Obama ends abortion-related funding restrictions for aid groups - January 24, 2009 - WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama signed a memorandum Friday that ends a prohibition on supplying federal family-planning funds and contraceptives to international aid groups that provide abortions, abortion referrals or abortion counseling.

Florida looking for big boost from U.S. economic stimulus package - January 24, 2009 - State-by-state details of the giant economic stimulus package are beginning to emerge, though the figures could change.

A Presumption of Disclosure - January 23, 2009 - Obama revives the Freedom of Information Act.

Sen. Nelson outraged at bailout accountability - January 23, 2009 - WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson said he received assurances today from the Treasury Secretary nominee that there will be more accountability in how the next batch of funds from the $700 billion economic bailout will be used.

Senate approves pay equity bill - January 23, 2009 - WASHINGTON -- The Senate approved landmark worker rights legislation on Thursday that will make it easier for those who think they have endured pay discrimination to seek legal help. The vote was 61-36.

Metrorail North Corridor extension derailed another year - January 23, 2009 - For the second year in a row, the Metrorail North Corridor received low marks from federal regulators. But the long-sought project is not quite dead yet.

Florida job offices feel the squeeze, too - January 23, 2009 - Applying for unemployment benefits in Florida can't be done in person. Either go online, or do it by phone and wait.

Does a Glass Ceiling Persist in Politics? - January 22, 2009 - Kennedy's Withdrawal Illustrates a Double Standard, Some Say

Foreclosure Fightback - January 22, 2009 - "This is a crowd that won't scatter," James Steele wrote in the pages of The Nation some seventy-five years ago.

Ethics crisis in America? Church leaders say yes - January 21, 2009 - KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Reuters) - From billion-dollar ponzi schemes to bad mortgages and pay-to-play dealings by public officials, some are asking: Is there a crisis of ethics in America?

Poll: Inaugural boosts American hopes - January 21, 2009 - WASHINGTON — President Obama's inauguration has given a recession-battered nation a boost.

Despite billions, banks still teeter on the brink - January 21, 2009 - Wall Street waits on Obama, but no clear solution to the crisis exists

Senate confirms Clinton as secretary of state - January 21, 2009 - President Obama's pick wins overwhelming majority

Geithner apologizes for not paying taxes - January 21, 2009 - Iowa's Grassley still undecided on treasury secretary nominee

Obama becomes 44th U.S. president - January 21, 2009 - WASHINGTON -- Barack Obama became the 44th U.S. president Tuesday, shattering American racial barriers as the first black leader of the nation he promised to free from profound economic troubles and steer away from wars in two distant lands.

Barack Obama’s promise to America - January 21, 2009 - 'We must begin again the work of remaking America'

Canada prepares to partner with Obama - January 20, 2009 - OTTAWA — Along with the world, Canada warmly welcomed Barack Obama's promise that America is "ready to lead once more," as on Tuesday, a euphoric wave drowned the anti-Americanism that characterized eight years of relations with the Bush administration.

In quotes: Leaders welcome Obama' - January 20, 2009 - As millions of people watch Barack Obama's swearing-in ceremony, statesmen from around the world have been giving their reaction to the historic inauguration. Here is a selection of their comments:

Obama urges unity against 'raging storms' - January 20, 2009 - First black president takes office, facing an array of problems

Norman Lear Reflects on Obama's Inauguration - January 20, 2009 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - Norman Lear has seen a few inaugurals in his day.

An Inaugural Bow to the Constitution - January 20, 2009 - Barack Obama assumed the presidency with a pledge to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Tearing Up, Together - January 20, 2009 - When, if ever, did you start to cry?

The Work Has Begun - January 20, 2009 - No sooner was I seated on the Amtrak train to Washington than I was joined by Joanna Lawrence, whose mother in the 1930's famously put Esquire on the map with her article, "Latins Are Lousy Lovers," and had been Abbie Hoffman's companion during the last years of his life (including his years on the lam.)

Tone and Challenge in the Obama Era - January 20, 2009 - "Never in our national history has there been so dramatic a coincidence as this simultaneous transfer of power and the complete collapse of a system and of a philosophy."

President Obama makes his way to new office - January 20, 2009 - Inaugural parade heads to White House, celebrating first black U.S. leader

The Obama era starts now - January 20, 2009 - With goodwill behind him -- and crisis ahead -- it's time for the incoming president to show us what he's got.

For Obama, high hopes and a global honeymoon - January 20, 2009 - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama enters the White House on Tuesday with enough foreign goodwill to buy at least a brief global honeymoon as he wades into the crush of international crises awaiting his attention.

Cost of the Bush era: $11.5 trillion - January 20, 2009 - The outgoing administration has presided over 8 years of disasters and crises with some of the biggest price tags the nation has ever seen.

Obama praises McCain as a model of patriotism - January 19, 2009 - WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Barack Obama is calling his former rival John McCain an American hero who set a standard of patriotism and bipartisanship for all to follow. Obama praised McCain at a Monday night dinner in Washington honoring the Republican senator from Arizona whom Obama defeated in the November election.

Bush's legacy is America's shame - January 18, 2009 - Although Americans would be wary of admitting it to others, we know the wreckage left behind by the outgoing administration

A Simple Plea from a Farmer's Wife - A new way looking at the laws - January 16, 2009 - Believe it or not, my husband is a farmer, and I am - without a doubt - a farmer’s wife.

"Every kid gets a trophy" - January 16, 2009 - I can't believe President Bush's approval ratings have climbed as he edges to the end of his tragic term. Except I sort of understand it; I felt sorry for him tonight during his farewell address, which was utterly self-indulgent and delusional. It's hard to see someone leave the presidency so shamed.

Obama Pledges Entitlement Reform - January 16, 2009 - President-Elect Says He'll Reshape Social Security, Medicare Programs

Panel chairmen fighting mad over snubs by Pelosi - January 16, 2009 - Senior House Democrats have a message for their Speaker: We’re mad as hell, and we’re only taking it this one last time.

Foreclosures up 81% in 2008 - January 14, 2009 - One in 54 homes entered foreclosure in 2008. Rising unemployment and sliding home prices have some experts expecting 2009 to be even worse.

Congress takes up foreclosure relief plans - January 14, 2009 - After a year of debate, effective government solutions remain elusive

Poll: Solid support for Obama's economic plan - January 14, 2009 - WASHINGTON - A solid plurality of the American public supports the economic stimulus plan that President-elect Barack Obama has proposed, according to the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll.

Budget-squeezed states want a share of online sales - January 13, 2009 - BUYING ONLINE IS CONVENIENT -- AND A WAY TO AVOID SALES TAX. BUT BUDGET-SQUEEZED STATES WANT A SHARE OF CYBER-BUYING

Bush admits mistakes on Iraq, Katrina, but defends policies - January 12, 2009 - WASHINGTON -- President George W. Bush conceded Monday in a sometimes emotional, sometimes defiant farewell news conference that he'd made mistakes and had disappointments on Iraq and Hurricane Katrina policies, but said that history would prove that his decisions generally were correct.

Surprising jump in U.S. jobless rate suggests more pain ahead - January 10, 2009 - A federal report showed that the number of jobs lost in December was higher than thought, and lost data may be masking even bleaker news.

States ponder early release for some prisoners - January 10, 2009 - NEW YORK - Their budgets in crisis, governors, legislators and prison officials across the nation are making or considering policy changes that will likely remove tens of thousands of offenders from prisons and parole supervision.

20 Forgotten Bush Scandals - January 8, 2009 - In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, George H.W. Bush congratulated his son on running a “clean operation." Bush apparently wasn’t paying very close attention. Everyone remembers weapons of mass destruction, the US attorney firings. But historians will note that those are only the beginning of the Bush administration scandals…

Bush's homeland security setup faces ax - January 8, 2009 - WASHINGTON - President-elect Barack Obama is preparing to scrap the way President Bush oversaw domestic security in the White House and name a former Central Intelligence Agency official to coordinate counterterrorism, people close to the transition said Wednesday.

Feingold's Outline for a Constitutional Presidency - January 7, 2009 - The new U.S. Senate is struggling to constitute itself this week, and the picture is a sorry one.

Porn industry seeks own stimulus ... package - January 7, 2009 - Adult industry titans say economy has made Americans ‘go limp’

We think: Congress should give back this year's automatic salary hike - January 7, 2009 - Try to imagine a 2008 performance review for a member of Congress:

Prosecutors want bail for Madoff revoked - January 5, 2009 - Prosecutors want Bernard Madoff behind bars for mailing $1 million of valuables in violation of an asset freeze. Meanwhile, the SEC's internal watchdog said the agency's enforcement operations also will be scrutinized.

Phone exec says Pa. senator listed $50M in demands - January 5, 2009 - PHILADELPHIA -- The former president of Verizon Pennsylvania testified Monday that a powerful state lawmaker gave him a list of demands worth $50 million during negotiations over phone-industry deregulation.

Judge reinstates Islamic group's wiretapping suit - January 5, 2009 - SAN FRANCISCO -- A federal judge on Monday reinstated an Islamic charity's lawsuit challenging a Bush administration surveillance program.

5 governors unite, seek $1 trillion in federal aid - January 3, 2009 - Governor Deval Patrick and four other influential Democratic governors pleaded their case yesterday for up to $1 trillion in federal assistance over the next two years, to help alleviate budget cuts, create jobs, and avoid inflicting irreversible damage to schools during a fiscal crisis.

U.S. Debt Expected To Soar This Year - January 3, 2009 - $2 Trillion Increase May Test Federal Ability to Borrow

Congress faces historic challenges - January 3, 2009 - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats will pack greater clout when the new Congress convenes on Tuesday but they face enormous expectations from voters as they grapple with two wars, a financial crisis and record budget deficits.

U.S. could be facing debt 'time bomb' this year - January 3, 2009 - WASHINGTON - With President-elect Barack Obama and congressional Democrats considering a massive spending package aimed at pulling the nation out of recession, the national debt is projected to jump by as much as $2 trillion this year, an unprecedented increase that could test the world's appetite for financing U.S. government spending.

Complaint: NYC matron knowingly left man on bus - January 3, 2009 - NEW YORK -- Edwin Rivera, a severely disabled 22-year-old, was supposed to be escorted home from his special-needs school.

What to Expect from an Intelligent President - January 3, 2009 - Brace yourself. It's going get rocky soon. We are about to have a very bright man as our president. And we've been away from that territory for a very long time.

Obama pledges schools upgrade in stimulus plan - December 31, 2008 - WASHINGTON --  Barack Obama probably cannot fix every leaky roof and busted boiler in the nation's schools. But educators say his sweeping school modernization program _ if he spends enough _ could jump-start student achievement.

A Trillion Dollar Recovery - December 31, 2008 - Poverty is on the rise, record numbers of people are relying on food stamps and we've seen no relief for the foreclosure crisis. There are increasing rates of child abuse and domestic violence linked to this recession. State governments don't have financial resources to cope at the exact moment when those resources are most needed. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have lowered Medicaid payments or eliminated people from eligibility. The senior economist of the International Monetary Fund recently warned of another Great Depression

Most Valuable Progressives of 2008 - December 31, 2008 - Progressives had more to celebrate in 2008 than in any year since the Supreme Court got into the business of stealing elections. The jubilant mood is dampened, of course, by the fact of a country is stuck in two military quagmires, ravaged by the most fearsome economic downturn in at least a half century and suffering from a serious case of Constitutional degeneration. Perhaps we have not yet reached an ideal champagne moment. But there is still good reason to toast the year's MVPs – Most Valuable Progressives.

Obama's online backers key to pushing his agenda - December 30, 2008 - HONOLULU -- President-elect Barack Obama's top asset in pushing his agenda will not be his Cabinet secretaries or aides, but rather his online network. Obama's political e-mail list tops 13 million names, a digital force that the incoming White House can tap to push for his legislation, tamp down critics or bolster popular support. It's also a way for Obama to reach into every state, every city, and every neighborhood.

Cheney's Legacy of Deception - December 30, 2008 - In the end, the shame of Vice President Dick Cheney was total: unmitigated by any notion of a graceful departure, let alone the slightest obligation of honest accounting. Although firmly ensconced, even in the popular imagination, as an example of evil incarnate--nearly a quarter of those polled in this week's CNN poll rated him the worst vice president in US history, and 41 percent as "poor"--Cheney exudes the confidence of one fully convinced that he will get away with it all.

Probe: Sex assaults by staff on inmates 'a problem' at federal prisons - December 28, 2008 - A female inmate's brutal experience of sexual assaults by guards at the Federal Detention Center in Miami isn't uncommon in U.S. prisons.

Time runs out on rape suit - December 28, 2008 - A federal judge says the U.S. Bureau of Prisons was 'woefully deficient' in protecting a government witness from guards who repeatedly sexually assaulted her at the Federal Detention Center in Miami.

States are selling off roads, parks, airports and lotteries to raise funds - December 28, 2008 - Ballooning budget deficits have prompted more U.S. states to sell off roads, parks, airports and lotteries to raise money.

Double dipping rises despite outrage - December 28, 2008 - TALLAHASSEE — This year some of Florida's public officials are giving a whole new meaning to the phrase "home for the holidays.''

The $1 Trillion Bill for Bush's War on Terror - December 27, 2008 - The news that President Bush's war on terrorism soon will have cost the U.S. taxpayers $1 trillion — and counting — is unlikely to spread much Christmas cheer in these tough economic times.

Stop Being Stupid - December 27, 2008 - I’ve got a new year’s resolution and a new slogan for the country.

Federal judges press their case for salary increases - December 27, 2008 - Pay far behind private sector compensation

Poll: 75% glad Bush is done - December 27, 2008 - (CNN) -- A new national poll suggests that three out of four Americans feel President Bush's departure from office is coming not a moment too soon.

Editorial: The State of the Poor - December 27, 2008 - More help is needed

Suffering Ohio begs for federal lifeline - December 27, 2008 - State cuts and cuts while waiting for a possible stimulus package

Year-end Whoppers - December 27, 2008 - The bunk just keeps on coming.

Ellen Goodman: Bush leaves country in shambles, but he's happy - December 26, 2008 - BOSTON — I was doing fine until I saw the rocking chairs. My attacks of Bush-bashing were in remission. I told myself it was time to move on, to embrace the change you can believe in and, well, you get the idea.

3 Legislators Are In Favor Of Forgoing Their Raises - December 25, 2008 - WASHINGTON - With the economy teetering and thousands of Floridians and other Americans losing their jobs, three Florida members of Congress say they would vote to give up their automatic $4,700 pay raise next year.

In Tough Times, Obama Invokes 1st President - December 24, 2008 - George Washington Held Up As Symbol Of Rebirth

Torture-Fan Cheney Securing Worst Veep Title - December 23, 2008 - Twenty-three percent of Americans surveyed by CNN say Dick Cheney is the worst vice president in history.

Alleged misconduct in Ted Stevens trial - December 23, 2008 - An Alaska FBI agent has accused fellow agents and at least one prosecutor of misconduct and unethical behavior in the public corruption investigation in Alaska and the trial of U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens.

Senate bill cracks down on bailout recipients - December 23, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- One of the first orders of business for the new Congress next month will be making sure that banks and other firms that received some of the $700 billion economic bailout reveal how they are spending it.

Obama aide talked with governor; no deal discussed. - December 23, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- An internal review prepared for Barack Obama found his incoming chief of staff had multiple conversations with the Illinois governor's office, but said the talks did not involve any deal concerning whom the governor would appoint to replace Obama in the Senate.

Clinton moves to widen role of State Dept. - December 23, 2008 - Obama administration wants diplomacy as 'critical tool in America's arsenal'

Banks mum on bailout funds - December 23, 2008 - What have banks done with the bailout money they're receiving? If they know, they're not telling.

The selection of a Miami lawyer for the Florida Supreme Court has been criticized by a group of lawyers as too political and potentially illegal. - December 23, 2008 - TALLAHASSEE -- Politics swayed Jimenez nomination to Judicial Nominating Commission

Charge against attorney dismissed - December 23, 2008 - Prominent attorney Ben Kuehne won a major victory in his fight against the government, which accuses him of laundering drug profits for legal fees.

The Fed Makes Money - December 22, 2008 - Quantitative easing," don't you love it? It's the latest business-economics euphemism designed to mislead. I do not know who they think they're fooling: it's like doctors calling excruciating pain "discomfort."

Open and Shut Cases - December 22, 2008 - Dick Cheney's unique gift for making hard questions easy and vice versa.

Obama's Wrong Turn on Trade - December 21, 2008 - Barack Obama's decision to nominate former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk to serve as the next U.S. Trade Representative is deeply unsettling for those who hoped the president-elect would chart a new course with regard to trade policy.

Obama built Cabinet to impose ideas - December 21, 2008 - WASHINGTON - The Cabinet president-elect Barack Obama completed Friday is a largely centrist and pragmatic-minded collection of politicians and technocrats without a pronounced ideological bent.

Biden to oversee efforts aimed at middle class - December 21, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- As vice president, Joe Biden will oversee an Obama administration effort to find ways of building up the ranks of the middle class, that ambiguously defined segment of society most Americans identify with.

Even critics say prosecution of Bush officials for war crimes would be difficult - December 21, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- Emboldened by a Democratic win of the White House, civil libertarians and human-rights groups want the incoming Obama administration to investigate whether the Bush administration committed war crimes. They don't just want low-level CIA interrogators, either. They want President George W. Bush on down.

Small banks still waiting - December 21, 2008 - Many small community banks are growing frustrated about their inability to access the government's $700 billion financial rescue fund, nearly two months after large banks began tapping the fund for much-needed capital.

Optimism High About Obama Policies, Poll Finds - December 21, 2008 - Majorities Concur on Economy, but Rifts Abound on Initial Priorities

Lawmakers cash in with campus jobs - December 21, 2008 - Former and current lawmakers are finding employment at community colleges and state universities, even in times of cutbacks and curbs on enrollment.

Obama increases jobs goal to 3 million - December 21, 2008 - ‘We're going to have to be bold,’ president-elect says of economic plan

$1.6 billion went to bailed-out bank execs - December 21, 2008 - Records show bonuses, chauffeurs, health club benefits, financial planning

Obama moves toward unity politics - December 20, 2008 - Democrats have complained for years about bitter partisan politics under George Bush. They blame it on Bush even though, logically, it takes two sides to produce a standoff. Now some Dems are irked at Barack Obama for giving his administration a big-tent look with moderates in the cabinet and elsewhere.

Blagojevich: 'I have done nothing wrong' - December 19, 2008 - Governor's attorney challenging lawfulness of court-ordered wiretaps

Bailout shifts again; floodgates could open - December 19, 2008 - Paulson says Congress will need to free second half of $700 billion fund

Paulson: Congress must release rest of bailout - December 19, 2008 - Last half of $700 billion rescue needed as first $350 billion committed

Automakers get $17.4 billion lifeline from gov't - December 19, 2008 - Government would have option to become stockholder in companies

Obama to fill SEC, transportation and trade roles - December 19, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- President-elect Barack Obama has made his selections for Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, transportation secretary and U.S. trade representative, insiders said Wednesday.

Medicare scam draws another stiff sentence - December 19, 2008 - A central player in a vast Medicare racket received 14 years in prison after admitting he trained doctors to file false claims at a dozen clinics.

With economy in shambles, Congress gets a raise - December 18, 2008 - A crumbling economy, more than 2 million constituents who have lost their jobs this year, and congressional demands of CEOs to work for free did not convince lawmakers to freeze their own pay.

Ohio's largest county aims to fight foreclosures - December 18, 2008 - COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio's largest county is about to embark on an experiment in which government becomes the owner of foreclosed and abandoned properties, fixes them up and turns them back over to private owners.

Will War Crimes Be Outed? - December 17, 2008 - As the officials of the Bush administration pack up in Washington and move into their posh suburban homes around the country, will they be able to rest easy, or will they be haunted by the fear that they will be held accountable for war crimes?

Bernard Madoff, The Trust Buster - December 17, 2008 - The news of Bernard Madoff's $50 billion fraud has hit the investor/401(k) class as nothing else--not the fall of Lehman Brothers, not the death of Bear Stearns, nor the string of insolvency announcements of one household name after another. Madoff is the blow that did it.

Auto rescue being worked on quickly: Paulson - December 17, 2008 - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A government bailout for automakers was being assembled as quickly and carefully as possible, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said on Tuesday as a new ratings report showed that bankruptcy was the most likely restructuring scenario for the industry.

Obam's Dream Team - Decemebr 16, 2008 - Leading environmentalists in Washington are ecstatic about most of President-elect Barack Obama's newly announced cabinet choices, though a closer look suggests that greens may soon be unhappy with the Obama administration's positions on greenhouse gas emission cuts, nuclear power, so-called "clean coal" and other key issues.

Lawmakers fed up with automakers' elitist attitude - December 16, 2008 - Widespread public disdain for the Big Three executives makes it hard for lawmakers to rally support for bailing out the industry.

Successful insanity defense stuns Miami-Dade attorneys - December 15, 2008 - A Miami-Dade jury reached an extremely rare verdict, finding a Miami man not guilty by reason of insanity of murdering his parents.

States’ Funds for Jobless Are Drying Up - December 14, 2008 - With unemployment claims reaching their highest levels in decades, states are running out of money to pay benefits, and some are turning to the federal government for loans or increasing taxes on businesses to make the payment

Our Disinformed Electorate - December 13, 2008 - We saw more aggressive fact-checking by journalists in this election than ever before. Unfortunately, as a post-election Annenberg Public Policy Center poll confirms, millions of voters were bamboozled anyway.

Bush Ducks Shoes, Lingering Concerns On Iraq - December 14, 2008 - As Bush Expresses Optimism About War's End, Dissenter Lobs Shoes At Bush's Head, Narrowly Missing

White House says no auto deal is imminent - December 14, 2008 - Bush administration to consider using $700 billion bailout to help industry

Fed appears ready to cut key interest rate again - December 14, 2008 - Central bank’s leaders will begin a two-day meeting on Monday

Obama, Democrats agree to $500 billion stimulus package - December 12, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- While an auto bailout is on life support, President-elect Barack Obama and Democratic congressional leaders have agreed to a $500 billion economic stimulus package that they want to move next month even before Obama takes office.

$14B auto bailout dies in Senate - December 12, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- A bailout-weary Congress killed a $14 billion package to aid struggling U.S. automakers Thursday night after a partisan dispute over union wage cuts derailed a last-ditch effort to revive the emergency aid before year's end.

Treasury Dept. To Step In, Save Automakers - December 12, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- The Treasury Department said Friday it's prepared to act to avoid any possible collapse of nation's three largest auto companies given that rescue efforts in Congress have failed.

White House may tap Wall Street fund for autos - December 12, 2008 - Administration says could use $700 billion fund to help ailing automakers

Ron Paul: Bailouts Will 'Destroy the Dollar' - December 11, 2008 - U.S. Representative and former presidential candidate Ron Paul tells Newsmax that bailouts of U.S. corporations are “bad morally” — and says current federal economic policies “will literally destroy the dollar.”

RealtyTrac: Foreclosures to rise in January - December 11, 2008 - The number of American homeowners dragged into the housing crisis fell last month to the lowest level since June as new state laws lengthened the foreclosure process, RealtyTrac reported Thursday.

House OK's bailout, 237-170 - December 11, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- The House of Representatives late Wednesday passed by a 237 to 170 vote a $14 billion emergency plan to aid Detroit's ailing auto industry -- but Senate Republicans' doubts about the package put its ultimate fate in serious jeopardy.

News annalysis: Pay for auto bailout now or a bigger price later - December 11, 2008 - A government bailout of automakers would be cheaper than letting them fend for themselves.

Are Blagojevich tapes enough evidence to convict? - December 11, 2008 - CHICAGO -- The wiretaps portray what prosecutors call blatant corruption: Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich scheming to barter Barack Obama's vacant U.S. Senate seat for a Cabinet post, an ambassadorship or high-paying jobs for himself and his wife.

Pay raise for judges tucked into bailout plan - December 11, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- If the $14 billion bailout plan for U.S. automakers passes, it will help more than just Ford, Chrysler and General Motors. Federal judges would get a pay raise, as well.

Many Parents Clueless About Newborn Genetic Tests - December 10, 2008 - (WCCO) Each year blood samples are taken from thousands of newborns to screen for more than 50 medical conditions.

$14 billion auto bailout bill clears the House - December 10, 2008 - White house lobbies GOP; Tough Senate battle for loan program remains

Conspiracy charges brought against Mass. officials - December 9, 2008 - BOSTON -- Prosecutors say a former Massachusetts state senator and a Boston city councilor conspired to accept a bribe from a businessman in exchange for a liquor license.

Fast Start for Economic Recovery Program (ERP) (Lessons Learned) - December 4, 2008 - The President Obama Economic Recovery Program (ERP) will generate a windfall for those who are part of the early planning and execution during the program start up. It was such for the organizations involved in the NASA and SDIO technology and system programs for those newly created agencies. The ERP will dwarf both NASA and SDIO in that hundreds instead of tens of billion will be spent.

Judges weigh ordering release of Calif. prisoners - Dwcwmbwe 4, 2008 - SAN FRANCISCO -- Three federal judges seem convinced that overcrowding in California prisons is so bad it leads to unconstitutional conditions. Now they must weigh whether ordering the release of nearly a third of the state's inmates would be a public safety nightmare.

Automaker aid bill doesn’t have needed votes - December 3, 2008 - Senate Majority Leader Reid says massive bailout plan is in jeopardy

Lawyer pleads guilty, gets 2-year sentence - December 2, 2008 - A Venezuelan lawyer who was the first to plead guilty in a local plot to cover up a South American political scandal received a two-year prison sentence.

State is emptying cash reserves to fill budget holes - November 21, 2008 - TALLAHASSEE — Even Florida's rainy-day fund is drying up.

Unexpected bidder makes buyout offer for U.S. Sugar - November 21, 2008 - A surprise new bidder for U.S. Sugar could complicate the state's plans to buy farms for Everglades restoration.

CIA lied about Peru shoot-down, report says - November 21 - 2008 - An internal investigation by the CIA found that agency officials engaged in a cover-up to hide agency negligence in the downing of a private airplane over Peru in 2001 as part of a mistaken attack on an aircraft suspected of carrying illegal narcotics.

Sen. Nelson: Press Iran on missing S. Floridian - November 21, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- Florida Sen. Bill Nelson is calling on Congress to press Iran to divulge more information about Robert Levinson, a retired FBI agent who went missing in 2007 from a Persian Gulf island.

State high court decision clears way for redevelopment projects - November 20, 2008 - Redevelopment projects across the county were released from legal limbo Wednesday after the state Supreme Court refused to rehear a case questioning whether voter approval is needed for local redevelopment bond sales.

Paulson, Bernanke, and Congress on the Bailout: Incompetence All Around - November 19, 2008 - Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke got beaten up pretty badly in the House Financial Services Committee yesterday.

South Florida home prices tumble 16.9 percent - November 18, 2008 - The median sales price for South Florida single-family homes fell 16.9 percent from a year earlier in the third quarter, the Chicago-based National Association of Realtors said Tuesday.

New House Democrats wary on taxes, bailout - November 18, 2008 - But big Democratic advantage in the House gives Speaker Pelosi leeway

Paulson, Bernanke defend $700 billion bailout - November 18, 2008 - Paulson opposes using fund to help automakers

Medicare targets home healthcare fraud in diabetes treatments - November 15, 2008 - Medicare was billed about $75,000 last year by a company that claims it sent a nurse twice a day to a Westchester group home to inject an elderly diabetic with insulin.

Federal grants to be used to buy up South Florida foreclosures - November 14, 2008 - South Florida governments are gearing up to spend more than $161 million in federal grant money to stimulate the housing market.

October is worst month ever for U.S. deficit - November 14, 2008 - Government efforts to bail out the financial system put the U.S. budget deficit on track to reach a record-shattering $1 trillion for the year -- and analysts expect it to get worse in coming months.

Prosecuting Johns - November 12, 2008 - Why allowing Eliot Spitzer to break the law is a mistake.

The Supreme Court takes on the seven dirty words - November 6, 2008 - This is not the first time we've addressed the issue of profanity on the airwaves, nor will it be the last.

Onslaught of dirty tricks as election day nears
In the final hours of the campaign, bogus fliers, e-mails and calls increase

Election Deception: The Web's 12 Dirtiest Tricks
If scammers have things their way -- with the help of a dozen sneaky ploys -- plenty of ballots will never make it to the boxes.

The Bailout - More on the Bailout or Rescue Plan as Congress fails to provide an adequate plan to resolve the financial crisis.

The Rescue Plan: What It Means to You - October 3, 2008 - What do you get out of the financial rescue package that promises to inject up to $700 billion in an effort to get bad investments off the books for financial institutions? The bill was passed in the House of Representatives today, 263-171, and by the Senate Oct. 1, 74-25.

Senator Martinez's Solution to Energy Crisis - August 5, 2008 - Republican Senator Mel Martinez met with Mayor John Peyton and officials at CSX in Jacksonvile Tuesday to discuss the need for solutions to the energy crisis.

An E-Mail from Senator Mel Martinez about the Bailout -

GOP Looks To Make Inroads On Fraud - July 25, 2008 - As lawmakers prepare for a sweeping health reform effort in the next Congress, Senate Republicans are piecing together a crusade against criminals making away with potentially billions of taxpayer dollars by duping the Medicare system.

On Engery - No single solution is the answer - June 21, 2008 - Our nation is in the most serious energy crisis in recent memory.

Annette Taddeo Wants Ileana Ros-Lehtinen's Job - October 15, 2008 - The Colombian-American is gaining momentum on the Cuban-American in the race for Congress.

Lottery Not Paying Off For Florida Education - July 30, 2008 -MIAMI (CBS4) ― Broward mom Kathy Hargreaves worries about her daughters' public school education.