Could Post-Superstorm Sandy Rebuilding Energize The Economy?
Some economists predict that the reconstruction from the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy will produce a stimulus effect for the U.S. economy in 2013 — especially in construction and related industries. Others say the losses associated with a storm will outweigh any positive effects from the rebuilding.
White House Website Draws Petition To End All Petitions
We the People is supposed to be an online way for the public to petition the president. It's being used by advocates to score political points. Media critic and blogger Jeff Jarvis says it's time to stop the stunts. So he has, of course, started a petition.
Congo Fighting Leaves A Fragile City On Edge
In recent years, the Congolese city of Goma has been a bit of a haven for those fleeing war in surrounding areas. But now, the army and rebels are both in the city, raising fears that fighting could break out at any time.
From 3-D Printers To Wired Glasses, The Tech Year Ahead
It's unlikely 2013 will be the year that jet packs make it big, but the coming year could bring us a host of other new technology trends and products, like 3-D printers for consumers, even smarter smartphones, and more connected devices like glasses and cars.
Congress Will Miss Deadline To Avoid 'Fiscal Cliff,' According To Reports
Congress will not succeed in avoiding the "fiscal cliff," if reports that the House of Representatives will not vote on the issue Monday are true. There are currently no votes scheduled on a deal to ease the tax hikes and budget cuts that come in the new year. The House
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Why We Toast: Uncorking A New Year's Tradition
Some early Europeans toasted to profess their love to young women, while others lifted their arms to honor their kings. Toasting, which dates back to ancient times, is a ritual shrouded in urban legends. But one historian says some of the tall tales are actually true.
Arizona Democrat Kirkpatrick Making Capitol Hill Comeback
Rep.-elect Ann Kirkpatrick is returning to Washington this week after sitting out a term following her 2010 defeat. This time around, Kirkpatrick hopes to strengthen her foothold in a swing district, but she's dealing with a tricky electorate.
China Kicks Out 'New York Times' Reporter
Reporter Chris Buckley is forced to leave China when his journalist visa is not extended. The case is seen as a sign of an increasingly hard-line stance toward the foreign media.
Another Year And I'm Still Here: A New Year's Meditation
To a significant degree, you are the sum of the stories you tell yourself about yourself. Take away your memories, the connective tissue of your life, and what's left?
Is Our Economy Better Than Theirs?
The countdown is on to a new year — and the fiscal changes that are on the other side of midnight. But what else is on the cards economically for 2013, both here and overseas? Guest host Celeste Headlee puts the question to the Wall Street Journal's Sudeep Reddy.
Diana Vreeland's Rise To 'Empress Of Fashion'
Diana Vreeland had a troubled childhood; her mother often told her she was ugly. But she later became editor-in-chief of American Vogue and one of the country's most revered fashion icons. Her life is captured in the new biography, Empress of Fashion: A Life of Diana Vreeland. Host Michel Martin talks with author Amanda Mackenzie Stuart.
Green Grapes And Red Underwear: A Spanish New Year's Eve
As a clock tower rings out 12 chimes, people all over the country will scoff a dozen grapes, hoping for good luck. With several seeds per grape and only a couple of seconds to swallow each one, the task is harder than it sounds.
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2013: A Tipping Year For Climate Change?
This year's weather will be one for the record books; 2012 is slated to be the hottest summer on record. "We've already passed all kinds of tipping points," environmentalist Bill McKibben says. He's wondering if President Obama will take a different approach to climate change in the coming year.
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Agricultural Committees Agree To Farm Bill Extension
The 2008 farm bill expired in October, and the one-year extension could head off a possible doubling of milk prices in January. A House vote could happen as early as Sunday evening.
A Look Forward: Immigration Reform In 2013
Will the DREAM Act become a reality? Is there comprehensive reform on the way? Will the GOP be able to reach out to Latino and other immigrant groups? The coming year could make a difference in the lives of the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S.
A Tough Year For Unions, With Few Bright Spots Ahead
This year, two states passed right-to-work laws, and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker survived a recall attempt. Harold Meyerson of The American Prospect says the future for organized labor remains bleak.
Fiscal Cliff Debate: Why The (Very) Few Rule The Many In Congress
Even if the Senate were to approve a compromise package and a majority of the House (Republicans and Democrats) were prepared to accept it, the deal likely won't even be brought to the House floor for debate and a vote. How can this be? Because of the de facto "majority of the majority" rule.
With Fiscal Cliff Around The Corner, Senate Adjourns For The Night
Talks appeared stalled Sunday as the Senate finished up for the evening without a deal in sight. Democratic Sen. Harry Reid said there was "still significant distance between the two sides."
President George H.W. Bush Out Of Intensive Care
Former President George H.W. Bush's condition continued to improve Saturday, prompting doctors to move him out of intensive care, a spokesman said.
Obama 'Modestly Optimistic' On Cliff Deal; 'He Won,' Says Graham
President Obama went on air to levy pressure on Congress Sunday as Senate leaders worked to negotiate a deal to avert the "fiscal cliff." Graham said the odds of a last-minute deal are "exceedingly good."