Economy

Risser has his usual lunch of soup and beer at an Irish pub across from the state Capitol.

At 85, 'Old-School' Politician Shows No Signs Of Quitting

8:16pm February 27, 2013

by Ina Jaffe

Elected in 1956, Wisconsin state Sen. Fred Risser is the longest-serving state lawmaker in the country. He may not use Facebook, Twitter or email, but he's gotten a lot done over the years. Considered an "institution within an institution" by some, he was just re-elected for another four years.

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A waiter carries beer mugs during the 2012 Oktoberfest in Munich.

Germans Are Drinking Less Beer These Days, But Why?

5:57pm February 27, 2013

by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson

Despite Germany's long association with beer, it looks like its citizens are imbibing less of their celebrated beverage now than they did a generation ago. Some cite the economy as a factor; others, the rise of health consciousness.

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Children eat breakfast at a federally funded Head Start program. Many Head Start administrators are concerned they may have to cut back on the number of enrolled children if the sequester moves ahead.

Sequester Spells Uncertainty For Many Public Schools

5:57pm February 27, 2013

by Claudio Sanchez

Most public schools are unlikely to feel the effects of the sequester before September. But educators and administrators nationwide are worried they may be forced to cut Head Start enrollment, after-school programs, reading coaches and even teachers when those budget reductions hit.

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Economy

Presence Vs. Productivity: How Managers View Telecommuting

2:34pm February 27, 2013

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer sparked controversy when she announced an end to company's telecommuting program. A leaked internal memo emphasized that "physically being together" will be important to communication and collaboration within the company. This has raised questions about the benefits of working from home.

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Americans Earn More Than Their Parents (With A Caveat), Study Says

7:54am February 27, 2013

by Dan Bobkoff

Most Americans are earning more money than their parents, according to a new study from Pew's Economic Mobility Project. But that doesn't tell the whole picture: It often takes two incomes to surpass the one salary that was enough for the younger generation's parents.

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Deadline For Sequester Cuts Near

7:37am February 27, 2013

Usually when we come up to the edge of one of these deadlines there are 11th-hour negotiations, and the two parties manage to swerve away from the precipice at the last minute. What about this time?

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Sequester Cuts Free Some Immigration Detainees

7:37am February 27, 2013

by Ted Robbins

Reaction is coming in after the Obama administration's unusual move releasing immigration detainees due to budget cuts. An Arizona sheriff is blasting the sequestration gridlock for undermining the safety of local communities. Immigrant rights groups, however, say it shouldn't take a budget crisis to do what they think is right.

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A nutrition specialist prepares a Meals on Wheels delivery in upstate New York. The national organization says the sequester could mean significant cuts in the number of meals they serve to homebound seniors.

Advocates Warn Sequester Could Mean Big Cuts For The Low-Income

7:05pm February 26, 2013

by Pam Fessler

Those who serve low- and middle-income people warn that cuts required by the looming sequester will hurt programs that many Americans rely on, like meals for seniors, heating assistance and nutritional aid for expectant mothers. But supporters of the sequester say those fears are overblown.

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Wal-Mart is one of several large retailers that say an increase in the payroll tax may hurt U.S. sales in the months ahead.

Too Soon To Blame Payroll Tax For Stagnant Retail Sales?

7:23pm February 25, 2013

by Dan Bobkoff

Several big retailers say the return of the full payroll tax is causing consumers to curtail spending, but so far the evidence is mostly anecdotal. Some analysts argue a variety of factors, and not any specific policy, contributed to slower growth in consumer spending in January.

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Economy

Op-Ed: It's Time To Raise The Minimum Wage

2:48pm February 25, 2013

In his State of the Union address, President Obama proposed a plan to boost federal minimum wage from 7.25 an hour, to 9 dollars. Columnist Robert Reich, Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton, argues that plan is "a no-brainer."

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