Analysis

Politics In The News: Political Arena Activity Increases

5:59pm January 04, 2016

President Obama talks executive action and guns, ex-President Clinton hits the campaign trail for candidate Clinton and footage of Donald Trump ends up in video posted by a Islamist militant group.

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World News

Saudi Arabia, Iran Face Off As Sectarian Tensions Escalate After Executions

10:51pm January 03, 2016

by Deb Amos

A cold war in the Middle East just turned a lot hotter. Saudi Arabia, a Sunni power, and Iran, a Shiite one, have long been bitter rivals, but always maintained diplomatic relations — until now.

This is the article from Sept. 16, 1906, from the Puget Sound American.

National

Long Before They Were 'Apparent Muslims,' Sikhs Were Targeted In U.S.

7:00am January 02, 2016

by Kat Chow

Amrik Singh Bal was beaten in Fresno, Calif., as he waited for a ride to work. Bal, who is Sikh, is part of a long history of attacks on Sikhs in America.

Politics & Government

Politics In The News: The Primary Brackets

2:35pm December 28, 2015

by Ron Elving

With five weeks to go before the Iowa primaries, we learn more about the state of play in the GOP presidential field. When you think about it, the primaries are a lot like football playoffs.

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Pump jacks at the Belridge oil field in California's Kern County. Oil prices are expected to remain low in 2016 and economic growth is projected to pick up slightly, forecasters say.

No Crystal Ball? Here's Help With 2016 Economic Forecasts

3:13pm December 21, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

Investors might wish for a device to peer into the future, but they must settle for economic forecasters. For 2016, most forecasters are seeing signs pointing toward more profits and jobs.

Politics & Government

Politics In The News: Democratic Debate

1:50pm December 21, 2015

Democratic presidential candidates engaged in their 3rd debate of the primary season. David Greene talks to Cokie Roberts and Democratic pollster Anna Greenberg, of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research.

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Fact Check: Did Obama Withdraw From Iraq Too Soon, Allowing ISIS To Grow?

10:52am December 19, 2015

by Alice Fordham

Republicans have hammered President Obama for underestimating ISIS and naively allowing it to grow by leaving Iraq. But the withdrawal is only one factor in the rise of the extremists.

Federal Reserve Bank Chair Janet Yellen holds a news conference after the central bank announced its first rate increase in more than 9 years.

Federal Reserve Announces Hike In Short-Term Interest Rates

5:54pm December 16, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

After holding rates near zero for seven years, the Fed approved a small increase Wednesday. While that step seems minor, the impact could be huge in 2016 as borrowing costs head up.

In the end, Tuesday's debate seemed to do little to scramble the standings ahead of the holidays — eyes were mostly, once again, on Donald Trump (center).

Politics & Government

All Eyes On Trump Once Again, But His Rivals Feel The Pressure

9:40am December 16, 2015

by Ron Elving

Donald Trump appeared serene and imperturbable, while most all the others on stage directed their fire primarily at each other. Jeb Bush was the exception, saying Trump would be "a chaos president."

Graphic showing U.S. economic indicators

These Seven Charts Can Help You See What The Fed Is Doing

8:13pm December 15, 2015

The Federal Reserve's thinking about interest rates may seem a bit mysterious. But here are some graphs that should help you see where we've been, and why the central bank may be ready to raise rates.