Wis. Assembly Passes Bill Taking Away Union Rights
Fri, Feb25, 2011
Republicans in the Wisconsin Assembly took the first significant action on their plan to strip collective bargaining rights from most public workers, abruptly passing the measure early Friday morning before sleep-deprived Democrats realized what was happening.
In Wis. Union Battle, Focus On Billionaire Twins
Fri, Feb25, 2011
The low-profile brothers Charles and David Koch give millions of dollars to groups working to drive civil service unions out of government and ultimately out of politics. Supporters say they are countering the large amounts of money going from labor to the Democratic Party.
The Feds Are Prepared For A Shutdown, Are You?
Fri, Feb25, 2011
Agencies are required to have a gameplan in place should Capitol Hill lawmakers fail to reach a budget deal by the end of next week. But that won't necessarily prevent citizens from feeling the effects of a closed government.
Debate Heats Up Over Public And Private Pensions
Fri, Feb25, 2011
A leading pension expert says people in the private sector have pension envy because it seems their public sector peers are getting a better deal in retirement. But that envy may not last long as state and local governments struggle to pay for those benefits.
A Lonely Club For Women In Top Army Jobs
Fri, Feb25, 2011
Heidi Brown's Army uniform is decorated with one small star, which marks her as a brigadier general. But at this point in her career, she's not sure how much higher she can climb. And she doesn't see many women coming up behind or above her. "Gender now shuts the door for me," she says.
Cooks Get A New 'Recipe View' From Google
Thu, Feb24, 2011
Not everyone who uses Google to look up "molten chocolate cake" is looking for an explanation of what the dish is. After all, the name kind of gives it away. The web has become the nation's recipe box — and Google's making it easier to sift through, thanks to its new Recipe View.
After Obama's Gay-Marriage Decision, 'A New World'
Thu, Feb24, 2011
Democrats in Congress say they'll reintroduce a bill that would repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act. They also will try to pass legislation that would extend benefits to domestic partners and spouses of federal workers who are gay.
Maryland Senate OKs Gay Marriage Bill
Thu, Feb24, 2011
The bill, which now heads to the House of Delegates, was amended to include protections for religious groups and institutions to keep them from being forced to participate in gay weddings. It would grant the same title and rights to same-sex couples that Maryland allows married straight couples.