R.J. Reynolds Building Remains Vacant
The downtown Winston-Salem landmark remains vacant after hotel developer Dennis Quaintance opted agains
Economy
SEC Chairman Schapiro's Exit Interview
In an interview with David Greene, outgoing Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Mary Schapiro reflects on her tenure at the agency, and the disappointment that she wasn't able to overhaul money market funds. She leaves the job on Friday.
'Fiscal Cliff' Message Repeats Itself
As the negotiations drag on, the lack of progress means the key players have necessarily taken to repeating themselves. Sometimes, word-for-word, as they describe how they have worked for a solution while their opponents have stonewalled.
Most Of Congress In The Dark On 'Fiscal Cliff' Talks
Of the 535 members of Congress, not many are in the loop about negotiations to avoid automatic spending cuts and tax increases in the new year. Lawmakers are waiting to see what President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner come up with — and some are nervous about having to quickly vote on a bill despite misgivings.
Post-Sandy, Newly Unemployed Struggle To Stay Afloat
While the storm did not influence the nation's jobless figures as much as expected, there are still thousands of people who are unemployed in Sandy's wake. Many businesses on the East Coast are still making repairs or have closed entirely, leaving many families in limbo.
Spain's Civil Servants Draw Grumbles, And Envy
Spain's economic crisis has helped drive the nation's unemployment rate above 25 percent. Many of the jobless resent the relatively high pay and job security public sector workers enjoy.
Do Unions Still Have Clout In Michigan?
The contentious fight over labor rights has been unfolding throughout the Midwest in the last couple years. Michigan becoming a right-to-work state is only the latest example. Over the past two years in Wisconsin and Ohio, Republican governors took on labor unions.
Farm Bill Becomes Fodder In 'Fiscal Cliff' Wrangling
Farm-state lawmakers are urging leaders to include a farm bill as part of any budget deal to avert year-end tax increases and spending cuts. But others argue that Congress shouldn't toss the farm bill into a giant package because it would very likely stifle debate and amendments.
'Paris Hilton Tax' Vs. 'Death Tax': A Lesser-Known Fiscal Debate
The estate tax is yet another piece of the fiscal cliff that needs to be worked out. Those who want to the raise what they call the "Paris Hilton tax" say it applies only to the very rich, who can afford to pay. Opponents of the increase, however, brand it the "death tax" and say it hurts farmers and small-business owners.
What Changes In Right-To-Work States?
The Michigan House approved two measures that would make the state the 24th in the nation to enact right-to-work legislation. Protesters continue to gather at the State Capitol in opposition to legislation that will likely weaken unions in the home of the United Auto Workers.