Poverty expert, Dedrick Muhammad says the new census report Income, Poverty and Health Insurance should spur us to action, if we want a strong middle class, and opportunities for all Americans. A research associate with the Washington DC-based think tank, the Institute of Policy Studies, Muhammad says America urgently needs a $40 billion public works program to create 1 million jobs – as part of a $400 billion package of anti-poverty measures that would strengthen the safety net and direct help to those that need it the most.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Here's some pressure for lawmakers: If they don't reach agreement on extending soon-to-expire Bush-era tax cuts, nearly all their constituents back home will get big tax increases.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia (AP) -- Thomas Jefferson's clothes and linens did not get pressed on their own, and the meals for his lavish parties did not cook themselves.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Military leaders cared more about fending off bad press than helping Marines sickened by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, a North Carolina lawmaker claimed at a hearing last week focused on health concerns at the sprawling Marine base in his state.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A U.S. Senate panel endorsed a major arms control treaty with Russia on Thursday to advance one of President Barack Obama's top foreign policy goals.

WASHINGTON — "The Daily Show" host Jon Stewart is hosting a "million moderate march" in Washington — for people who think shouting is annoying — but faux political nemesis Stephen Colbert will be nearby to keep fear alive against those "dark, optimistic forces."

VERACRUZ, Mexico – Mexico shut down its only nuclear power plant and its central Gulf Coast oil platforms Friday as Hurricane Karl thrashed the port city of Veracruz with 100 mph (160 kph) winds, and waves topped 16 feet (5 meters) in some beach towns.

Shareholders of United and Continental airlines voted Friday to approve a combination of their companies that would create the world's biggest airline and could have far-reaching effects on where they fly and how much they charge passengers.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Residents, utility crews and railroad workers cleaned up debris Friday after a brief but fierce storm barreled through New York City, tearing up trees, stripping roofs from homes, disrupting train service and killing at least one person.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) – Mortar rounds fired by suspected Islamist insurgents crashed into Somalia's government complex on Thursday, killing three government soldiers, wounding a member of parliament and triggering a counterattack that killed a dozen more people.
The attack happened while parliament was in session to pass a motion asking leaders of the shaky government to appear within three days for a vote of confidence.