What does all of this talk about default really mean?

Oct 16, 2013
Make no mistake, if the U.S. government defaults on its debt obligations, it will be a catastrophe. But the media has been misusing the term.
Reporters stand outside the Speaker of the House's office on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, October 15, 2013, waiting for comments from the Republican leadership.
JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

Global economy cheers Senate deal on debt

Oct 16, 2013
The deadline to raise the debt ceiling is less than 24 hours away, but the U.S. won't actually default until the end of the month.

Instability in Washington causes uncertainty on Wall Street

Oct 15, 2013
Whether or not Congress raises the debt ceiling in time, we may be headed for another economic slowdown.

As deadline nears, debt ceiling fight drags on

Oct 15, 2013
The clock is ticking, but Congressional leaders have yet to reach an agreement.

Can markets push Congress towards a deal?

Oct 14, 2013
If a deal doesn't look to be close, why so much confidence coming from congressional leaders?

Here's exactly what will happen if we default on Thursday

Oct 14, 2013
We’re told the country may default on some of its debt obligations if Congress fails to raise the debt ceiling.

Uncertainty over debt ceiling hits markets

Oct 14, 2013
A weak start on Wall Street with the federal budget and the future of federal borrowing still unresolved.

For public good, not for profit.

While Washington argues over debt ceiling, the world watches

Oct 14, 2013
All eyes around the world are on Democrats and Republicans in Washington, waiting to see if they will come to an agreement over the debt limit.

The clock is ticking and still no debt deal

Oct 14, 2013
Lawmakers in Washington have until Thursday to raise the debt ceiling.

The many metaphors used to describe the government's failure

Oct 11, 2013
So many metaphors have been used to describe the government shutdown. Do they help at all?