President Obama continues his quest to extend payroll tax cuts, and delivered a big speech on the economy yesterday in Kansas. Republican Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich is ahead in the polls, but far behind in raising funds for his campaign. The fate of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau remains unknown, and today the FDA decides whether one drug should be sold over-the-counter.
A tax hike could be in store for all Americans at the start of next year if Republicans and Democrats in Washington can't agree. The current payroll tax cuts put money into the pockets of consumers.
Senate Democrats want another vote this week on extending a payroll tax cut for workers. But Republicans say they can't support the Democratic proposal.
The latest threat for Europe comes from Standard & Poor's: a possible downgrade of 15 countries if the debt problems continue. Irish citizens are bracing for the fourth year of austerity. Author Robert Neuwirth says the informal economy could soon make up two-thirds of the world's workforce. Pollution in China could be a benefit for the U.S., and Microsoft sets out to revamp XBox Live.
