Hard times for soft power spending

Feb 28, 2017
The White House wants to bump up defense spending and reduce the budgets of some other federal agencies. One agency in the crosshairs is the State Department. It wields something known as soft power — diplomacy and foreign aid. So what happens when you slash spending on soft power?  Click the audio player above to […]

Why you should care about the government's economic data

Jan 25, 2017
Private companies, investors, workers and consumers depend on government economic data for a wide array of financial decisions.
Jason Costanza/Flickr

Corporate taxation needs reform, but where to start?

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There's consensus that the tax systems needs revising. Beyond that, a void.
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In West, Feds control land — and lots of jobs

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Teen participants in Rodeo Bible Camp practice roping a mechanical calf at the Goldendale, Washington fairgrounds.
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Visual Hunt

Apple battles federal government on court order

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Authorities worry that they'll erase an iPhone's data while trying to unlock it.
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Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Do federal contractors save the government money?

Jul 31, 2015
The U.S. keeps replacing its full-time workers with contract employees.

For public good, not for profit.

Tallying the return investments in medical records

Apr 13, 2015
The feds say they aren't getting their money's worth.

Romneycare helps reform how doctors are paid

Mar 17, 2015
A paradigm shift in healthcare spending is already starting in Massachusetts.

The return of the debt limit

Mar 13, 2015
The federal government begins its almost-annual dance with default on Sunday.