Latest Government programs News
Syrian soldiers distance themselves from Assad in return for promised amnesty
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Hundreds of former Syrian soldiers on Saturday reported to the country's new rulers for the first time since Bashar Assad was ousted to answer questions about whether they may have been involved in crimes against civilians in exchange for a promised amnesty and return to...
Senate passes Social Security benefits boost for many public service retirees
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed legislation early Saturday to boost Social Security payments for millions of people, pushing a longtime priority for former public employees through Congress in one of its last acts for the year. The bipartisan bill, which next heads to President...
Sectarian violence in Syria has been less intense than feared since Assad's ouster
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — The toppling of Bashar Assad has raised tentative hopes that Syrians might live peacefully and as equals after a half century of authoritarian rule. While there have been bursts of deadly sectarian violence in the days since Assad was ousted, it’s nothing...
Texas man whose execution was halted in shaken baby case is again stopped from testifying
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A second attempt by Texas lawmakers to bring a man on death row to the state Capitol over doubts that he killed his 2-year-old daughter failed again Friday, dimming the likelihood of Robert Roberson testifying publicly after a last-minute subpoena halted his execution. ...
Next Week: Retail sales, newly constructed homes, unemployment benefit claims
A look at some of the key business events and economic indicators upcoming next week. Retail review Redbook Research releases its weekly gauge of retail sales on Tuesday. The report is a key indicator of retailers’ performance because it measures...
Closures, Social Security checks, furloughs: What a government shutdown might mean
Congress has until midnight Friday to come up with a way to fund the government or federal agencies will shut down, meaning hundreds of thousands of federal employees could be sent home — or stay on the job without pay — just ahead of the holidays. Republicans abandoned a...
Arizona secretary of state overstepped his authority on elections manual, judge rules
PHOENIX (AP) — A ruling by a Maricopa County judge has invalidated provisions of Arizona's elections manual, including one that said the secretary of state must canvass election results even if a county has not certified its ballots. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott...
The warm Turkish welcome for refugees is ending and Syrians are worried
GAZIANTEP, Turkey (AP) — Turkey gained renown as a haven for refugees by welcoming more than 3 million Syrians fleeing violence between forces from Bashar Assad ’s government and a patchwork of rebel groups. But the Syrian president’s ouster this month has led many in Turkey to...
Millions of people may get expanded Social Security benefits. Who are they and how would it happen?
ATLANTA (AP) — Nearly 3 million people could receive a boost in Social Security payments under legislation set for a final Senate vote in the coming days. The Social Security Fairness Act would end longtime provisions that reduce the federal benefit for people who are also...
Bank of England warns of 'heightened uncertainty' as it keeps interest rates on hold
LONDON (AP) — The U.K.’s central bank warned Thursday of “heightened uncertainty" as it kept interest rates on hold after inflation moved further above target, even at a time when the British economy is flatlining at best. The Bank of England’s nine-member Monetary Policy...
