The White House Council of Economic Advisers issued its fourth report on impacts of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (you can read a PDF of the report here). The report details some of the positive elements of the federal spending act, designed to kickstart the economy in the wake of the 2008 economic collapse, including 3.6 million jobs that were saved or created through the second quarter of 2010, exceeding the president's goals by six months. The report also estimated that as of this year's second quarter the Recovery Act boosted the gross domestic product between 2.7 and 3.2 percent, in line with Congressional Budget Office estimates. And the council noted that for every $1 in federal spending the private sector is investing $3 into the economy. more ›

During Vice President Joe Biden’s Chicago appearance on Monday, Senator Roland Burris goofed during his introduction of fellow Senator Dick Durbin. According to the Sun-Times, Burris said, "And now, it is my pleasure to introduce the senior citizen from the great state of Illinois. Then, amid laughter, Burris corrected himself: "The senior senator. I did that at a committee hearing one time...I am older than him." After the event when Durbin was asked his age, he broke into a rendition of “When I’m 64”. Not to be outdone, Biden speaking at the University of Illinois at Chicago later was quoted as saying “All 32 of Chicago’s aldermen are in attendance.” Chicago has 50 aldermen. Post by Camela Furry more ›