Congress quietly cuts aid for Afghanistan
(AFP/Getty Images)
With no perceptible opposition from the Obama administration, lawmakers have downscaled Washington’s ambitions for the final year of the Afghan war, substantially curtailing development aid and military assistance plans ahead of the U.S. troop pullout.
Latest Headlines
More National News
Washington area religion events
Jazz@Wesley, workshops for families, Celtic music concert, food addict support group, labyrinth walk.
D.C. area bankruptcy filings for Jan. 27
These firms recently filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s local court clerk’s offices.
Snow days have kids at home too much for many parents
Several D.C. area school districts have already closed twice as many days this year as all of last.
Businesses stand to benefit from proposed tax changes
The new rules would lift restrictions on the types of activities that qualify for tax breaks.
Behind the scenes in SOTU prep: Women in power
Two images related to the upcoming State of the Union address hint at the growing importance of women in politics.
Business Digest: JPMorgan Chase CEO get 74% pay raise
A roundup of news from around the financial world.
Congress quietly cuts aid for Afghanistan
With no perceptible opposition from the Obama administration, lawmakers have downscaled Washington’s ambitions for the final year of the Afghan war, substantially curtailing development aid and military assistance plans ahead of the U.S. troop pullout.
KPMG pays $8.2 million to settle SEC charges
The agency says the auditor loaned employees to clients, compromising their independence.
Is the National Weather Service sitting on a surplus during hiring freeze?
The agency and a union representing its employees disagree over how much is available for filling vacancies.
Closed school turned over to MGM Resorts casino project
Prince George’s Board of Education approves transfer despite a request for more community input.
Supreme Court exempts nuns from Obamacare rule
In a short, unsigned order, the court says the Little Sisters of the Poor need not sign a government form.
Democrats say same-sex marriage will mobilize voters
Activists in both parties expect the issue to play a pivotal role in congressional and other races.
Private planes are nice, but won’t make you happy
A psychology professor says that a sense of meaning is your best bet for real happiness.
3 million people have signed up for health insurance
Monthly sign-up goals are close to being met, but overall enrollment still lags behind White House predictions.
Less Fed, less China, spells global stock rout
Slower growth in China and the Fed’s tapering of monetary policy drives down global stocks.
After a false start, Lerner begins anew on Tysons project
Office building is expected to rise near Metro’s Silver Line station at the end of 2015 or in early 2016.
Previewing the agenda for Obama’s meeting with the pope
Income inequality, immigration and the environment are among expected topics when the two speak in March.
JPMorgan gives Jamie Dimon a 74 percent raise
Despite the big bank’s legal troubles, the CEO received $20 million in total compensation last year.
IBM’s Ginni Rometty says no to a bonus
Rometty’s decision is a reminder of what a hot-button issue executive pay has become.
U.S. demands outside oversight of World Bank
Legislation draws on concerns about rights violations with some of the bank-funded projects.
There’s a war over R&D tax credits. And companies keep winning
One of the most generous offerings for corporate America in the U.S. tax code is about to become even more bountiful under an Obama administration proposal to expand the definition of business research.
Moody’s just downgraded the health insurance industry. Obamacare was part of the reason.
“We don’t know if they’re hitting their targets, but we do know that if there is an older, less healthy population, then clearly the rates are going to be pressured upward.“
For House GOP, new momentum on immigration reform
House Speaker Boehner is expected to release a brief outline of steps to his caucus as soon as next week.
How much can you charge to insure a $1 billion prize?
It’s impossible to know, because there’s nothing else like it.
Starr to Duncan: ‘I resent implication that we lifelong public educators are liars’
The tweet was in response to a Duncan op-ed in The Washington Post.
Winners and losers from the Republican presidential calendar changes
Rand wins. Christie loses. And more!
U-Md. and Johns Hopkins to offer new online certificates
Two universities are part of an initiative to offer sequences of massive open online courses.
GOP pushing back against ‘war on women’ rhetoric
Eager to put a fresh face on their party, Republicans are highlighting women leaders.
Meet the SOTU’s ‘designated survivors’
What would you do on a night with presidential protection — a night you’ve been designated to survive.
Cities jockey for Republican convention
The process of picking a city to host the convention is just beginning.
Obamacare exchange enrollment hits 3 million
Three million people have signed up for private insurance coverage through the health law marketplaces,
The North Carolina unemployment experiment
North Carolina cut its unemployment insurance program back in June 2013. And there’s a lot of debate about what happened next.
This chart is why people hate Washington
7 in 10 former congressional-staffers-turned-lobbyists generate more revenue than sitting Members of Congress make. Yes, really.
Maxwell submits the 2014-2015 school year calendar
Students would have a longer summer vacation if calendar is approved.
Closed Prince George’s school turned over to casino project
MGM Resorts plans to use the property as it develops its National Harbor property.
FBI efforts to assist Sochi Olympics limited by Russians
Putin is planning a show of force, but the security risks are regarded as high compared with past Games.
There are no discussions scheduled today.
Carolyn Hax
Chat transcript
My friend lost the baby she wasn’t sure she wanted. How do I respond to her loss?