From GLOBAL ECONOMY 4:32pm

US consumer debt snaps four-year decline

Student loans largest source of private debt after mortgages

The A-List from US POLITICS & POLICY 2:33pm

John Kerry: able performer in a tough role

His success as US secretary of state will depend on an ability to do more with less

.US Secretary of State John Kerry (L) speaks during a press conference with the Syrian opposition's National Coalition chief Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib at the end of a meeting of the "Friends of the Syrian People (FOSP) Ministerial" group ©AFP US POLITICS & POLICY 2:29pm

US to give direct help to Syrian rebels

Kerry announces first assistance to armed groups

From GLOBAL ECONOMY 1:50pm

US budget battle limits GDP growth

Revised figures show a rise of 0.1%

From ASIA-PACIFIC 1:08pm

China blames US hackers for attacks

Beijing says most attacks on two military sites come from US

.US Secretary of State John Kerry (L) speaks during a press conference with the Syrian opposition's National Coalition chief Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib at the end of a meeting of the "Friends of the Syrian People (FOSP) Ministerial" group ©AFP US POLITICS & POLICY 12:39pm

US to give direct help to Syrian rebels

Kerry announces first assistance to armed groups

From COMPANIES 11:51pm

Embraer in US military aircraft contract win

Brazilian aerospace group and partner to build 20 light aircraft

From COMPANIES 11:11pm

Private team plans ‘fly by’ mission to Mars

Married couple to be launched on January 5 2018

From MARKETS 11:06pm

US oil output highest in two decades

Rise in production to more than 7m barrels per dday

FILE - This Sept. 18, 2008 file photo shows pianist Van Cliburn at the presentation ceremony of the Liberty Medal that was presented to former President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev in Philadelphia. Cliburn, the internationally celebrated pianist whose triumph at a 1958 Moscow competition helped thaw the Cold War and launched a spectacular career that made him the rare classical musician to enjoy rock star status died early Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, at his Fort Worth home following a battle with bone cancer. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek, file) ©PA From LIFE & ARTS 8:34pm

Van Cliburn, star pianist, dies at 78

US POLITICS & POLICY 8:02pm

Supreme Court puts limit on SEC fraud fines

Ruling that regulator cannot seek fines after 5 years

US POLITICS & POLICY 7:22pm

Supreme Court questions US voting law

Concern over president’s power to curb photo ID rules

The A-List from COMMENT 7:17pm

Obama planned big budget cuts all along

The president had a Faustian pact on tax and spending, says Jeffrey Sachs

US POLITICS & POLICY 6:44pm

Republicans oppose assault weapons ban

Father of slain Newtown student implores Congress to act

From EUROPE 6:15pm

Putin seeks to close US military gap

Washington accused of upsetting ‘strategic balance’

US POLITICS & POLICY 5:54pm

Obama to meet lawmakers over cuts

First face-to-face attempt to discuss sequestration

From MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA 5:05pm

Tunisia’s Nahda makes independent U-turn

Party makes move after driving Jebali from office

From GLOBAL ECONOMY Feb 27, 2013

US spending cut fears hit aircraft orders

Boeing reports orders for two aircraft in January, down from 183 in December

US POLITICS & POLICY Feb 27, 2013

US food shortages loom amid budget cuts

Inspectors’ furlough to halt meat production

US POLITICS & POLICY Feb 27, 2013

Washington nerves jangle at sequestration

Looming government cuts bring fears for jobs and spending

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