Boring but Important
Regulating finance, and more 
As part of its financial-industry reform package, the Obama administration plans to create a new consumer-protection agency for investment and credit products.
Banks to repay U.S., and more
In a sign that strains on the U.S. banking system are easing, the Obama administration will allow 10 banks to repay $68.3 billion granted them under TARP.
Republican tapped for Army, and more
President Obama named Rep. John McHugh of New York to be secretary of the Army.
National security reshuffle, and more
The Obama administration has reorganized its national security team, incorporating domestic security officials into an expanded National Security Council.
Credit card overhaul
Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation to rein in credit card interest rates and fees—the largest overhaul of consumer-borrowing rules in decades.
Social Security shortfall, and more
The Social Security Trust Fund will run out of money in 2037, four years earlier than previously estimated.
Targeting tax havens, and more
President Obama has proposed outlawing offshore tax-avoidance techniques that U.S. corporations use to avoid billions in taxes.
Ruling on dirty words, and more
The Supreme Court has ruled that broadcasters who air profanity on live programs may be punished even if the vulgarities are brief and unscripted.
New stem-cell research rules, and more
The White House has issued new rules on stem-cell research but left in place some Bush-era restrictions on government funding.
Drug offenders and race, and more
For the first time in 25 years, the number of blacks in state prisons for drug offenses declined, while the number of white drug offenders rose sharply.
Pentagon spending shake-up
Defense Secretary Robert Gates unveiled a proposed military budget that radically revamps the Pentagon’s priorities.
Decision in Minnesota race, and more
The long-running dispute over the Minnesota Senate race between Republican incumbent Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken has moved closer to resolution.
Targeting CO2, and more
The Environmental Protection Agency declared global warming a threat to human health, the first step toward nationwide regulation of carbon-dioxide emissions.
Obama names first judge, and more
President Obama has tapped federal District Judge David Hamilton to serve on the appeals court in Chicago.
Funding the government
President Obama signed a $410 billion bill to fund the government through September 2009, with federal spending boosted by 8 percent over last year.
CIA tape destruction, and more
Government lawyers revealed that the CIA destroyed 92 tapes of interrogations of prisoners suspected of terrorism, far more than had been previously acknowledged.
Labor secretary confirmed, and more
The Senate confirmed Rep. Hilda Solis of California as labor secretary on an 80–17 vote, after several delays due to Republican objections about her pro-union tilt.
U.S. computers vulnerable, and more
Attacks on U.S. government computer networks increased 40 percent in 2008, a federal panel reported.
Offshore drilling delay, and more
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has shelved a Bush administration initiative to open much of the U.S. coastline to oil drilling.
A Republican for Commerce
President Obama nominated New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg for Commerce secretary.
