Martha Randoph Carr There are small signs the Great Recession is starting to shift gears. New employment statistics show U.S.companies are not shedding jobs in record numbers. Under more normal circumstances losses would still be seen as a negative, but after the dips we’ve seen these past two years, less can now be seen as more.   Full Story

The idea of Barack Obama going back to seek Republican cooperation in another of his bipartisan outreach efforts is almost laughable at this stage -- yet it is a bitter laugh for many of those who helped elect him. It was Hillary Clinton who said we would have "on the job training" if Mr. Obama became president.   Full Story

Repair shops vs. dealerships New data reveals that consumers save an estimated $26 billion a year or $360 per family for vehicle service and repair at neighborhood independent repair shops compared to more costly new car dealerships. This demonstrates why Congress needs to swiftly pass the Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act (HR.   Full Story