Boring but Important
Campaign records shattered, No more snowmobiles
August was a fruitful month for both Barack Obama and John McCain—Obama raised more money than any presidential candidate in history, and McCain had his best month ever.
Jail time for lobbyist, Vulnerable to terrorism
Jack Abramoff, the Washington super-lobbyist who once boasted of his close ties to the Bush White House, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for his role in a wide-ranging corruption scandal.
Aid package for Georgia, Double whammy for schools
The White House proposed a $1 billion economic aid package for the former Soviet republic of Georgia, in a move likely to raise tensions with Russia.
Fewer Americans uninsured, Stevens wins Alaska primary
The number of Americans without health insurance declined modestly from 2006 to 2007.
Species act overhaul, No charges over tainted hiring
A proposed overhaul of the 1973 Endangered Species Act would allow government officials, rather than independent experts, to evaluate the environmental impact of any changes.
Iraq’s budget surplus, Florida bank seized
Iraq’s government has a massive budget surplus, but is spending less than 1 percent of it to maintain and rebuild the country’s infrastructure.
Toy-safety bill advances, No to Internet rationing
Reacting to a spate of recalls of toys containing dangerous toxins, the House and Senate this week agreed on a bill that would sharply limit the allowable levels of lead and phthalates in toys.
Housing bailout bill, The rich get richer
The wealthiest 1 percent of Americans garnered 22 percent of the national income in 2006, their highest share since 1929.
Pushing offshore drilling; Medicare bill survives veto
President Bush issued an executive order lifting the ban on offshore oil drilling and challenged Congress to follow suit.
Iran tests a missile—and U.S. patience
Iran test-fired several missiles this week, including a long-range missile capable of reaching Israel. Iranian officials said the firings were a response to U.S. and Israeli threats.
Politics guided Justice hiring; First female four-star 
Justice department officials routinely rejected well-qualified entry-level applicants whose r
Air Force contract questioned; White House aide cleared
The federal government
Violent crime down; New federal debit card
The U.S. Treasury this week rolled out a debit card that people without traditional bank accounts can use to access federal benefits such as Social Security and disability payments.
New travel restrictions; Bush picks top lawyer
The Department of Homeland Security announced new restrictions on short-term visitors to the U.S. from Japan and Western Europe.
