As banks falter and markets melt around the world, government officials are scrambling to stop the bleeding. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson worked feverishly to get his $700 billion rescue bill passed and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke gives his economic outlook later today. We want to know if you would replace either official—and if you would, who would you want to take his place? ... read more

It's been a rough couple of weeks for the financial system to say the least. We want to know how you are handling your investments. Have you changed your investment strategy? What sectors do you see as the market's safe spots? ... read more

Check to see how your representative voted on the $700 billion financial rescue bill. Yeas Nays Democratic 172 63 Republican 91 108 TOTALS 263 171

Yays

The House of Representatives readies for another vote today for the $700 billion rescue package. Can your elected officials count on your vote this November if they voted for the plan? ... read more

Check to see how your senators voted on the $700 billion financial rescue bill. ** CORRECTION: An early post showed Sen. Ben Nelson voting against the bill when he actually voted for it TOTAL: Yea: 74 Nay: 25 NAME VOTE VOTE Akaka (D-HI) Y Alexander (R-TN) Y Allard (R-CO) N Barrasso (R-WY) N Baucus (D-MT) Y Bayh ... read more

The House of Representatives defeated the $700 financial rescue package on Monday, but the Senate is voting Wednesday evening on a slightly modified version.  We want to hear what you think: What should be included in the bill? What should be taken out? Is a rescue even necessary? ... read more

By Travis Altman The first stop on my voyage to China is a place most Americans know well, or at least they think they do - the state of Hawaii.  Millions of people come to the Aloha state every year for beaches and luaus.  My hosts from the East-West Center are based here for a different reason.  Because of Hawaii’s geography and its people, it is a vital link between the U.S. and ... read more

By Travis Altman Last weekend I ran into an old friend and told him I was headed to China in a matter of days.  He was quick to wish me luck, but then there was an awkward pause.  "It sounds like an awesome trip," he said.  "But aren't you a couple weeks late?" My buddy has a point.  From most people's perspective, china's 15 minutes in the spotlight ended after the closing ceremonies of ... read more

I am from the North, and I am in the South right now. Quite opposite the two regions are. The North is cold in temperature, clean in air and sort of nicey-nice. The South is hot in temperature, has the appearance of dirty in air because of the thick and humid air and is also sort of not nicey-nice but nice but really sort of, well, “I may shoot you if you don’t be nice to me” kind ... read more

The phone conversation, I imagine, will go something like this. “Hello, Blessed Event Florist, how may I help you?” “Hi Susan, it’s John. I need to order some flowers for Sarah’s daughter.” “Oh, hi Mr. McCain, I heard.  That’s terrific news.” “Not exactly the word I would use to describe it.” “What do you mean?  A baby on the way is always terrific news, ... read more