American Public Media

While congressional negotiators build a federal budget for 2009, a group of bipartisan budget experts are launching a campaign to wean the government off what they call a debt addiction. John Dimsdale reports.

RENITA JABLONSKI: In Washington today, House and Senate negotiators will try to sketch out a federal budget for 2009. At the same time, across town, a group of bipartisan budget experts will launch a campaign to wean the government from what they say is a debt addiction. John… more

KAI RYSSDAL: As Congress weighs electronic surveillance, the Europeans have been taking aim at another slice of the American high-tech pie: Last month, the European Commission won a landmark case against Microsoft. The commission charged the company with maintaining a monopoly on computer operating systems and media players. Commentator Barry Lynn says Washington ought to think like the Europeans if it's serious about technological innovation.

Barry Lynn: Monopoly is good for innovation -- it says so in the Constitution. Even before… more

Scott Jagow: A bill being introduced in Congress this morning might breathe new life into an old idea: Savings accounts for children…

Sarah Gardner: The idea is simple: give every American newborn $500 in a tax-free savings account. At age 18, kids can use it for college -- or they can sock it away until later for a first home or retirement.

Supporter Ray Boshara at the New America Foundation says more than a third of children grow up in… more