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DC Hammering Out Dueling Debt Ceiling Plans
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DC Hammering Out Dueling Debt Ceiling Plans

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As the markets and the public look on nervously, the clock continues to tick on negotiations to raise the federal debt ceiling. As leaders from both parties develop separate plans, one of the contested issues is the length of any extension. President Obama and the Democrats want to put the issue to rest till after the 2012 election, while the Republicans want to keep the government on a shorter leash. Also, more details on the Oslo shooter's mentality, and wedding bells ring in gay Manhattan. Terrence McNally guest hosts.

Banner image: Vice President Joe Biden (C) and Congresswoman Nacy Pelosi (L) listen as President Barack Obama (R) speaks with Speaker of the House John Boehner (C-rear) during a meeting in the Cabinet Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on July 23, 2011. Photo by Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

Making News

More Details Reveal Oslo Shooter's Mentality ()

As Norway mourns over 75 victims of Friday's bombing and shooting attack, attention shifts to investigation and speculation into the mind and motives of alleged killer Anders Breivik. According to documents he'd posted online and which he read from during his closed court hearing, he acted to save Europe and to spread his ideas warning of the threat of Islam. Berit Rekaa is a reporter for NRK, the national broadcast corporation of Norway.

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  • Berit Rekaa: NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation)
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Main Topic

Hammering Out Dueling Debt Ceiling Plans ()

Just over a week before the August 2 deadline, Washington seems no closer to a deal to raise the debt ceiling. After Speaker of the House Boehner walked out of negotiations with President Barack Obama Friday, talks went on all weekend between and within the parties. Now the Speaker is working on a GOP plan while Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid works on a Democratic alternative. Today, global markets are down amid concerns about the lack of a deal. Directors of the International Monetary Fund have weighed in, citing the urgency of a deal that includes entitlement reforms, additional savings in healthcare, as well as revenue increases, and advising against fast cuts which could impact consumer spending.

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Reporter's Notebook

Gay Couples Rush to Exchange Vows in New York ()

In New York, a bruising, multi-year legislative battle ended last month when the State Senate approved same-sex marriage by a narrow margin, instantly doubling the number of Americans who live in states where gay and lesbian couple can wed. Couples from all over the state, as well as a hundred from other states, rushed to wed Sunday. Over a thousand ceremonies were celebrated in New York City alone, where temperatures were high, but the mood was even higher. After an 11-year engagement, one couple wed beside Niagara Falls, a minute past after midnight. Thomas Kaplan reports on politics for the New York Times.

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