To the Point
Senate Takes Up Long-Term Unemployment Benefits
We look at at the future of extended federal jobless aid for 1.3 million who’ve been out of work for six months and lost them over the holidays when the program expired.
By Barbara Bogaev • • 1h 0m ListenThe Senate, back from its winter recess, is considering reinstating federal unemployment benefits for the 1.3 million who have been out of work for more than six months and who lost them over the holidays when the program expired. Guest host Barbara Bogaev looks at the politics, economics and uncertain future of the of extended federal jobless aid. Also, the 'polar vortex' that's bring misery to much of the US, and the Supreme Court puts same sex marriages on hold in Utah. What about the 900 couples there who've already tied the knot?
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In this episode
3 storiesA 'Polar Vortex' Brings Misery to Much of the US
An evocatively named cold front is slamming much of the nation today, causing record-breaking dangerous temperatures in states from Montana to Alabama. Paul Huttner, chief meteorologist for Minnesota Public Radio , has more on this extreme weather and the underlying science behind the polar vortex.
Read the story8 minOut of Work and Out of Luck: The Politics of Unemployment
The Senate returned from recess today to consider Emergency Unemployment Compensation, a three-month extension to long-term unemployment insurance that lapsed over the holidays for 1.3 million Americans out of work for more than six months. Programs like it have been passed in every recession since 1957.
Read the story37 minSupreme Court Halts Gay Marriage in Utah
The US Supreme Court has put a temporary hold on same-sex marriage in Utah , until the state appeals an earlier ruling that legalized the unions. The 10th Circuit reportedly has the appeal on fast track and could hear arguments as son as the end of the month.
Read the story6 min
