To the Point
The Chaotic Closing Days of the 111th Congress
As the lame-duck Congress lurches along, what are the signals for next year when Republicans will take over the House? Is President Obama changing his strategy to deal with new political realities and prepare his campaign for re-election? Also, a $7 billion settlement for Bernard Madoff's victims, and an ATM machine that dispenses gold.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenAs the lame-duck Congress lurches along, what are the signals for next year when Republicans will take over the House? Is President Obama changing his strategy to deal with new political realities and prepare his campaign for re-election? Also, a $7 billion settlement for the victims of Bernard Madoff, and a gift that keeps on giving: gold, dispensed by a new ATM machine in Boca Raton, Florida.
Banner imge: President Barack Obama talks with Congressman Eric Cantor, (R-VA), at the conclusion of a meeting with bipartisan Congressional leadership in the Oval Office Private Dining Room, November 30, 2010. Listening at right are Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jon Kyl (R-AZ), and Harry Reid (D-NV). House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) stands outside. Official White House photo: Pete Souza
In this episode
3 stories$7 Billion Settlement for Madoff's Victims
Bernie Madoff's ponzi scheme defrauded investors of some $20 billion, and a trustee for the victims wants to recover $32 billion, including punitive damages. Today, Preet Bharara, the US Attorney in New York, announced a $7 billion settlement with the widow of Madoff investor Jeffrey Picower.
Read the story8 minChaos Continues on Capitol Hill
The lame-duck session of Congress is hard to keep track of. Today's sure thing is old news by tomorrow, and nobody knows how long it's going to go on. The tax bill and the omnibus spending package were dealt with last night, but what about " Don't Ask, Don't Tell ," the DREAM Act and the START Treaty ?
Read the story37 minGold Replaces Greenbacks in Boca Raton ATM Machine
For high rollers in Boca Raton, Florida, there's a new way to pick up gold. It's the Gold-to-Go vending machine like the one in the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Made by the German company Ex Oriente Lux, shoppers insert cash or credit cards and use the touch-screen to choose coins or gold bars of appropriate weights.
Read the story7 min
