Federal regulators jolted the auto industry with two surprising pieces of news this month. First, Uncle Sam says that the fines automakers incur for falling short of government fuel economy rules are doubling, a painful blow for the industry. And second, the government doesn’t believe the car industry will hit the lofty fuel economy goal that regulators targeted for the year 2025. It all sounds a bit contradictory. But on closer inspection, the feds’ actions start to make sense. Continue reading “What do the government’s changing fuel economy rules mean for you?”
Month: July 2016
Bumpy Road Ahead in 2016 Presidential Race
Trump will get a bounce after the Republican convention, but Clinton is poised to regain ground.
Continue reading “Bumpy Road Ahead in 2016 Presidential Race”
Nuclear Challenges Loom for Trump or Clinton
No matter who wins the White House, North Korea and Iran will test U.S. policy, diplomacy.
The next U.S. president will face two formidable but very different foreign policy challenges.
Continue reading “Nuclear Challenges Loom for Trump or Clinton”
Are you and your business safe from ransomware?
A look at a new kind of cyberattack, efforts to tighten U.S. cyberdefenses and boost digital privacy, plus much more. Continue reading “Are you and your business safe from ransomware?”
Big Price Hikes for Medicare Premiums in 2017?
Some Medicare beneficiaries could see rate increases of 22% next year.
Retirees, brace yourselves: Some participants may see double-digit premium hikes for Medicare Part B in 2017.
Congress figures to step in before the bills are due, as it did last year. But if it doesn’t, premiums for about 30% of beneficiaries could jump 22%, from $121.80 per month to $149 a month in January 2017, if the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security is low, as expected. The COLA for next year is likely to be quite small: 0.2% to 0.8%. The actual rates for Part B (which covers the costs of doctor visits and outpatient care) will be announced in October and take effect January 1.
Continue reading “Big Price Hikes for Medicare Premiums in 2017?”
Is this the year virtual reality goes prime time?
The rapid rise of virtual reality hardware in coming years will boost tech suppliers, app builders, media companies, internet providers and many other firms as business and consumer uses mushroom. Continue reading “Is this the year virtual reality goes prime time?”