Topic: University of Michigan

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Strong rise in consumer spending caps good week in economic news

Consumer spending went up, so did income and economic output. Consumer confidence was mixed, while home sales took a breather. Here's a roundup of what happened in economic news this week.
First-ever cyberattack on US election points to broad vulnerabilities

Experts have confirmed that a fraudulent online request for 2,500 ballots in Florida last year was the first known cyberattack against a US election. And it could be just the tip of the iceberg.
Debt-laden Detroit makes one last bid to avert fiscal takeover by state

Detroit officials on Tuesday argued against handing over fiscal control of the city to a state-appointed emergency manager, citing an agreement already in place to repair city finances. Governor's final decision on next step is expected this week.
Energy Voices Fukushima two years later: How safe are US nuclear plants?

Two years after Japan's Fukushima nuclear disaster, US officials say the country's nuclear plants are safe. A new report from an environmental organization challenges that assertion.
Two Great Lakes hit record low levels: Climate crisis or natural cycle?

Lake Huron and Lake Michigan are at their lowest levels since record keeping began a century ago, but experts say it's too soon to tell exactly what combination of issues is causing the drop.
Is car-sharing in your future?

Zipcar and other car-sharing companies rent to young urbanites. Now Avis wants in. But will car-sharing continue to cater to a limited demographic?
Protests surge in Iraq's Sunni regions, testing Maliki

Across majority Sunni Arab towns in Iraq today hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets,, complaining Sunnis are being targeted by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government.
Presidential libraries: from Boston to Honolulu ... or maybe Chicago

Presidential libraries can be found coast to coast, and may even go beyond that once a site is selected for President Obama's future repository of documents and artifacts. To quickly hopscotch around to the 13 official presidential libraries and museums overseen by the National Archives, plus that of Abraham Lincoln, check out this library list.
Are 'fiscal cliff' woes killing Christmas sales?

In last weekend before Christmas, traditionally a strong sales period, shoppers cite worries over taxes and so-so discounts as reasons to rein in spending. Experts warn of ho-hum holiday sales.
Why American teens are turning from cigarettes to marijuana

A new survey shows that marijuana use among teens continues to rise – and outstrips cigarette use – thanks to the increasing perception that pot is not harmful.
Economic optimism falls. Are 'fiscal cliff' worries to blame?

A new Monitor/TIPP poll shows Americans' outlook on the economy soured in December, across the board – coinciding with the 'fiscal cliff' standoff. For Republicans, economic optimism has hit rock bottom.
Unemployment rate falls for November, but is it for the 'wrong' reason? (+video)

November's unemployment rate, 7.7 percent, may have been affected by superstorm Sandy. About 370,000 Americans reported last month that they couldn't work because of the weather.
In Gear Teen drivers text more than parents think: study

Teen drivers do a lot more texting behind the wheel than their parents think they do, according to a new study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
Detroit mayor announces furloughs to avoid bankruptcy

Detroit City Council is balking at next step in a state plan to restore financial stability to the embattled city, delaying a $30 million infusion of state funds.
US appeals court strikes down Michigan ban on affirmative action (+video)

While the 8-7 ruling on affirmative action did not address the constitutionality of race-conscious admissions to college, the majority said Michigan's prohibition on the policy 'places special burdens on racial minorities.'
One-minute algae: new source of oil?

New process can quickly turn algae into biocrude. But it's not the same as nature's crude oil.
Fearing 'cliff,' investors finish brutal week

Wall Street finished one of the worst weeks of the year Friday, pushing Washington to work out a deal to avoid the tax increases and government spending cuts.
Backchannels Is the detritus of the Iraq war harming the babies of Fallujah?

The claim has been made for years. Now, there's a medical report about the Iraq war that appears to back it up.
Racial attitudes have not improved in the four years since Obama took office

A poll by the Associated Press shows that although America elected its first black president, after four years racial prejudice against blacks and hispanics has increased slightly.
Could e-voting machines in Election 2012 be hacked? Yes.

Security experts say a specific kind of electronic-voting machine is vulnerable to being hacked. Influencing a national election would be difficult, but the advance of malware makes it possible.
Change Agent Natives join 'hipsters' in reviving Detroit

A burst of youthful energy – from native Detroiters and new immigrants – debunks the opinion that nothing can be done to jumpstart the Motor City.
Paper Economy Survey: consumer sentiment on the rise

Consumer sentiment rose in October to its highest level since 2007, according to the Reuters/University of Michigan Survey of Consumers.
JPMorgan posts record earnings, lifting stocks

JPMorgan Chase and Co. posted record third quarter earnings. Shares of JPMorgan rose 1.8 percent in premarket trading, lifting US stock futures along the way.
Middle-class students are taught by parents to speak up, says study

Middle-class parents teach kids to ask for help while working-class parents tell their children to avoid conflict and be self-sufficient, according to a new study.
Supreme Court: If affirmative action is banned, what happens at colleges?

Nine states have tried to achieve campus diversity through other means, with mixed results. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court takes up an affirmative action case from the University of Texas at Austin.