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Pay Freeze Could Cause Economic Hit For D.C. Region

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President Obama wants to freeze federal pay for the next two years. The proposal requires congressional approval. With an estimated 380,000 federal workers populating the D.C. region, the freeze could result in an annual loss of almost $750 million to the region's $410 billion economy.

For the average federal worker, it would result in about $20 to $30 fewer per week than what would have been recieved under an earlier proposal for a 1.4 percent pay hike.

Some federal workers have said they understand the need for the freeze. Others say federal employees are being singled out unfairly.

NPR

China Builds Museums ... But Will The Visitors Come?

China is on a spree to build world-class museums and has opened about 100 of them annually in recent years. Two of the biggest opened on the same day last fall on opposite banks of Shanghai's Huangpu River. But filling these museums — with both art and visitors — is proving more challenging.
NPR

Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame

The nation's largest group of nutritionists is urging the FDA to reject the dairy industry's petition to change the definition of milk. The petition aims to allow aspartame or other alternatives to be used to sweeten milk in an effort to boost consumption in schools.
NPR

IRS Official In Charge Of Nonprofits Declines To Testify

Lois Lerner, who heads the IRS division dealing with nonprofits seeking tax-exempt status, will not testify on Wednesday despite a congressional subpoena, her attorney says. She is accused of closely scrutinizing conservative groups that sought tax-exempt status.
NPR

Microsoft Reveals New Xbox One Game System

Microsoft unveiled its new Xbox One Tuesday, displaying a device that takes new steps in game consoles' journey into becoming all-purpose entertainment and communication devices. The new console replaces the Xbox 360, which has been on the market for more than seven years.

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