Japan has embarked on a massive effort to stimulate its economy. Both the government and the central bank are collaborating to end a long period of stagnation and deflation. But the effects are also being felt outside Japan.

The Atlantic Hurricane season starts in just a few weeks. With sequestration, the National Weather Service has ordered furloughs and a hiring freeze that have left vacancies throughout the agency, including the National Hurricane Center. Florida's governor and others are wondering if that will affect the state's ability to prepare and respond to a storm.

The Congressional Budget Office has sharply revised down the outlook for the federal budget deficit. Some temporary factors are being cited for the projected improvement. Keeping the deficit on a downward path may depend on the economy, analysts say.

For decades, the role of breadwinner was reserved for men, but today, more than a quarter of American working women earn more than their spouses. That means more fathers are opting to stay home with the kids.

With budgets tight, the court in San Joaquin County, Calif., stopped hearing all small claims cases in September. More than 800 people have since filed claims with no hearing dates in sight. Many other counties nationwide are experiencing similar delays for civil cases as they grapple with spending cuts.

The International Energy Agency says U.S. shale output and petroleum from Canada's tar sands are transforming global energy markets.

Jobs and the economy dominated political discussion during the election year, but have since been forgotten. Even before the current outbreak of scandals, it was clear Washington preferred to talk about other issues.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average recently shot beyond 15,000 points for the first time ever. But to ordinary Americans, it might not seem relevant — given unemployment rates and stagnant wages. Host Michel Martin speaks with personal finance guru Alvin Hall about why the stock market matters.