The Senate on Tuesday rejected a plan backed by President Barack Obama to create a bipartisan task force to tackle the federal deficit this year, despite glaring new figures showing the enormity of the red-ink threat.

Oregon voters have given their approval to measures that raise taxes on businesses and the wealthy. Voters in Tuesday’s special election approved Measure 66, which raises rates on people earning well above six figures, and Measure 67, which increases business taxes.

Japan’s exports grew for the first time in 15 months in December as robust Asian demand fueled recovery in the world’s second-biggest economy.

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday moved to clear the way to confirm Ben Bernanke to a second term as Federal Reserve chairman, setting a procedural vote for Thursday in a sign that the needed votes were now secured.

With his prospects for another term brightening, Ben Bernanke will lead the Federal Reserve this year in pulling back the stimulus money it pumped out to fight the financial crisis that erupted in his first term.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has scheduled a key vote Thursday that will decide whether Ben Bernanke wins a second term as chairman of the Federal Reserve.

SAN FRANCISCO—-On Monday, January 25, 2010, Sunwheel Energy Partners, which provides turnkey solar energy systems for urban and community partners, celebrated the commissioning of solar photovoltaic systems at three affordable housing community sites in San Francisco’s Western Addition and Hayes Valley neighborhoods — bringing solar power, green jobs and financial relief to residents and owners.