June 2, 2013 | Seattle Times

Consider this: Two young people, both living in Honduras, and each with a strong desire to emigrate to the United States. One has learned English, was valedictorian at his high school and is in his second year of college. The other dropped out of high school, has minimal skills but has a brother already living in the U.S. Considering what’s in the best interest of this country, which of the two should be allowed in?

June 1, 2013 | New York Times

Deirdre Yapalater’s recent colonoscopy at a surgical center went smoothly: She was whisked from pre-op to an operating room where a gastroenterologist, assisted by an anesthesiologist and a nurse, performed the routine cancer screening procedure in less than an hour. The test, which found nothing worrisome, racked up what is likely her most expensive medical bill of the year: $6,385. “Could that be right?” said Ms. Yapalater, stunned by charges on the statement on her dining room table.

May 29, 2013 | Xconomy

It’s no secret that venture capital has struggled since the dot-com implosion. The latest dispatch from the industry’s U.S. trade group, however, says there might be some promising signs of better performance. In a new report wrapping up the 2012 performance for VCs, the National Venture Capital Association says the broad industry finally returned to the black last year—“the first post-bubble year in which venture funds collectively distributed more cash to limited partners than they brought in,” association president Mark Heesen said in a statement.

May 29, 2013 | The Atlantic

Texas is killing it. It dominated the recession, crushed the recovery, and in a new analysis of jobs recovered since the downturn, its largest city stands apart as the most powerful job engine in the country -- by far. Houston is blessed by topography and geography. But the city's recent success is really a masterclass in learning from history.