"Time is of the essence, and we will continue to move forward as quickly and efficiently as possible," said Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr after a judge Tuesday cleared the way for the city to proceed with a bankruptcy filing. Detroit is eligible to shed billions in debt in the largest public bankruptcy in U.S. history. Unions trying to preserve the pensions of city workers had objected. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Employees gather for a "Walmart Cheer" the day before Walmart opens their doors for the first time at 99 H Street N.W., Washington, D.C., Tuesday, December 3, 2013. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)