Wall Street dominated the headlines all week long as stock prices gyrated, but high unemployment remained the real story affecting millions of Americans. Sixteen percent of the workforce is unemployed, stuck in part-time jobs or so discouraged that they have stopped looking for work. "We've got a disaster, no question about it," Sen. Bernie Sanders on Friday told radio and television host Thom Hartmann. "We need bold action by the government to create jobs." Sanders also argued that if Congress is serious about deficit reduction, as he is, then one of the most effective ways to reduce red ink is to revive the economy and put people back to work.

Economy The most volatile week in Wall Street history saw stock prices yo-yo. Analysts attributed the fluctuations to factors ranging from the weakened European economy to fallout over the U.S. credit rating downgrade.  Those looking for a silver lining saw one in a new report on Friday that said retail sales rose in July when consumers spent more on gasoline, electronics and other merchandise.  

Nuclear Power Sanders welcomed official confirmation on Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Justice would stay out of a lawsuit in federal district court over the future of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. The plant owner, Louisiana-based Entergy Corp., sued the state of Vermont after the Vermont Senate last year voted 26 to 4 not to renew a state license for the 40-year-old reactor. "I appreciate the Justice Department's decision," Sanders said.

Solar Power Construction is underway on a major solar hot water projects in Vermont that will save energy, lower fuel bills, create "green jobs," and help the environment. Sanders on Thursday stopped by Highgate Housing apartment complex in Barre, Vt., where work underway on one of nine innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy projects funded by a $1 million U.S. Department of Energy grant secured by Sanders.

Oil Power Sanders on Monday opposed a proposed pipeline that would carry tar sands oil from Canada to refineries on the Gulf of Mexico. "Building this pipeline will keep America addicted to oil," the senator said. "While it might be a good idea for Koch Industries, which supplies and refines large volumes of Canadian tar sands oil, it is a bad deal for our country."  Sanders said he hopes the administration of President Barack Obama rejects the pipeline. To watch a video, click here.