This Day in History

Verrazano-Narrows Bridge Opens (1964)
The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge connects the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City. From the time of its completion until 1981, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world, with a center span of 4,260 feet (1,298 meters). The bridge furnishes a critical link in the local and regional highway system, and it is widely known today as the starting point for the New York City Marathon. The bridge was the last great public works project overseen by what famous "master builder"? Discuss
Read More...(Source: This Day in History - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT)

Nuremberg Trials Begin (1945)
The Nuremberg Trials, which took place in Nuremberg, Germany, between 1945 and 1949, were a series of trials prosecuting Nazi officials for their participation in WWII and the Holocaust. The first and most famous of these trials, the Trial of the Major War Criminals before the International Military Tribunal, involved 24 of the most important leaders of Nazi Germany, 12 of whom were sentenced to death for crimes against humanity and other offenses. How were the death sentences carried out?
Read More...(Source: This Day in History - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT)

Abraham Lincoln Delivers Gettysburg Address (1863)
The Gettysburg Address, one of the most quoted speeches in US history, was delivered by President Lincoln at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, four and half months after the famous battle fought there. In approximately three minutes, Lincoln's address redefined the American Civil War as not merely a struggle for the Union, but as "a new birth of freedom" for the US and its people. Lincoln's address has drawn comparisons to what ancient speech?
Read More...(Source: This Day in History - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT)

Yahoo! News

Syracuse runs away from No. 6 North Carolina (AP)

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim yells instructions to his players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina, Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Syracuse won 87-71. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)AP - Jim Boeheim has always made a point of telling the media not to get too caught up in runs because basketball, especially on the college level, is a game of runs.


Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:26:48 GMT)

Martin leads Boise State in blowout (AP)

Boise State runningback Doug Martin (22) heads for the endzone for a touchdown as he is pursued by Utah State defender Quinn Garner (37) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game at Romney Stadium, Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, in Logan, Utah.  (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)AP - Kellen Moore didn't need to throw his usual three touchdown passes.


Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:05:53 GMT)

Clips' broadcasters suspended for Haddadi remarks (AP)
AP - Clippers longtime play-by-play announcer Ralph Lawler and color analyst Michael Smith were suspended one game by the Fox Sports Prime Ticket cable network for their comments about Memphis center Hamed Haddadi.
Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:03:25 GMT)

Magic win 4th straight, beating Boston 83-78 (AP)

Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett (5) and Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard (12) reach for a rebound in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)AP - Vince Carter scored 26 points, Rashard Lewis had 16 points and 10 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Boston Celtics 83-78 on Friday night.


Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:04:59 GMT)

Giants LB Pierce out indefinitely with neck injury (AP)
AP - New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce is out indefinitely after an MRI exam on Friday surprisingly revealed a bulging disk in his neck.
Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:38:56 GMT)

NFL union pans reporting on teammates' concussions (AP)

Graphic surveys NFL players concerning concussionsAP - The NFL Players Association opposes commissioner Roger Goodell's call for players to tell their teams' medical staffs if they think a teammate shows symptoms of a concussion, saying that is not an adequate solution.


Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:27:11 GMT)

Packers Havner fined $5K for late hit vs. Cowboys (AP)
AP - Green Bay Packers tight end Spencer Havner has been fined $5,000 for a late hit out of bounds during last week's 17-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:50:42 GMT)

Nationals top pick Strasburg won't need surgery (AP)
AP - The Nationals say No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg has a dislocation in his left knee joint and should be fine for spring training.
Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:48:31 GMT)

Butler leads Clips to 106-99 win over Nuggets (AP)

Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan dunks the ball as members of the Denver Nuggets, from left, Kenyon Martin, J.R. Smith Nene Hilario of Brazil, Chauncey Billups (1) and Carmelo Anthony (15) look on along with Los Angeles Clippers Al Thornton (12) during the first half of their NBA basketball game, Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)AP - Reserve forward Rasual Butler scored 27 points, Al Thornton added 18 and the Los Angeles Clippers withstood an early scoring spree from Carmelo Anthony to beat the Denver Nuggets 106-99 on Friday night.


Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:34:49 GMT)

Pondexter leads No. 14 Huskies (AP)

Washington forward Quincy Pondexter (20) shoots during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against San Jose State, Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, at Hec Edmundson Pavilion in Seattle. (AP Photo/Joe Nicholson)AP - Quincy Pondexter set a career high for the second consecutive game with 30 points, including 13 in a row to begin the second half, and had a career-best 15 rebounds in No. 14 Washington's 80-70 victory over San Jose State on Friday night.


Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:28:17 GMT)

Wenger puts brave face on Van Persie loss (AFP)

Arsene Wenger has shrugged off claims that the loss of Robin van Persie, seen here in October 2009, will fundamentally undermine Arsenal chances of closing the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea.(AFP/File/Carl de Souza)AFP - Arsene Wenger has shrugged off claims that the loss of Robin van Persie will fundamentally undermine Arsenal chances of closing the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea.


Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:27:08 GMT)

Clerc urges French caution prior to Samoa test (AFP)

France's rugby union national team hooker Guilhem Guirado (left) vies with winger Vincent Clerc during a training session, on November 18, in Marcoussis, south of Paris, as part of the preparation for the upcoming test match against Samoa on November 21 and New Zeland on November 28.(AFP/File/Thomas Coex)AFP - France wing Vincent Clerc has warned his team-mates that they cannot afford to under-estimate Samoa prior to the clash between the sides at the Stade de France here on Saturday.


Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:52:02 GMT)

Heatley's hat trick leads Sharks past Flyers (AP)

San Jose Sharks' Dany Heatley, right, shoots as  Philadelphia Flyers' Matt Carle blocks in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, in San Jose, Calif. Flyers goalie Ray Emery is at left. (AP Photo/George Nikitin)AP - Dany Heatley scored three times, Joe Thornton recorded his 600th NHL assist, and the San Jose Sharks beat the Philadelphia Flyers 6-3 on Friday night.


Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:07:52 GMT)

Federer and Nadal ready to battle for number one spot (AFP)

Rodger Federer of Switzerland (L) and Rafael Nadal of Spain pose for pictures in London. Federer and Nadal will stage the last chapter of their battle to finish the year as world number one when the ATP Tour Finals get under way in London on Sunday.(AFP/Carl de Souza)AFP - Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will stage the last chapter of their battle to finish the year as world number one when the ATP Tour Finals get under way in London on Sunday.


Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:02:21 GMT)

Idle Ochoa leads LPGA Tour Championship (AP)

Sophie Gustafson hits out of a bunker on the eighth hole during the second round of the LPGA Tour Championship golf tournament Friday, Nov. 20, 2009 in Richmond, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)AP - Sophie Gustafson moved within two shots of leader Lorena Ochoa at the LPGA Tour Championship on Friday before second-round play was suspended because of bad weather.


Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:28:33 GMT)

Friend says UFC champ Lesnar is home recuperating (AP)
AP - A friend of UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar says the ultimate fighter is back at his home in Alexandria, Minnesota, recovering from a bacterial infection.
Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:46:21 GMT)

Pacquiao's PPV numbers add to megafight momentum (AP)

Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao shows his championship belts as he is conferred the Order of Sikatuna, one of the highest awards given to diplomats and state leaders, by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during ceremony Friday Nov. 20, 2009 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, Philippines. Pacquiao made history in world boxing for winning seven world titles in seven weight divisions after defeating Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico in their WBO welterweight fight Nov. 14. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)AP - Manny Pacquiao proved he can be a box office hit. Now it's up to Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. to see what they can do together.


Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:58:04 GMT)

A twin win for Harvicks in Trucks Series finale (AP)

Ron Hornaday Jr celebrates after winning the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship at the Homestead-Miami International Speedway in Homestead, Fla., Friday, Nov. 20, 2009  (AP Photo/Terry Renna)AP - Kevin and Delana Harvick were an extremely happy couple Friday night.


Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:32:37 GMT)

Rochette leads Skate Canada, delights home crowd (AP)

Canada's Joannie Rochette, left, and her coach Manon Perron react as her marks are posted for her short program to place first in the ladies competition at the Skate Canada figure skating competition on Friday, Nov. 20, 2009  in Kitchener, Ontario. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson)AP - Listening to her coach paid off for Joannie Rochette.


Read More...(Source: Yahoo! News: Sports News - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:38:10 GMT)

washingtonpost.com

Storm of criticism said to buoy Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner has been a lightning rod for the Obama administration even longer than he's formally held his position. This week, the storm clouds returned.
Read More...(Source: - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST)

Jitters, disappointing data get the best of Wall Street
Anxiety reappeared on Wall Street this week, leaving markets largely lower and sending investors into short-term government bonds and the U.S. dollar, which recorded its first weekly gain in a month.
Read More...(Source: - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST)

Some Washington area homeowner groups struggling financially
As planned communities have grown in Washington's outer suburbs, some of their homeowners associations have evolved from groups that handle mundane tasks such as collecting trash and scolding the owners of unkempt lawns into quasi-governments that control multimillion-dollar budgets with little outside scrutiny.
Read More...(Source: - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST)

Condos' reserve funds deserve more scrutiny
If you plan to buy into a condominium association -- or if you already own and plan to refinance the mortgage -- you should be aware of the new rules published by the Federal Housing Administration.
Read More...(Source: - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST)

Real Estate Matters: There's more than the rate to consider in a refinance
Mortgage interest rates below 5 percent, combined with the recent extension and expansion of the home-buyer tax credits, give buyers a unique opportunity to purchase a home. But if you have enough equity in your property, it may also be a great time to lock in a lower interest rate and refinance your loan's existing balance.
Read More...(Source: - Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST)

13 charged in $19M Central Oregon bank fraud
PORTLAND, Ore. -- The collapse of a Bend real estate development company has resulted in charges against 13 people in what prosecutors say is the largest Oregon fraud case to emerge from the national real estate boom and bust.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:59:03 EST)

Ex-Vivendi CEO: I made mistakes but never misled
NEW YORK -- Former Vivendi CEO Jean-Marie Messier told a jury Friday he made mistakes in his troubled bid to turn the French water company into a global media giant, but he never misled shareholders about the risks.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:35:31 EST)

La. businessman indicted in alleged Ponzi scheme
NEW ORLEANS -- A Louisiana businessman was charged Friday with engaging in a Ponzi scheme to defraud about 160 investors - mostly elderly people - out of roughly $19.5 million and using some of the money to pay for cars, cruises, sports tickets and a house.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:27:38 EST)

Stocks fall for 3rd day as dollar strengthens
NEW YORK -- Investors can't shake their fears that the economy isn't keeping up with the stock market.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:19:35 EST)

Small Florida bank shuttered, 124th this year
WASHINGTON -- Florida banking regulators on Friday shut down Commerce Bank of Southwest Florida, marking the 124th U.S. bank to succumb this year to the struggling economy and rising loan defaults.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:13:02 EST)

Americans save more but earn less as rates fall
NEW YORK -- The U.S. is finally becoming a nation of savers. Now if only we could get something for our money.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:04:55 EST)

Senate sets hearing on Bernanke's renomination
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Senate Banking Committee said on Friday it will hold a hearing on Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's renomination to a second term on December 3, putting the central bank chief under scrutiny at a time when the Fed is facing intense criticism in Congress.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:58:32 EST)

Treasury prices fall, yields inch off lows
NEW YORK -- Treasury prices mostly fell Friday, pushing their yields higher. Yields on short-term bills hovered near their lows of the year.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:37:46 EST)

Investors sue Fla. lawyer in fraud probe for $100M
MIAMI -- Investors claiming they were fleeced by a high-profile South Florida attorney filed a $100 million lawsuit Friday contending that the lawyer orchestrated a massive Ponzi scheme with the help of a Canadian bank's U.S. subsidiary and several accomplices.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:28:21 EST)

Chase drops arbitration from card contracts
BOSTON -- JPMorgan Chase & Co. said Friday it is dropping a clause from its credit card contracts that required disputes with customers to be handled through binding arbitration, a move that could lead to consumers filing class-action and other lawsuits.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:10:42 EST)

Dollar keeps gaining as traders pare risk exposure
NEW YORK -- The safe-haven dollar further strengthened Friday and Treasury yields hovered around their lows for the year as worries about the economy in 2010 diminished traders' appetites for risky bets.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:59:31 EST)

Paulson's golden investors have to commit $10 million
BOSTON (Reuters) - Investors tempted to put money into star hedge fund manager John Paulson's new gold portfolio will have to commit at least $10 million and leave the money locked up for at least one year, according to a prospectus.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:49:45 EST)

Stocks dip as investors fret about recovery
NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks fell for a third straight day on Friday as investors took weaker-than-expected results from computer maker Dell and homebuilder D.R. Horton as a further sign that the recovery would be anemic.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:32:30 EST)

New questions arise in Pequot trading probe
WASHINGTON -- A new development related to the government's investigation of possible insider trading at a major hedge fund has raised questions in the case and caught the attention of two key senators.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:57:54 EST)

Senate panel to mull Bernanke nomination on Dec. 3
WASHINGTON -- Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's nomination to a second term will be the subject of a Senate Banking Committee hearing next month, the panel's chairman said Friday.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:37:06 EST)

Real estate agents see return of foreign buyers
-- Canadian investor Arthur Wong is buying condos in Las Vegas and Phoenix like a shopper at Costco: In bulk, with slashed prices.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:25:01 EST)

RealTime CrunchUp: Where's The Money In RealTime?
For our last discussion at the RealTime CrunchUp, we've got a panel on actually generating revenue from these services. Participating in the discussion are some of the Valley's top VCs and veterans of the space.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:15:54 EST)

Ohio AG sues credit agencies for public pensions
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The three major credit ratings agencies gave mortgage-backed securities unjustifiably high ratings in return for lucrative fees, losing at least $457 million for five Ohio public employee pension and retirement funds, the state's attorney general alleged in a lawsuit filed Friday.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:07:21 EST)

Web sites cater to for-sale-by-owner home sellers
LOS ANGELES -- Selling a home without a real estate agent can save thousands of dollars in commission fees, but it can also be a painstaking, confusing task.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:04 EST)

Trichet: time to withdraw some support measures
FRANKFURT -- Although it is too early to say the crisis is over, it is time to withdraw some of the policy measures that supported the financial system through the credit crunch, the European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet said Friday.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:01:34 EST)

Trichet warns banks risk addiction to support
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Banks risk becoming addicted to cheap central bank cash used to fight the financial crisis and must prepare for its eventual withdrawal, the head of the ECB warned at a Frankfurt banking conference on Friday.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:57:20 EST)

Asia shares dip in nervous trade, dollar steady
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Asian shares slipped on Friday, but recovered some early losses, while the dollar was steady after U.S. data raised fears that a global economic recovery could lose momentum.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:01:31 EST)

Obama faces congressional anger about economy
Growing discontent over the economy and frustration with efforts to speed its recovery boiled over Thursday on Capitol Hill in a wave of criticism and outright anger directed at the Obama administration.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST)

Problem mortgages hit new high at 14 percent
More than 14 percent of borrowers were in trouble on their mortgage during the third quarter, a new record, according to an industry survey released Thursday, which also suggests that the foreclosure rate is likely not to peak until next year as unemployment rates continue to rise.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST)

General Growth strikes deal with lenders
Mall operator General Growth Properties, which filed the largest U.S. real estate bankruptcy case in history earlier this year, said Thursday that its lenders have agreed to restructure some $8.9 billion in shopping mall mortgage loans.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST)

Young heirs grapple with wealth of ambivalence
One night in Adams Morgan, the sons and daughters of lawyers and corporate executives padded into a friend's rowhouse for a kind of group therapy session about their families' wealth.
Read More...(Source: - Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST)

Case of SC's '3 Hebrew Boys' heads to jury
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Three South Carolina men accused of bilking people out of more than $80 million lied about how they would invest their money, so it doesn't matter if investors knew it was risky, prosecutors said Thursday.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:02:05 EST)

US Panel sets fees for big firms, aims to slow Fed
WASHINGTON -- Taking aim at Wall Street and the U.S. central bank, an important House committee voted Thursday to assess fees on large financial firms to pay for the failure of their peers and to require a sweeping congressional audit of the secretive Federal Reserve.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:46:42 EST)

Case of SC's '3 Hebrew Boys' heads to jury
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Three South Carolina men accused of bilking people out of more than $80 million lied about how they would invest their money, so it doesn't matter if investors knew it was risky, prosecutors said Thursday.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:29:36 EST)

Bank bill delayed in House, Senate divided
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Progress toward tighter U.S. financial regulation faltered in the U.S. Congress on Thursday as a House committee postponed a pivotal vote and Republicans on a Senate committee aired stubborn opposition.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:06:43 EST)

General Growth, lenders agree on mall debt rework
LOS ANGELES -- Mall operator General Growth Properties Inc., which filed the largest U.S. real estate bankruptcy case in history earlier this year, said Thursday its lenders have agreed to restructure some $8.9 billion in shopping mall mortgage loans.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:53:35 EST)

Editorial Roundup: Excerpts From Recent Editorials
-- Excerpts from recent editorials in newspapers in the United States and abroad:
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:37:44 EST)

Chrysler could lose more than 100 U.S. dealerships
DETROIT (Reuters) - More than 100 Chrysler Group LLC U.S. dealerships face possible closure if they cannot reach new financing deals with GMAC Financial Services or another lender, people involved in the process said on Thursday.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:08:01 EST)

House panel OKs plan to open Fed policy to audits
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. congressional panel on Thursday approved a measure to open the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions to government audits, a surprise blow to the central bank's efforts to shield its independence and a signal of frustration with the central bank.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:50:01 EST)

Geithner, under fire, defends AIG bailout
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Thursday defended the costly bailout of insurer AIG and urged swift regulatory reform to safeguard the economy from the failure of big financial firms.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:45:16 EST)

Geithner, under fire, defends AIG bailout
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Thursday defended the costly bailout of insurer AIG and urged swift regulatory reform to safeguard the economy from the failure of big financial firms.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:45:16 EST)

Government abandons Bush investment advice rule
DES MOINES, Iowa -- The federal government has decided to abandon a Bush administration plan that would have permitted mutual fund companies and brokerage firms to offer investment advice to 401(k) customers.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:54:30 EST)

Stronger dollar, weak economic data pummels stocks
NEW YORK -- Signs of a subdued economic recovery sent investors out of stocks Thursday and in search of safer assets like the dollar.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:47:32 EST)

SEC told to improve ways it chooses probe targets
WASHINGTON -- The Securities and Exchange Commission must tighten its process for deciding which investment advisers to inspect if it is to avoid colossal breakdowns like the one that allowed Bernard Madoff's multibillion-dollar fraud to go undetected for 16 years, the agency's inspector general says.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:42:49 EST)

AIG board meets Tues, no plan on CEO: source
NEW YORK (Reuters) - An American International Group Inc's board meeting is expected next week against the backdrop of Chief Executive Robert Benmosche's frustration with the U.S. government's involvement in the insurer's affairs, a source familiar with the matter said on Thursday.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:37:31 EST)

Treasury to sell warrants as 3 banks exit bailouts
WASHINGTON -- The Treasury Department said Thursday it will auction off warrants for three banks that it acquired as part of last fall's financial bailout. It's the latest government effort to reel in its emergency financial programs.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:20:07 EST)

Foreclosures hitting more people with good credit
WASHINGTON -- The foreclosure crisis likely will persist well into next year as high unemployment pushes more people out of homes, pulls down housing prices and raises concerns about the broader economic recovery.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:10:47 EST)

Treasury prices rise as investors exit stocks
NEW YORK -- Treasury prices rose Thursday as investors swapped riskier investments in stocks for the safety of government-backed debt.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:05:16 EST)

Gold edges higher even as other commodities fall
NEW YORK -- Gold and silver recovered from early losses Thursday, but other commodities fell as the dollar strengthened.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:51:32 EST)

Wall St drops on recovery concerns, tech rout
NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks slid on Thursday as another batch of economic data pointed to the fragility of the recovery and a brokerage's dim view on the semiconductor sector hit technology shares.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:18:55 EST)

La. man arrested in alleged Ponzi scheme
AMITE, La. -- A Louisiana businessman was arrested Thursday on charges he engaged in a Ponzi scheme that cost at least 200 investors more than $11 million, money he allegedly used to finance a lavish lifestyle.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:36:23 EST)

General Growth reaches agreement with lenders
NEW YORK (Reuters) - General Growth Properties , the giant mall operator that filed for bankruptcy in April, said on Thursday it reached an agreement with lenders that extends maturities on 70 loans and enables the lenders to get their money back.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:21:09 EST)

Banking woes seen by La. company as opportunity
NEW ORLEANS -- A Louisiana banking company sees the worst rash of bank failures in two decades as fertile ground to expand well beyond the state line.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:43:22 EST)

A look at economic developments around the globe
-- A look at economic developments and activity in major stock markets around the world Thursday:
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:38:10 EST)

Chip stocks fall on downgrade, CEOs talk recovery
BARCELONA/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Chip stocks fell on Thursday after Bank of America Merrill Lynch downgraded the sector on a possible inventory correction, although two of Europe's top chipmakers were upbeat about recovery prospects.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:23:44 EST)

Geithner: some bailout funds to help lower debt
WASHINGTON -- Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Thursday the government's $700 billion bailout program will end "as soon as we can," and that part of it will be used to lower the soaring federal debt.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:42:44 EST)

Color of Money Book Club
Personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary hosted a live discussion on Thursday, November 19 at Noon ET with Lynn Jimenez, author of "¿Se Habla Dinero? The Everyday Guide to Financial Success," a personal finance book geared toward multigenerational Hispanic families, and Randy Grindley, a certified financial planner who consulted on the book. Jimenez is also an award-winning business reporter for KGO Radio 810 in San Francisco.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST)

Fidelity: Staying the course worked for millions
DES MOINES, Iowa -- If you had a good mix of stocks and bonds in your retirement account and you left it alone through the market madness of the past year, more than likely you're in good shape now.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:44:48 EST)

Senate, House Democratic health bills compared
-- A comparison of the health care bills before Congress:
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:15:26 EST)

Asian Stocks ease, dollar up as risk shunned
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Asian stocks eased on doubts about the pace of economic recovery, while the Indonesian rupiah and the Indian rupee fell on concerns over official steps to curb capital flows after Brazil's latest move to limit the rise of its currency.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:54:58 EST)

Ambitious bills could remake financial regulatory landscape
As lawmakers on Capitol Hill inch closer toward overhauling the nation's fractured financial regulatory system, each hour of debate, each tweak of legal language, each tedious roll call carries the potential to generate colossal changes in the relationship between Washington and Wall Street.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST)

American Express to enter market for online payments
American Express on Wednesday said it had agreed to buy the online person-to-person payment provider Revolution Money for $300 million, the latest move by one of the credit card giants to add a service that has been increasingly in demand by consumers, especially younger ones.
Read More...(Source: - Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST)

Ferrero, Hershey mull Cadbury bid, Kraft seen No.1
LONDON/CHICAGO (Reuters) - Italy's Ferrero and U.S.-based Hershey Co are considering a bid for chocolatier Cadbury Plc , but Kraft Foods Inc is still seen as the front-runner with its $16.8 billion hostile offer.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:22:17 EST)

Senate, House Democratic health bills compared
-- A comparison of the health care bills before Congress:
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:47:38 EST)

Financial reforms grind forward in Congress
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Congress edged closer on Wednesday to creating new government powers to break up giant financial firms, which Europe is already doing, while a U.S. derivatives market crackdown got more complicated.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:14:59 EST)

Financial reforms grind forward in Congress
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Congress edged closer on Wednesday to creating new government powers to break up giant financial firms, which Europe is already doing, while a U.S. derivatives market crackdown got more complicated.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:14:59 EST)

Stocks slip on technology, housing numbers
NEW YORK -- Disappointing forecasts from technology companies and an unexpected drop in home construction added to worries about the economy and sent stocks modestly lower.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:58:59 EST)

Congress panel backs big bank break-up power
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House Financial Services Committee voted on Wednesday to approve a proposal that would empower government regulators to break up large financial firms that threaten economic stability.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:34:39 EST)

Aetna cutting more than 1,000 jobs by 1st quarter
INDIANAPOLIS -- Health insurer Aetna said Wednesday it will cut 625 jobs immediately, or nearly 2 percent of its staff, and will make a similar number of cuts by the end of the 2010 first quarter due to the lagging economy and the potential impact of health care reform.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:15:05 EST)

Lawmakers seek Fed audit after critical AIG report
WASHINGTON -- A group of House Democrats are stepping up demands for greater transparency from the Federal Reserve after reports that the Fed mishandled the bailout of insurance giant American International Group Inc.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:46:27 EST)

Stocks dip as tech outlook and housing take toll
NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks broke three days of gains on Wednesday following worrisome outlooks from two major software makers and a surprising drop in home construction last month.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:31:11 EST)

A look at economic developments around the globe
-- A look at economic developments and activity in major stock markets around the world Wednesday:
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:41:49 EST)

American Express to buy Revolution Money for $300M
BOSTON -- American Express Co. is buying Revolution Money for about $300 million to keep up with trends in electronic payments, where new security features and online transaction options are shaking up traditional models.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:09:31 EST)

Companies push for derivatives exemption
WASHINGTON -- As Congress crafts legislation to impose new oversight on complex instruments blamed for hastening the financial crisis, a major sticking point has emerged over companies that use the derivatives to hedge risk.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:48:54 EST)

Small bank index suggests recovery is elusive
NEW YORK (Reuters) - A sustained U.S. economic recovery is unlikely until all banks, and not just the big institutions bailed out with government funds, start to recover from the effects of the financial crisis, according to longtime investment strategist Don Coxe.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:47:37 EST)

Private equity firms mull future as asset managers
PARIS (Reuters) - Private equity firms will need to become more like asset managers, offering buyouts as just part of their portfolio, or else focus tightly on specific sectors in order to prosper, industry participants said.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:46:38 EST)

Citi raises salaries for CFO, global markets head
NEW YORK -- Citigroup Inc. said its chief financial officer and co-head of global markets are getting raises, while CEO Vikram Pandit will continue to collect a salary of $1 per year.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:58:09 EST)

AP Poll: Public favors gov't health plan
WASHINGTON -- More Americans support creation of a new government-run health insurance plan to compete with the private insurance market, a new Associated Press poll finds, but the level of enthusiasm depends on how the question is asked.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:24:40 EST)

Geithner: Tight small business credit hurts recovery
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Wednesday called on banks to "get back to the business of lending" and said a tough credit environment for small businesses will slow economic recovery.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:35:22 EST)

SEC subpoenaed former NM state investment officer
SANTA FE, N.M. -- The Securities and Exchange Commission subpoenaed former state Investment Officer Gary Bland to testify as part of an investigation into public investment funds in New Mexico, according to documents released Tuesday.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:22:43 EST)

Fla. investment panel raps its executive director
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Gov. Charlie Crist and two Cabinet members who sit on a panel that invests state money chastised their top staffer for failing to keep them updated on a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:26:48 EST)

Fed's Bullard says shrinking reserves key to exit
ST. LOUIS (Reuters) - A senior Federal Reserve official said on Wednesday the U.S. central bank may start tightening financial conditions by adjusting its extensive asset purchase programs rather than raising interest rates.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:01:35 EST)

Urban League and partner to offer small biz loans
PHILADELPHIA -- The National Urban League is teaming with a small-business financial specialist to offer loans to companies unable to get approved by banks.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:38:10 EST)

MUFG results upbeat, scales back Morgan plan
TOKYO (Reuters) - Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group became the third major Japanese bank to post upbeat results, underscoring the improving outlook for the sector, and said it would raise $11 billion to meet stricter capital rules.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:29:49 EST)

Senate hears need for bank overdraft controls
WASHINGTON -- Consumer advocates on Tuesday urged Congress to move forward on legislation to curb bank practices under which a cup of coffee bought with an overextended debit card can turn into a $40 expense.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:16:21 EST)

Small firms scrapping, scaling back health plans
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Faced with high health insurance costs, a North Carolina brokerage passed the buck on to its employees, a Texas public relations firm switched from group insurance to stipends, and a Missouri travel agency let its workers walk away instead paying for insurance.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:25:48 EST)

Gold slips after hitting high, dollar stays down
SINGAPORE/HONG KONG (Reuters) - Gold fell on profit taking on Wednesday after reaching a record high on economic uncertainties and the downtrend in the dollar, while Asian stocks edged higher as hunger for risk stayed high as the year end approached.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:39:26 EST)

Urban League and partner to offer small biz loans
PHILADELPHIA -- The National Urban League is teaming with a small-business financial specialist to offer loans to companies unable to get approved by banks.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:02:17 EST)

Task force to take up financial fraud cases
Top Obama administration officials on Tuesday announced a new federal task force to combat financial fraud after deciding that the number and complexity of investigations linked to the economic crisis require a more coordinated response from government agencies.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST)

CapitalSource selling nursing home business
CapitalSource announced Tuesday that it is selling its nursing home business to Omega Healthcare Investors of Hunt Valley, Md., for $860 million, helping relieve CapitalSource of heavy debt acquired during the recession.
Read More...(Source: - Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST)

Geithner: US must not drop ball on financial fix
WASHINGTON -- Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told Congress on Tuesday that efforts to strengthen the global financial system to prevent another deep crisis will falter if the United States drops the ball on overhauling regulation of its own banking system.
Read More...(Source: - Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:49:37 EST)

Stock market end mixed even as commodities gain
NEW YORK -- Stocks finished an erratic session mixed Tuesday as higher commodity prices lifted energy and materials shares.
Read More...(Source: - Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:08:48 EST)

Fed officials differ on recovery's pace
RICHMOND, Virginia (Reuters) - Top Federal Reserve officials on Tuesday struck differing notes on the likely pace of the U.S. economic recovery and one warned that pockets of weakness must not deter the central bank from withdrawing its extraordinary economic support.
Read More...(Source: - Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:00:18 EST)

GOP: Zero support for Senate financial reform bill
WASHINGTON -- Senate Republicans said Tuesday there is no support within the GOP for the financial overhaul plan outlined last week by Democrats, putting on shaky ground a top priority for President Barack Obama.
Read More...(Source: - Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:56:39 EST)

Wall St gains on broker views, but retailers sink
NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose to fresh 13-month highs on Tuesday as upbeat broker views on improving prospects for two Dow components offset disappointing holiday spending outlooks from Target and Home Depot.
Read More...(Source: - Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:40:23 EST)

Value of loans at biggest banks drops in Sept.
WASHINGTON -- The value of loans held by the largest banks who received the largest amounts of government bailout support fell for an eighth consecutive month in September, according to the Treasury Department.
Read More...(Source: - Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:06:59 EST)

Tax credit to steady, not rescue, shaky U.S. housing
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Don't expect the expanded home buyer tax credit to be a permanent cure for the U.S. housing market. It won't.
Read More...(Source: - Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:26:50 EST)

BofA knew of Merrill pain in November: House panel
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A congressional panel accused Bank of America Corp on Tuesday of knowing about Merrill Lynch's huge losses as early as November 2008, suggesting the bank misled investors in saying it did not grasp the depth of the problems until the following month.
Read More...(Source: - Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:08:51 EST)