Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:48:00 -0500

N.Y., California To Sign Mortgage Settlement

Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank and Ally Financial agreed to the settlement for lowering homeowners' mortgage principal, refinancing, a reserve account, and checks to homeowners.

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500

What Do The Dow's Daily Swings Mean? Not Much.

Even the guy in charge of the Dow doesn't check it every day. Yet we're constantly bombarded by news of the Dow's daily movements.

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500

Potential Conflicts At Freddie Mac Draw Scrutiny

A federal watchdog confirmed it is looking into Freddie Mac investments that act as bets against homeowners being able to refinance. In addition, U.S. senators are expected to probe Freddie Mac's investment practice at a hearing on Capitol Hill on Thursday.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:05:00 -0500

China's Demolition Derby Turns History Into Rubble

Historic buildings in Beijing are being demolished in the pursuit of quick profit. Even the home of the architect who urged Mao Zedong to preserve Beijing's old city has fallen to the wreckers' ball, sparking considerable outrage. And the epidemic of destruction is spreading to new buildings, too.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:00:00 -0500

States Debate Foreclosure Robo-Signing Settlement

California, New York and a handful of other states have yet to sign on to a deal with mortgage lenders that would resolve the "robo-signing" issue. Lenders have pledged $25 billion to reduce outstanding mortgages, but some states say the deal doesn't go far enough to protect consumers.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:00:00 -0500

Obama Shifts His Position On Super PACs

President Barack Obama's campaign has urged top donors to support a super PAC run by former Obama aides. The president previously called the fundraising groups a "threat to democracy." The Center for Responsive Politics' Sheila Krumholz discusses the shift and NPR's Ken Rudin reviews the week in politics.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:00:00 -0500

Keeping Your Resume Out Of Online 'Oblivion'

Many mid- and large-sized companies rely on computerized systems to scan resumes and narrow the field of job candidates. Some tracking software may overlook qualified applicants who haven't used the right keywords. The Wall Street Journal's Lauren Weber explains what it takes to get noticed.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:01:00 -0500

Finding 'Life, Death And Hope' In A Mumbai Slum

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Katherine Boo spent more than three years in Mumbai's Annawadi slum. In her new book, Behind the Beautiful Forevers, she profiles people living in extreme poverty — right in the shadow of luxury hotels.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:00:00 -0500

To Get Bailout, Greece Must Reduce Minimum Wage

The European Union and the International Monetary Fund say this will make the Greek labor market more competitive and ultimately boost growth. At one time, strong unions pushed aside a weak business lobby to secure government guarantees of high salaries including the minimum wage.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:01:00 -0500

Labor Law Change May Offer Relief For Spain's Youth

In Spain, the jobless rate for 20-somethings is a staggering 50 percent. This week, the government is expected to announce plans to overhaul the country's two-tier labor system in an effort to help the so-called "ni ni" generation — Spanish for those neither in school nor working.

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:31:00 -0500

Consumers Borrowed More In December

Americans accelerated their borrowing for the second straight month, running up more credit card debt and taking out loans to buy cars and attend school. Consumer borrowing rose by $19.3 billion in December after a $20.4 billion gain in November, the biggest monthly gains in a decade.

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0500

The Wage Gap Between Moms, Other Working Women

Moms earn up to 14 percent less than women who don't have children, says a University of New Mexico study. Host Michel Martin discusses the gap with UNM economist Kate Krause; Dina Bakst of A Better Balance, a workplace rights organization; and Dawn Porter, founder of Trilogy Films and a mother of two.

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:10:00 -0500

Job Openings Jump To Near 3-Year High

Companies and governments posted 3.38 million jobs in December, the Labor Department said. That's up from the 3.12 million advertised in the previous month and nearly matches the three-year high reached in September.

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:00:00 -0500

Greek Leaders To Decide On Austerity Measures

Greek leaders are supposed to meet again Tuesday to finally sign off on more painful austerity measures in exchange for a new bailout. Greece needs more loans — and a separate debt-reduction deal — to avoid a messy default, which could lead to an exit from the eurozone.

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:56:00 -0500

Amid Debt Crisis, A Trail Of Broken 'Promises'

Financial writer Philip Coggan traces the current global financial crisis to the 1970s, when the U.S. went off the gold standard. In his book Paper Promises, Coggan says governments will have to choose whether to keep their promises to their creditors or to their citizens.

United Way 211

United Way's 211/First Call For Help is a free and confidential information service ready to direct you to the health and human services you need in Cuyahoga, Geauga and Medina Counties.

Just dial 2-1-1. Professional staff are available to help you 24 hours a day, every day.

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Save the Dream

The American dream of home ownership is disappearing during these times of crisis. In Ohio, rising unemployment, loss of business, and a bleak economic outlook also threaten that dream.

Help is available. Save the Dream provides information and highlights programs that Ohioians can use to help save the dream of owning a home.

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ESOP Partners with Area Suburbs to Help Homeowners

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Funding for the coverage of economy and jobs topics comes from The Cleveland Foundation; Eaton Corporation Charitable Foundation; The George Gund Foundation; The George W. Codrington Charitable Foundation; The Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation; The Nord Family Foundation; NACCO Industries, Inc.; and Parker Hannifin Foundation