Tag: Business
WNYC News
N.C. Regulator Tapped To Handle $25B Mortgage Deal
Saturday, February 11, 2012
A banking regulator from North Carolina has been chosen to oversee the multi-billion dollar national mortgage settlement announced earlier this week. Joseph Smith Jr. has spent nearly a decade as North Carolina's commissioner of banks and he is described as a man who understands the plight of the homeowner without forgetting what makes a successful banking industry work.
Kickstarter Crowns A Millionaire
Saturday, February 11, 2012
A Portland-based engineer set out to raise $75,000 on the popular website Kickstarter so he could build and sell iPhone chargers. It was an ambitious goal, but he made it, and then some. Supporters gave over $1 million — the first time a project on Kickstarter had become so popular.
Mild Weather Warming Local Budgets
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Most of the country is having a mild winter, and that's having a positive impact on cities and towns. Local governments report being able to continue roadwork uninterrupted, and cities that are usually cleaning up after winter storms are saving tens of thousands of dollars.
The Undertaker Who Helps Big Banks Write Death Plans
Friday, February 10, 2012
Dolores Atallo helps banks plan how they could go out of business without wrecking the economy. "You're technically writing your own funeral, down to the color of the flowers," she says.
How Will Banks Divide $25 Billion Settlement?
Friday, February 10, 2012
Audie Cornish talks to Chris Arnold about how money from the robo-signing agreement will be spent. The settlement — worth about $25 billion — will bring a huge increase in loan modifications and provide small checks to people who lost their homes to foreclosure.
Angel Investors And Startups Mingle In Milwaukee
Friday, February 10, 2012
In this post-recession era, angel investor groups have stepped in to finance startup companies that banks and venture capitalists deem too risky. Twenty of those groups are in Wisconsin, including one that meets at a Milwaukee social club where local money is finding its way to local startups.
Deal With Banks Isn't Only Way For Homeowners To Get Help, HUD Chief Says
Friday, February 10, 2012
There's been some skepticism about how much help the $25 billion package will give hard-hit homeowners. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan says there are other remedies for those who were devastated.
Stocks Take Dive, As Greek Bailout Deal Remains Uncertain
Friday, February 10, 2012
Four Greek Cabinet ministers have resigned in opposition to austerity measures. The uncertainty has driven down the euro and led to fiery protests on the streets of Athens.
Halos Can Turn To Horns, Corporate Donors Find
Friday, February 10, 2012
Corporations that have been big donors to Susan G. Komen are receiving lots of complaints from abortion-rights supporters. The flap demonstrates the dangers of associating your company with another organization you can't control.
How Two Bitter Adversaries Hatched A Plan To Change The Egg Business
Friday, February 10, 2012
The president of the Humane Society of the United States and the president of the United Egg Producers are an unlikely duo to lobby Congress to approve new rules for egg farmers. But they agree on the need for a law that would allow farmers to keep their chickens in more spacious cages.
Obama To Release Fiscal 2013 Budget Next Week
Friday, February 10, 2012
President Obama will unveil his budget for the next fiscal year on Monday. To find out more about the budget proposal, Steve Inskeep talks to David Wessel, economics editor at The Wall Street Journal.
Kodak To Stop Making Digital Cameras
Friday, February 10, 2012
The company will instead focus on home photo printers, high-speed commercial ink jet presses and software. Other companies may license the Kodak brand for cameras, and some disposables will still be out there.
Advocates Not Impressed With Foreclosure Settlement
Friday, February 10, 2012
President Obama is touting Thursday's mortgage foreclosure settlement with big banks. Nearly two million people could benefit from the landmark settlement between states and big mortgage companies. But many homeowners and former homeowners are not too excited about the deal.
Greece Waits For Bailout After Meeting EU Conditions
Friday, February 10, 2012
Greek politicians on Thursday agreed on massive cuts to bring their budgets in line with what the European Union has demanded. It's the latest act in a months-long drama to bring down the Greek debt load.
Bank Settlement Could Spur More Foreclosures
Friday, February 10, 2012
The multi-billion dollar bank mortgage settlement could have some unanticipated consequences for borrowers in trouble. There will likely be an initial surge of foreclosures. Banks, freed from uncertainty over the investigation, will probably pick up the pace of home seizures. But the foreclosure rate will probably fall over the longer term as banks ease the burden on borrowers through principal reductions.
White House Offers 'Accommodation' On Contraception
Friday, February 10, 2012
The Obama administration generated intense opposition with a ruling that says employers must fully cover birth control in workers' health plans. There's an exception for churches that oppose contraception but no exception for large institutions like universities that are church-affiliated. Now the White House is offering "an accommodation" to the Catholic Church and other critics.
LinkedIn Profits Exceed Wall Streets Expectations
Friday, February 10, 2012
LinkedIn reported its fourth quarter profits jumped to about $7 million Thursday. The young Internet company has positioned itself as a jobs and career networking site. It makes money not just from ads, but also companies and recruiters pay fees to access profiles on its site.
A Comparison Of Candidates' Tax Plans
Thursday, February 09, 2012
From a flat tax to a "millionaires' tax," presidential candidates have put forth a variety of ideas for better steering the economy through changes to tax policies.
Protesters At Apple Stores Demand 'Ethical' Products
Thursday, February 09, 2012
The protesters delivered a petition with 250,000 signatures at six stores worldwide.
The Mortgage Deal: A Reality Check
Thursday, February 09, 2012
The $26 billion settlement reached by the federal government, most states and the nation's largest banks to compensate homeowners for abusive foreclosure practices is unlikely to end the housing crisis, analysts say. It could also lead to a new round of foreclosures, which would drive prices even lower.