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LENDING
In California, Gov. Schwarzenegger signs a bill requiring an early warning on problem loans.
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THE MORTGAGE MELTDOWN
Two of them see no shareholder value in the Pasadena S & L. >>
Broad market indexes have best gains in at least a month on a rallying dollar. The Dow adds 152 points. >>
SECURITIES
A report cites conflicts of interest in the companies' endorsements of mortgage-backed bonds. >>
The Pasadena S & L is drastically cutting mortgage operations, closing offices and laying off 3,800. >>
TUJUNGA
A motorist was killed early Monday after a two-vehicle crash on the 210 Freeway left his car wedged under a parked semi-trailer, authorities said. >>
THE ECONOMYShort-term T-bill rates slip in sale >>Financial regulators announced Monday an information-sharing agreement aimed at better detecting risks to the financial system. >>
SMALL BUSINESS
An L.A. group offers start-ups and others as much as $15,000 >>
PERSONAL FINANCE
With yields elevated, the tax-free securities could be worth the bet for those thinking of entering the market. >>
QUARTERLY MUTUAL FUND REPORT
Some funds scored gains in the second quarter, but the outlook is murky again. >>
QUARTERLY MUTUAL FUND REPORT
Investors began taking more risk in the quarter but that shift didn't last, as economic jitters resurged. >>
QUARTERLY MUTUAL FUND REPORT
Fund companies such as Vanguard, Fidelity and T. Rowe Price offer individualized portfolio advice at modest prices. >>
The Dow posts a small gain for the day but the broader market ends the week lower. Oil hits another high. >>
BUSINESS BRIEFING
COURTSFormer Refco CEO sentenced >>HOME FRONT
Sweet deals on home loans have gotten a string of Democrats into hot water lately. Among those humbled was James A. Johnson, who was helping vet potential running mates for Sen. Barack Obama until Johnson's mortgage rate breaks were revealed. >>
MARKETS
A 166-point slide puts the blue-chip gauge off 20.8% from high. Oil rockets again and GM's outlook darkens. >>
MORTGAGES
The legislation, SB1137, would require lenders to give homeowners more -- and earlier -- warnings that their home loans were heading toward default. >>
Samuel Israel, who scammed investors, surrenders to police after faking his death. >>
Lebanon: Hezbollah confirms prisoner swap plan / Switzerland: Duvalier's family gets deadline on funds / Indonesia: 9 terrorism suspects held >>
His mortgage rate secured in '05 may add to a debate on whether officials' deals from lenders are illegal gifts. >>
Stocks rebounded from a rough June with moderate gains Tuesday as better-than-forecast sales at General Motors and a surprisingly upbeat report on manufacturing offset concerns triggered by a further rise in oil prices. >>
It ousts an executive and says employees broke company rules. >>
Californians with Fireman's Fund will be paying 17.9% less. >>
REAL ESTATE
'Hard-money' lenders are trying to find out what happened to the $6.4 million they put up for construction on land that may be unsuitable for development. >>
MORTGAGES
The mortgage loan empire he created flies a new flag Tuesday as the lender is absorbed by Bank of America. >>
MARKETS
The quarter ends with stocks down 19.9% from last fall's high. >>
BANKING
Depositors have been pulling money from the Pasadena-based thrift, whose share price is down 90% this year. >>
Documents show one 'friend of Angelo' got very generous terms on a refinancing deal. >>
FROM OUR BLOGS
Where is the love for "Wall-E"? >>
Since retiring from basketball, he has built a business empire with roots in urban America. It pays to know the community, he says. >>
Investors in Exxon Mobil Corp., Royal Dutch Shell and BP are losing money, even though oil prices are hitting records, as they cede control of production to state-owned energy companies. >>
PERSONAL FINANCE
A new law will make it possible for student debt to be forgiven for people who choose public service jobs. >>
More for your money
Become a premium customer, ship your bags or just pack less. >>
HOUSING SCENE
WASHINGTON -- Much has been made about the growing number of foreigners buying real estate in the States. >>
Money WatchThe pitch: "Get cash now with a payday loan!" >>A torrent of bad economic news, including unstoppable energy costs, heightens worries about the stress on U.S. consumers. >>
Shares of General Motors sink to their lowest since 1974 on a Wall Street downgrade. Ford also declines. >>
THE ECONOMYMortgage rates rise across board >>Another high for oil and new worries in the financial, high-tech and automotive sectors pace the plunge. >>
COURTS
Complaint says the nation's largest home-loan company deceived borrowers about the risks of sub-prime mortgages. Countrywide shareholders approve a takeover by Bank of America. >>
Officials of the central bank signal that the continued weakness of the U.S. economy has persuaded them to leave the federal funds rate unchanged despite inflation worries. >>
CONSUMER CONFIDENTIAL
So I rode the bus to work again Tuesday, as I said I'd be doing at least once a week in response to sky-high gasoline prices. This time I was lucky to get a seat -- more people apparently are making the same decision I have. >>
Six members of the board say they fear that the removal of 18-year veteran Thomas Lightvoet was 'politically motivated.' At issue is an attempt by supervisors to slash retirement benefits for deputies >>
MORTGAGESIllinois plans suit against Countrywide >>COURTS
Raffaello Follieri, who previously clashed with billionaire Ron Burkle, allegedly convinced investors he could use his connections to the Vatican to buy church properties at below-market prices. >>
TRAVEL
Owners of private planes benefit from a disproportionate amount of federal funds and don't pay their fair share of the cost of the air traffic control system, two advocacy groups say. >>
Interest rates on about $100 million in debt for the 91 Express Lanes are rising because the insurer was downgraded by several credit agencies. >>
Addressing the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Miami, he calls on the next president to raise funding for preschool programs and offer additional low-income tax credits. >>
THE WEEK AHEAD
After the Federal Reserve's meeting this week, Fed policymakers are expected to voice a tough stance on inflation. Talk about poor timing. >>
Addressing high oil prices, his campaign says he will discourage speculation and bring oversight to unregulated trading. >>
Skyrocketing gasoline prices has many motorists bumping up against pay-at-the-pump restrictions. >>
When it comes to health insurance, Valencia resident Tova Hack's first problem is that she works part time and thus needs an individual policy for medical coverage because her employer doesn't offer one. >>
PERSONAL FINANCE
The service offered by TransUnion -- the result of a class-action lawsuit -- is open to an estimated 160 million Americans. The registration deadline is Sept. 24. >>
NATION'S HOUSING
WASHINGTON -- What's wrong with down payment "gift" programs in which all or most of a home buyer's equity stake comes from the seller, funneled through a third party? And why is the federal government determined to ban them as quickly as possible? >>
MORE FOR YOUR MONEY
With the travel industry raising fares and adding surcharges, it's better to book early. >>
Major issuers are canceling dormant accounts, which can affect FICO scores. >>
Some say it's epochal, others merely cyclical. But part of it boils down to supply and demand: The world is awash in dollars these days. >>
There are times when almost nothing works for investors. This is one of those times, and it may soon severely test your patience. >>
On a day when Citigroup and Merrill Lynch warn of huge, looming write-offs, the Dow plummets 220.40 points to 11,842.69 -- and closes below the 12,000 mark for the first time since March 17. >>
The country's economy has proved resilient during the slowdown in the neighboring U.S. But with food and energy prices rising sharply, the bank raises its benchmark interest rate to 7.75% from 7.5%. >>
The Justice Department signals it is on the hunt for unscrupulous players who contributed to the losses of the sub-prime debacle. >>
THE MORTGAGE MELTDOWN
The criminal charges are the first against Wall Street figures related to the sub-prime mortgage collapse. Lawyers for both men insist they did nothing wrong. >>
THE ECONOMY30-year mortgage rates jump >>The billionaire's investment company, Tracinda Corp., purchases 20 million shares to raise its holdings in the struggling automaker to nearly 6.5%, or 140.8 million. >>
MORTGAGES
A Senate committee kills or weakens a series of consumer-oriented bills aimed at reversing the foreclosure flood. >>
Slow economic growth and the credit crunch curtail investment in commercial real estate. >>
The two countries, concluding a round of economic talks in Washington, announce that they'll pursue a pact that could dismantle many barriers that U.S. firms face in doing business in China. >>
INTERNET
A venture capital deal with a rich valuation reflects the site's strength as social networks surge. >>
Mortgage industry and business groups are urging lawmakers to drop portions of a housing bill they say would be too restrictive on lenders. >>
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher J. Dodd acknowledged Tuesday that he knew in 2003 that Countrywide Financial Corp. placed him in a "VIP section" when the firm reportedly gave him preferential rates on two mortgages. >>
Facing a $15.2-billion budget gap, the Legislature may postpone funding for the program it approved two years ago. >>
Firms will notify borrowers within 45 days, though the agreement is not legally binding. >>
The summer heat has hit Wall Street, and everyone's nervous about investment banks' financial results. Sound familiar? >>
Fewer accidents on state roads translate into lower rates, which are not hard to find. >>
Money Makeover
With housing prices dropping, the young L.A. police officer is looking for a bargain. But how to buy while saving for retirement? >>
PERSONAL FINANCE
A bill likely to become law aims to close the loophole on those who go into exile. >>
NATION'S HOUSING
The Fed estimates an $880-billion national loss in home values. But the individual view may not be bleak. >>
Couples need to find common ground on such challenging issues as spending and saving. >>
Average annual auto insurance premiums paid by urban California drivers, in 2007 dollars: >>
Highly visible CFO Erin Callan is among the casualties. >>
MORTGAGES
Borrowers seeking up to $729,750 see rates ease >>
MARKETS
Crude jumps more than $5 and the Dow plunges 205.99 points amid inflation fears. >>
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has ordered more than two dozen of its field offices to stop probing some financial crimes to focus on a surge in sub-prime mortgage fraud. >>
INSURANCE
About 1.7 million customers will save on auto and home policies. >>
The California Public Employees Retirement System, the largest U.S. public pension fund, may sell part of its $2 billion in residential land holdings after the investments lost 31% last year amid falling home prices and forecasts of further declines. >>
MARKETS
The Dow mounts a 70-point advance after Friday's rout but Nasdaq heads south. Lehman posts a huge loss, helping to drive down financial issues. >>
Recipients who don't have a bank account can, rather than wait for a check in the mail, have their monthly payments credited directly to a special MasterCard. >>
Soaring food costs are putting pressure on the Bank of Mexico to raise interest rates. >>
A California real estate partnership that the California Public Employees' Retirement System poured about $1 billion into has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. >>
MORTGAGES
Some measures face stiff opposition. Bankers say the state can't regulate its way out of the foreclosure crisis. >>
Economic reports due out this week could be key as consumers fret about employment and $4 gas nationwide. >>
NEWS ANALYSIS
If he can't persuade Microsoft to renew its buyout offer, he could face huge losses as investors bail out of Yahoo's stock. >>
PERSONAL FINANCE
A frugal lifestyle can help graduates pay their debts and get on track for financial security. >>
MORE FOR YOUR MONEY
There's a prediction of lower room rates in a gambling town that has seen a dip in business. >>
Long Beach Rep. Richardson, who mismanaged three mortgages, needs to keep her house in order. >>
PERSONAL FINANCE
Deception about money can destroy trust as quickly as an affair, a therapist says. >>
LOCAL ELECTIONS
June 3 election will include taxes and bond issues in districts serving Covina, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Lawndale, Santa Fe Springs, South Gate, Torrance and Whittier. >>
Savings and loans also add a record $7.6 billion to their provisions for bad loans. >>
The Irvine-based home builder's shares gain 48% after news of the agreement with MatlinPatterson. >>
The comptroller of the currency says the accord the government-sponsored mortgage finance giants negotiated with New York Atty. Gen. Andrew Cuomo and their federal regulator was illegal, could hurt th >>
INSURANCE
California's three biggest issuers want hikes as high as 9.3%. Insurance chief Steve Poizner's response could affect his political future. >>
A former Credit Suisse investment banker convicted in a multimillion-dollar insider trading plot should receive minimal jail time at sentencing this week rather than the "extremely severe" eight years or more recommended by a probation officer, his lawyers say. >>
WALL STREET
The credit crunch and the stumbling economy make new deals harder to come by. >>
George Skelton Capitol Journal
This seems like a nice, quiet day to answer e-mail -- at least some of the civil comments that have been rolling in about state taxes and deficit spending. >>
The three-day weekend probably didn't bring much relaxation to investors if they stopped at a service station on the way to the beach or a barbecue. >>
YOUR MONEY: Report on Executive Pay
For the first time in years, executive paychecks got smaller in 2007. Not small, mind you, but 10% less on average in California. The trend was mirrored nationwide, thanks to increasing investor activism. >>
Do your homework on governance issues. Then vote for change, withhold support for the status quo or launch a resolution yourself. >>
Does your job guarantee you a pension for your retirement? Mine doesn't, and if you're like most private-sector workers, your pension plan is either crumbling around you or has been replaced with a 401(k) program, which may or may not receive a helping hand from your employer. >>
New disclosure rules have encouraged many companies looking to avoid bad publicity to cut back on benefits such as personal use of corporate jets and rich pensions. But not every firm is on board. >>
FORECLOSURES
A San Diego firm is accused of bilking hundreds with the lure of saving their homes. >>
The Internet company says it needs more time to prepare for the upcoming proxy battle. >>
The lender raises its credit requirements for applicants and eliminates cash-out refinancings for certain mortgages. >>
Eight people were charged Thursday in a series of alleged schemes involving kickbacks and fraud at the stock-loan desks of Wall Street brokerage firms. >>
George Skelton Capitol Journal
Californians seem willing to be talked into accepting a tax increase to help balance the books in Sacramento. >>
MARKETS
Investors worry as crude jumps above $133 a barrel and the Fed says it lowered its projection for 2008 economic growth by nearly 1 percentage point. >>
EDUCATION
The Department of Education details plan to keep funds flowing as private sources dry up. >>
Shares of Moody's Corp. plunged 16% on Wednesday after the debt-grading firm said it had launched a review of whether a computer error resulted in triple-A ratings on complex European debt securities that later fell in value. >>
Jeanne Rowzee, who is accused of a scam that bilked investors out of $20 million, is deemed a flight risk. >>
Most Federal Reserve officials viewed the decision to cut the benchmark interest rate as "a close call" in April, signaling that further cuts are unlikely. >>
MARKETS
Wall Street worries about the combination of rising prices and weak earnings by retailers such as Home Depot. >>
COURTS
Irvine lawyer allegedly bilked investors of millions of dollars. >>
He calls a borrower's plea for help a "disgusting" example of form letters inundating the Calabasas mortgage lender. >>
His appointment was approved by a special committee created to oversee the paper's editorial integrity >>
THE ECONOMY
The bipartisan plan, which doesn't rely on taxpayers to foot the bill, still faces significant hurdles. >>
Supreme Court ruling upholds the status quo for such debt. >>
George Skelton Capitol Journal
Maybe it's about time for some very drastic ballot box budgeting by California voters. >>
Americans aged 19 to 29 who are about to be dropped from their parents' insurance policies needn't go without. >>
PERSONAL FINANCE
There are several steps you can take to avoid economic ruin. The key is to act quickly. >>
NATION'S HOUSING
The FHA plans to shift to a 'risk-based' system tied to credit data to price its mortgage insurance. >>
THE ECONOMY30-year mortgage rates drop >>The Dow rises 66 points despite a late sell-off of technology issues. Oil falls $1.58 to $124.22 a barrel. >>
The woman is accused of using a real estate scam to bilk investors out of millions in a Ponzi scheme. >>
Los Angeles real estate firm CB Richard Ellis Investors said Wednesday that it had closed a $2.1-billion investment fund it will use to buy properties across the country. >>
INTERNET
The billionaire investor may try to unseat some board members to pressure the Internet company to reopen talks with Microsoft. >>
LOS ANGELES TIMES/BLOOMBERG POLL
Only 19% of respondents see an upturn coming within the next six months. >>
BANKING
Defaults climb, shares slide for IndyMac, Downey and FirstFed. >>
With millions of stimulus checks going out to taxpayers, Wall Street wants to know where that money will be spent -- and this week's data could help investors gauge the mind-set of the average consumer. >>
A North Hollywood mother needs advice on restructuring her high-interest mortgage. >>
PERSONAL FINANCE
Consumers who don't pay careful attention to terms on deferred-payment plans can end up owing more than they'd bargained for. >>
MORE FOR YOUR MONEY
With the rebates rolling in, it's time to spread the love -- plus help the economy. Your neighbors will be glad you did. >>
HOUSING SCENE
WASHINGTON -- Reverse mortgages are one way for house-rich but cash-poor seniors to tap into their equity without having to sell. But there are other options to consider as well. >>
MARKETS
Stock investors, who fear that rising gas costs will crimp economic growth, push the Dow lower. >>
Chapter 11 protection would let the failing sub-prime lender sell off its assets more quickly. >>
The electronics retailer will open its books to Blockbuster, which has made a takeover bid. >>
The plan gains support as pressure mounts on both political parties. >>
BOXING
The combined ability of the arena giant and his promotion company to stage major events means 'good things . . . for boxing,' Oscar De La Hoya says. >>
Rep. Gary G. Miller of Diamond Bar has long been a stalwart Republican, voting the party line 96% of the time last year. >>
Marvell to settle SEC options suit >>
A proliferation of real estate scams prompts measure that would allow counties to raise fees to fund inquiries. >>
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Investing: Latest AP News
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