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As a Stimulus, Would it Work to Give Money to Americans to Cover Their Mortgage or Credit Debt?

By Business Desk

Question/Comment: As a stimulus to the economy, would it work to give money to Americans to cover their mortgage or credit debt? Paul Solman: Any spending is a stimulus. You might take a few minutes to read, as I just…

Congress to Mesh $800 Billion Stimulus Bills

By Admin, PBS News Hour

The Senate on Tuesday approved an $838 billion economic stimulus package of spending and tax cuts that now must be reconciled with the House's $819 billion version. President Barack Obama is pushing to get the plan signed by mid-February.

Rekindling the Electronic Book's Future: Amazon Unveils Updated Reading Device

By PBS News Hour

Despite Amazon's unveiling of the latest version of its electronic reading device, the Kindle, to the delight of many bookworms Monday, it appears that bookshelves, libraries and backpacks have not been rendered obsolete -- at least not yet.

New Bank Rescue Plan Aimed at Easing Credit

By PBS News Hour

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner announced Tuesday a strategy to overhaul the widely criticized bank bailout fund that is aimed at unclogging credit markets that provide loans to consumers and businesses.

Are Companies Able to Function Without Loans?

Note from Paul Solman: We haven’t had a “guest vetter” here at the Business Desk for some months. But interviewing MIT’s Simon Johnson the other day for a piece on ‘good bank…

Other News: Geithner Makes TARP Changes; 4 U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner finalized a plan outlining changes to the TARP plan Congress passed last year, and four U.S. soldiers were killed in Iraq Monday in a suicide car bombing.

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More from 'Bad Bank vs. Good Bank'

While awaiting a response to my answers to your questions from MIT’s Simon Johnson, who is about to become this quanda’s newest guest vetter, perhaps it would be interesting to read a bit…

In a Finite World, Can We Really Have Infinite Growth?

Question/Comment: Given we live in a finite world, how can economists explain the viability of an economic system which demands infinite growth? Paul Solman: They’d be hard-pressed, I guess. But not necessarily stumped. I can think of three responses. 1)…

In Case You Missed It: Bad Bank vs. Good Bank

Paul Solman explores a solution to the financial crisis that’s gaining steam: creating “bad banks” and “good banks.” ]>…

Senate Closes In on Deal for Stimulus Plan

By Admin, PBS News Hour

The Democratic-led U.S. Senate appeared to strike a deal Friday evening with key Republicans on a long-debated stimulus package to stem a deepening recession, news agencies report.