Politics

How Do We Get Banks Lending Again?

Question: Given our collective financial plight and our need for credit to survive, how do we get banks to be banks again (read: lend)? Can it be legislated – and if not, how can we surmount our impasse? Paul Solman:…

Obama Cites 'Outrage' Over AIG Bonuses

By PBS News Hour

President Barack Obama said Monday that he intends to stop American International Group from paying out millions in executive bonuses, as concern intensified over the insurance giant's handling of federal rescue money.

New Grads Increasingly Turning to Jobs in Service, Volunteer Sectors

By Admin, PBS News Hour

With the nation's unemployment rising to a 25-year high this month and the financial sector in turmoil, job prospects look bleak for many college seniors set to graduate this spring.

Economic Strategy, Stem Cell Policy Top Week's News

Columnists Mark Shields and Michael Gerson weigh the news of the week, including President Barack Obama's approach on the economy, his decision to lift restrictions on stem cell research funding, and more.

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Latin American Countries Worlds Apart in Economic Downturn

By PBS News Hour

With the global economy in a tailspin, some Latin American countries are feeling the effects of slumping trade and a drop in remittances from people in the United States, while others appear to have been spared for now.

Michelle Obama Works to Define Agenda as First Lady

First lady Michelle Obama is settling into her new role as she tours federal agencies, participates in community projects and highlights issues like bolstering support for military families. Analysts discuss her role and the public reaction.

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Madoff Pleads Guilty to Massive Wall Street Fraud

Bernard Madoff pleaded guilty Thursday to fraud charges totaling an estimated $65 billion. Analysts discuss the case and the prospects of victims recovering any money.

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Pakistan Arrests Protesters in March on Capital

By PBS News Hour

Pakistani police blocked a group of protesters from leaving the country's largest city Thursday, attempting to stop a cross-country demonstration march that could fan the flames of political unrest in the country.

Madoff Pleads Guilty in Wall Street Swindle

By Admin, PBS News Hour

Bernard L. Madoff pleaded guilty Thursday to 11 charges that he orchestrated what may be the largest financial fraud in Wall Street history, cheating investors out of billions of dollars in a fraud that has drawn demands for stricter regulations.

Foreclosures Rise 6 Percent Between Jan., Feb.

By Admin, PBS News Hour

Despite several major lenders and states halting foreclosures, the number of households threatened with losing houses jumped 6 percent in February after falling 10 percent in January, RealtyTrac announced Thursday.