| SEC probes WaMu loans
The Securities and Exchange Commission is probing how Washington Mutual Inc., the nation's largest savings and loan, handled mortgages that were possibly based on inflated home appraisals.
"We are voluntarily and fully cooperating with the SEC's inquiry as well as the [Office of Thrift Supervision] and look forward to bringing the facts to both the regulators and public," the Seattle company said. OTS is the company's federal regulator.
SEC spokesman John Nester declined to comment yesterday.
Shares of Washington Mutual fell 57 cents, or 4 percent, to close at $14.10 yesterday. The company's stock has traded between $13.99 and $46.38 in the past year.
Shares of WaMu have dropped about 65 percent since mid-September, following some dismal financial disclosures and a lawsuit filed last month by New York's attorney general against one of its real estate appraisers, purporting the companies colluded to inflate home values.
Sports Columnists
All the entries posted in January. Categories Auto Racing Braves / MLB Falcons / NFL Final Four Furman Bisher Golf Hawks / NBA High School Jeff Schultz Mark Bradley Masters Other Quick Hit Sports Person of the Year Tech / ACC Terence Moore Thrashers / NHL UGA / SEC .
Joanna Weiss's picks
After months of discussion, speculation, and a spotlight on the mysterious Bancroft family, Rupert Murdoch's media conglomerate purchased the parent company of the Wall Street Journal in a $5.3 billion deal. An exodus of longtime writers ensued, followed by the announcement of layoffs and the impending death of the Marketplace section. Imus loses (and regains) his show In April, eight days after he referred to the Rutgers women's basketball team as "nappy-headed hos," CBS Radio yanked Don Imus's morning radio show, which drew 1.6 million listeners and a who's who of political and media guests. This month, Imus was back with a five-year deal with Citadel Broadcasting, two new black cast members, and a pledge not to sound racist again. Fox Business Network launches Just in time to capitalize on the purchase of the Wall Street Journal, Murdoch's News Corp.
Insurance is top issue for many
Judith Kelly, a 49-year-old medical case worker, says of all the benefits her employer offers its full-time workers, good health insurance coverage is most important to her. It is what has kept her at VITAS Innovative Hospice Care in Fort Lauderdale for almost 18 years. ''It's number one for a lot of people,'' Kelly says. ``The other things are just icing on the cake.'' Kelly defines good health coverage in dollars and cents. ``The opportunity to chose a plan that suits your budget and gives you maximum benefit with the least amount of deductible.'' If there's one benefit most important to employees, companies know it is health insurance. It also happens to be the most costly benefit for employers -- particularly in South Florida where visits to doctors and hospitals, and the procedures they conduct -- are more expensive and more frequent than in most other areas of the country, according to several academic studies.
Bradford man looks to rev up interest in Soap Box Derby
All drivers, interested families, supporters and sponsors are welcome to attend."We're looking for as many people as possible who we can get involved in this," he said.Mr. Feldman, who owns the Byllye Lanes bowling center in Bradford, said he has been interested in starting up a Soap Box Derby since moving to the area from New York state a number of years ago. He said another organization in town had proposed to sponsor the derby a few years ago but wasn't able to follow through. .
BSH Home Appliances Corp. Records Double-Digit Growth in 2007
Power and Associates (in the dishwasher category in the 2007 Major Home Appliance Study). Siemens launched its ingenious wall ovens with a unique slide control, while Thermador unveiled a dynamic new design platform to its entire full-line, incorporating chiseled edges, bold profiles and high-grade elements such as stainless steel knobs. Additionally, Gaggenau debuted its dramatic wall oven which has a rising bottom plate. As a result of its dynamic growth, BSH has streamlined its operations to support its future development. In particular, the company has implemented direct-market service to its retailers in such territories as Florida, and also consolidated a handful of regional offices into one back-end operation in Houston. This centrally-located facility now provides improved service, training and more, both internally and externally.
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