Dec 27th, 2005 · Banks are raising their minimum monthly payments in January, a change intended to protect consumers from piling up credit card debts that can last for decades. But the higher minimums, along with interest rates that can be raised for late payments, mean consumers could be facing bigger credit card bills next year.
Nov 23rd, 2005 · National food banks are feeling pinched by both increasing demand and depleted donations in the wake of efforts to aid hurricane victims. Mike Pesca visits New York City's only food bank and the state's largest soup kitchen to see how hurricane relief is taxing their holiday offerings.
Nov 16th, 2005 · Alex Chadwick speaks with Marketplace London bureau chief Stephen Beard about a warning from Britain's top financial regulator that Russian and Italian mafias have infiltrated the British banking system. Once inside, criminals can gain access codes and passwords necessary to commit large-scale fraud.
Nov 15th, 2005 · FBI agents arrest Candice Martinez Tuesday morning outside Washington, D.C., for allegedly robbing four banks while talking on her cell phone. Fred Barbash, national reporter for The Washington Post, has details about the case.
Nov 14th, 2005 · While incurring a record deficit, the U.S. economy remains stable and flexible, says Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan. Speaking via video link to a banking conference organized by the Banco de Mexico, Greenspan said the United States' flexibility has been key to surmounting recent economic troubles.
Nov 10th, 2005 · The Mississippi River overflowed its banks in 1993, devastating the Illinois town of Valmeyer. After the disaster, the town decided to rebuild off of the floodplain, rather than face skyrocketing insurance premiums. Matt Sepic of member station KWMU reports that about 250 communities considered similar moves, but only about a dozen followed through.
Nov 4th, 2005 · Under pressure from government regulators, banks are raising the minimum payments cardholders are required to make each month. The move is intended to reduce the nation's long-term debt; but in the short-term, consumers are feeling the pinch when the credit-card bill arrives.
Oct 28th, 2005 · Friday is the 40th anniversary of the completion of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The structure, designed by Eero Saarinin, sits on the banks of the Mississippi River, and rises 630 feet above the ground.