Obama's Housing Rescue Expands: 6 Things to Know
(U.S. News & World Report)
U.S. News & World Report - In a move that suggests its initial rescue plan was insufficient, the Obama administration yesterday announced plans to widen the eligibility parameters of a key housing initiative. The change would allow borrowers with mortgages valued at 125 percent of their home's worth to refinance into more affordable loans. Previously, only borrowers with so-called loan-to-value ratios of 105 percent or less could do so. The mortgage refinancing program is part of the president's two-pronged plan to pull the nation out of its worst housing slump since the Great Depression. ...

Palin resigns as governor, leaves plans secret
(AP)
AP - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin abruptly announced Friday she is resigning from office at the end of the month, a shocking move that rattled the Republican party but left open the possibility she would seek a run for the White House in 2012.

Malt-O-Meal recalls oatmeal made with dry milk
(AP)
AP - Malt-O-Meal Co. is voluntarily recalling oatmeal that contains instant nonfat dry milk that may be contaminated with salmonella.

Serial killer has South Carolina residents on edge
(AP)
AP - Terrified residents canceled Fourth of July plans and holed up in their homes Friday as investigators hunted a serial killer believed to have shot four people to death.

SKorea says NKorea fires 4 missiles off east coast
(AP)
AP - South Korea says North Korea has fired a fourth missile off its eastern coast.

Vegetarian diet 'weakens bones'
(AFP)
AFP - People who live on vegetarian diets have slightly weaker bones than their meat-eating counterparts, Australian researchers said Thursday.

Why Sarah Palin Quit
(Time.com)
Time.com - Although her stated reasons are hard to pin down, insiders say the Alaska governor's decision is unlikely to lead to a presidential run in 2012

How California's Fiscal Woes Began: A Crisis 30 Years in the Making
(Time.com)
Time.com - Back in 1978, Proposition 13 was a boon to property to owners but it was a slow but sure carcinogen to the body politic. Now the patient is in dire straits

Product pitchman Mays remembered as natural seller
(AP)
AP - References to television pitchman Bill Mays' trademark image were everywhere at his funeral Friday near Pittsburgh.

Obama, a stickler for pronunciation
(Politico)
Politico - Bill Clinton. George Bush. Jimmy Carter. They’re all pretty easy to pronounce.
