Topic: Springfield

30-year mortgages fall below 4 percent. Time to refinance?

Although 30-year mortgages are at historic lows, some economists say rates on 30-year mortgages could fall further. So should you wait before refinancing?

Will the US become another Japan?

The differences between the US and Japan are great, but expect a Japan-like lengthy period of slow growth and deflation as America works down its debts

Fixed mortgage rates: How low will they go?

Fixed mortgage rates could go down another half percentage point. But if refinancing can save serious money now, homeowners should grab lower fixed mortgage rates now.

For job creation, is government a help or hindrance?

The dueling job-creation plans that President Obama and GOP figures have rolled out are feeding into a broader debate about what role the US government should play in the economy.

Europe's debt woes threaten eurozone – and the US

Europe's debt woes will lead to further declines in the euro and European stocks. The risk to the US? Its banks.

Job market dismal? Here are the bright spots.

Although it added no net new jobs in August, the economy has some sectors that are growing robustly. Technology, health care, and some regional job markets are doing well.

Oh no! Another recession?

The possibility of a recession this year or next is rising because growth is so weak. Weak growth makes the economy more vulnerable to shocks.

Accused Fort Hood plotter got bombmaking recipe from Al Qaeda

Army Pfc. Naser Abdo had a bombmaking article by a branch of Al Qaeda, which had been posted online, according to court documents. In a court appearance Friday, Abdo yelled the name of the man charged with killing 13 peple at Fort Hood in 2009.

The commodities bubble is about to burst

With more evidence that China's economy might face a hard landing, much of the momentum for commodities is starting to subside

Housing prices will fall another 20 percent

Housing prices, once on the rebound, are falling again. Inventories of unsold homes mean housing prices will remain weak for years.

In his federal retrial, Blagojevich takes the stand and center stage

Last summer, when a jury convicted Blagojevich on one count and deadlocked on all the rest, he didn't testify. This time defense lawyers apparently are betting on his personal charm.

Rahm Emanuel: Can he handle Chicago's 'profound' financial crisis?

Rahm Emanuel is sworn into office as Mayor of Chicago. His city's most pressing crisis: a half-billion dollar budget deficit.

Japan's debt earthquake is rumbling

Oil prices fall again: Is commodities boom ending?

Rising oil prices have been part of a surge for commodities like gold and silver. The drop in oil prices this week suggests that that surge might be ending.

Retrial for Rod Blagojevich: Will anyone be watching?

The retrial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich opens Wednesday in federal court. In the first trial, the jury deadlocked on 23 of 24 charges related to the handling of President Obama's former US Senate seat.

A fragile recovery – and five shocks that threaten it

This recovery isn't nearly as robust as previous upturns. Japan, Libya, and other crises could undercut it.

Watch out for a hard landing in China

China's economy looks strong, but its policy tools are crude and it's still too dependent on exports. A hard landing this year is likely.

Chicago mayor's race: Will it end up Rahm Emanuel vs. Carol Moseley Braun?

The African-American community in Chicago has tried for some time to coalesce around a single candidate for mayor. Now, after Rep. Danny Davis dropped out, Carol Moseley Braun is the main black candidate.

Not much stimulus from tax-cut deal

How much did the $862 billion stimulus package really help? Will the new tax cuts make any difference?

Festivus becomes worldwide holiday. Break out the Festivus pole! [video]

Festivus, the holiday introduced on a "Seinfeld" episode 13 years ago, is being marked around the world today, especially by the twittering classes who turned the made-up celebration into a top Twitter trend.

Bloody Crimes

Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis: Two journeys, two martyrs in the aftermath of the Civil War.

Home sales down. But six cities defy housing gloom.

Home sales plunged in July and housing prices may dip again. But in six metropolitan areas, the housing picture is far brighter: Home values are rising and median prices are already well ahead of their peak during the housing bubble. Is your city on the list?

Betty White scores Emmy win for 'SNL' hosting gig

Betty White won an Emmy Award for best guest actress in a comedy series for her turn as 'Saturday Night Live' host.

Bear attack in Kentucky; bear still at large

Bear attack: The black bear remained on the loose Tuesday despite traps set after the animal mauled a hiker in the first recorded bear attack on a human in Kentucky.