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Monday

An Uncertain Path Ahead For U.S. Mortgage Giants

A lack of stability in home prices has made it more difficult for the Obama administration to curb government's role in the country's mortgage-finance giants. David Goldman/AP hide caption

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David Goldman/AP

Crisis In The Housing Market

An Uncertain Path Ahead For U.S. Mortgage Giants

The fight over mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is part of a larger debate about the appropriate role for government in supporting the U.S. housing market. That market is still fragile and heavily dependent on the government-run giants for new home loans.

An Uncertain Path Ahead For U.S. Mortgage Giants

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Tuesday

Technology

Can Drivers Handle More Gadgets? Experts Say 'No'

Michigan Radio

Safety watchdogs are worried about new "infotainment" systems that force consumers to take their eyes off the road. They think drivers can't handle any more distraction. So far, the federal government is taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to legislating distracted driving.

Can Drivers Handle More Gadgets? Experts Say 'No'

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Monday

Taxpayers Foot Bill For Fannie, Freddie Legal Fees

Former Fannie Mae CEO Franklin Raines (right) testifies on Capitol Hill in December 2008. Former Freddie Mac CEO Leland Brendsel (center) and former Fannie Mae chief Daniel Mudd (left) listen. Susan Walsh/AP hide caption

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Susan Walsh/AP

Taxpayers Foot Bill For Fannie, Freddie Legal Fees

U.S. taxpayers have spent more than $160 million defending former executives at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Meanwhile, the Treasury Department is finishing up a report on how the mortgage giants should be restructured, with the government playing a smaller role in the housing market.

Taxpayers Foot Bill For Fannie, Freddie Legal Fees

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Thursday

For Sale By Divorce: A Real Estate Niche
iStockphoto.com

For Sale By Divorce: A Real Estate Niche

KUOW

A separating couple often needs to sell their home to split the money and finalize the divorce. The terrible housing market can make the situation even worse. But there are some real estate agents who specialize in helping such clients move on.

For Sale By Divorce: A Real Estate Niche

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As Bison Demand Rises, So Does Need For Ranchers

Sales of bison meat like this sirloin steak have risen in recent years, as more consumers look for red meat that is lower in fat and cholesterol than most beef. Larry Crowe/AP hide caption

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Larry Crowe/AP

Food

As Bison Demand Rises, So Does Need For Ranchers

KUNC

With demand for bison meat outpacing supply, U.S. bison ranchers hope to recruit more people into their industry. A shortage of bison is pushing prices close to record highs.

As Bison Demand Rises, So Does Need For Ranchers

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Gleaning A Harvest For The Needy By Fighting Waste

Volunteer gleaners pick squash at Jackson Farms in Pikeville, Tenn. Blake Farmer/WPLN hide caption

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Blake Farmer/WPLN

National

Gleaning A Harvest For The Needy By Fighting Waste

WPLN

On U.S. farms, gleaning is making a comeback, as a national anti-hunger organization turns to the ancient practice to help feed the poor. And gleaning also gives farmers a way to use produce that would otherwise be wasted.

Gleaning A Harvest For The Needy By Fighting Waste

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Wednesday

Monday

Chk Plz: Restaurants Try Texting To Speed Service

A TextMyFood servers' instruction screen shows pending requests sent via text message from customers. Courtesy of TextMyFood hide caption

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Courtesy of TextMyFood

All Tech Considered

Chk Plz: Restaurants Try Texting To Speed Service

WBUR

Some restaurants and bars are trying out a new service that allows customers to communicate with their server via text messaging. The technology is designed to reduce wait times and to increase revenue. But it's getting some mixed reviews at a bar in Cambridge, Mass.

Chk Plz: Restaurants Try Texting To Speed Service

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The Future Of Marketing: Ads Get Physical, Digital
Old Spice

Television

The Future Of Marketing: Ads Get Physical, Digital

Advertisers still buy highly coveted TV spots during the Super Bowl, but increasingly the consumer connection is made online. From viral Old Spice videos to Volkswagen's "Fun Theory" experiments, marketers are finding creative ways to seek out customers in the digital space.

The Future Of Marketing: Ads Get Physical, Digital

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Thursday

Can Washington Break Its Tax-Break Habit?

Economists agree that the effort to recalculate the tax system should be guided by the principles of efficiency and simplicity. iStockphoto.com hide caption

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iStockphoto.com

Opinion

Politics

Can Washington Break Its Tax-Break Habit?

It's a pattern you see over and over: Congress is more willing to approve tax breaks than direct spending, even though the effect on government coffers is the same. As a consequence, the tax code has grown increasingly complicated -- and the list of those calling for a sweeping overhaul is growing.

Can Washington Break Its Tax-Break Habit?

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The Ins And Outs Of Collecting Unemployment

The process of navigating the rules and regulations of the unemployment office while continuing to look for work can be daunting. Andrew Stettner of the National Employment Law Project and Josh McKenna of the Idaho Department of Labor talk about misconception the process of getting the benefits.

The Ins And Outs Of Collecting Unemployment

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Wednesday

Tuesday

Wednesday