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CA Signs Off on Mortgage Settlement With Banks

Government officials and five major banks have agreed on a plan that will provide about $26 billion in mortgage relief and aid to homeowners who got crushed when the housing bubble burst.

Watch Live Now.: AG Kamala Harris on Mortgage Settlement; FAQ For Homeowners posted 10:06am Thu.
A.M. Splash: Deal to Bring Mortgage Relief to Californians; Quan State of City Address posted 8:43am Thu.
Breakfast Blend: Consumer Watchdog Suit Claims Health Insurer Wears Down Elderly Claimants posted 8:33am Thu.

China Laces Up Its Chuck Taylors

About 5 million pairs of the iconic All Star were sold last year in China, up 50 percent from 2007.

Potential Conflicts At Freddie Mac Draw Scrutiny

A U.S. watchdog looks into investments that act as bets against homeowners being able to refinance.

What Do Democracy Promoters Actually Do?

The U.S.-based groups Egypt is targeting say they are helping political parties develop platforms.

Program Highlights

The California Report

By Sasha Khokha

Transportation Secretary Backs High-Speed Rail

Kern County supervisors voted this week to oppose high-speed rail, joining a chorus of dissent that includes Kings, Tulare and Madera counties. Perhaps sensing the need to engage in a little positive PR, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood talked up the bullet train in Fresno yesterday.

Also from The California Report:

Forum

'The Life of Super-Earths'

Astronomer Dimitar Sasselov, director of Harvard's Origins of Life Initiative, joins us to discuss his new book "The Life of Super-Earths" and to explain why he thinks planets larger than Earth offer the best prospects for finding life as we know it.

Irish Resist New Property Tax

In an effort to meet the terms of the European Union bailout, Ireland has imposed a $130 flat tax on all houses. But Irish citizens are rebelling against the tax, with some considering boycotting the new fee.