TBD News and Blogs for Category -- Business

Agent to the unemployed says resumes are overrated

George Jackson — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST

New data points to an improvement in hiring and greater U.S. exports -- two more bright spots in the beleaguered economy. According to the Labor Department, the number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week, suggesting modest job creation could carry over into August.

Don Garrett, founder of "Resume Not Required," offered analysis and advice for those seeking work.

Here's his interview on Capital Insider:

Facebook 'likes' are constitutionally protected, ACLU argues

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:06:30 EST

http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/08/facebook-likes-are-constitutionally-protected-aclu-argues-78598.html

Should Pepco get a raise?

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:06:00 EST

http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/08/pepco-announces-rate-increase-request-78588.html

Vornado Realty, RagingWire's new data center, and credit unions' big boost

George Jackson — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST

The Vornado Realty Trust, a New York based company, has a big footprint in Northern Virginia. They own 20 million square feet of real estate.

President Mitchell Shear wants to turn Crystal City into a destination for the young and hip.

Danielle Douglas, business writer for the Washington Post, discussed the impact of BRAC (the Base Realignment and Closure Commission) on Vornado's operation.

Here's her interview on Capital Insider.

DC attorney leads class-action suit against HSBC

George Jackson — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 12:30:00 EST

Britain's largest bank, HSBC, will be charged $700 million in U.S. fines for failing to stamp out money laundering. A Senate Committee says the bank gave terrorists, drug cartels, and other criminals access to the U.S. financial system.

Chairman Douglas Flint admits HSBC made mistakes. He apologized this week. It's one of several scandals to hit the bank this year.

Attorney Athan Tsimpedes outlined another -- a class-action lawsuit for fraud -- on Capital Insider. Tsimpedes says HSBC was complicit in a fraudulent property scheme in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Federal contractors new buzz word: "Diversify"

George Jackson — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:28:00 EST

All the talk about sequestration, austerity, and small government has had an impact on companies that cater largely to federal agencies.

Their new buzz word is "diversify."

The Washington Business Journal's Jill Aitoro offered background and analysis on Capital Insider.

Does Dodd-Frank need a tune up?

George Jackson — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST

It's been two years since Congress passed what's known simply as "Dodd-Frank," a huge piece of consumer legislation designed to prevent another big bank collapse. It also created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency designed to keep your money safe.

Founder of Consumer Financial Services, an Oklahoma-based debt-collection agency, Bill Bartmann discussed the CFPB's impact.

SAIC the latest contractor to add health care IT to service portfolio

George Jackson — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST

Last month's Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act continues to reverberate on the campaign trail, on Wall Street, and in state houses across the country.

Political considerations aside, it's clear that government contractors consider the field a good investment.

Washington Post Reporter Danielle Douglas discussed that and other issues on Capital Insider.

New home construction up, other indices down

George Jackson — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:00 EST

In June, builders put up more new homes than any other month in four years. It's a long-awaited recovery that could help energize the U.S. economy.

The improvement has been gradual, but this week those numbers coincided with strong home-builder confidence and higher stock prices for building companies.

Ingrid Beckles discussed that and other real-estate issues with Capital Insider.

Burger King lettuce photo creates waves

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:30:15 EST

http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/07/burger-king-lettuce-photo-creates-waves-77984.html

AUVSI working with lawmakers on new drone guidelines

George Jackson — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST

A trade group for drone aircraft manufacturers and operators released the industry's first code of conduct this month.

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International says it works with 7,000 members from more than 60 countries. AUVSI is based in Arlington.

President and CEO Michael Toscano discussed the code of conduct with Capital Insider.

The mortgage crisis, VIP loans, and U.S. lawmakers

George Jackson — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST

Last week, the House Oversight Committee released an explosive report. It details how Countrywide Financial Corporation gave members of Congress, their staffers, and top government officials special treatment -- like lower interest rates and reduced fees.

Ken Donohue, former inspector general of Housing and Urban Development, offered analysis on Capital Insider.

Senators seek input from top contractors

George Jackson — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST

Next year, the Pentagon is scheduled to start cutting $500 billion over 10 years. It's all part of a bipartisan deficit reduction law called the sequester.

CQ Roll Call's John Donnelly, senior writer and editor of "Executive Briefing Defense," discussed the issue on Capital Insider.

NIH Federal C.U. to refinance some student loans

George Jackson — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST

Last week, President Obama signed a bill into law that will keep some student loan interest rates at 3.4 percent for one more year. The measure will save more than seven million students an average of $1,000.

Student loan debt continues to be a hot topic as tuition costs rise and job prospects look grim.

Danielle Douglas, Capital Business writer for the Washington Post, discussed how local credit unions are getting into the act.

GAO recommends cyber improvements to prevent economic espionage

George Jackson — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST

The Government Accountability Office reports the U.S. Faces a growing number of cyber threats from a variety of sources -- like criminal groups, terrorists, and foreign nationals. For some of them, money equals motive.

The attacks can have serious impacts on businesses and consumers.

GAO Director of Information Security Issues Gregory Wilshusen discussed the threat of economic espionage with Capital Insider.

Defense contractors warn of layoffs, streamline ahead of budget cuts

George Jackson — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST

Military contractors remain in limbo as Congress grapples with budget cuts and the possibility of sequestration. Some contractors, like Lockheed Martin and SAIC, threatened mass layoffs this month.

Any way you look at it, top defense contractors will be fighting for less government revenue in the years to come.

Jill Aitoro, federal contracting reporter for the Washington Business Journal, discussed those issues with Capital Insider.

The military and mortgage regulation

George Jackson — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau started cracking down on mortgage companies this month. Authorities say some lenders took advantage of members of the U.S. Military.

Ylan Mui, financial reporter for the Washington Post, discussed the issue with Capital Insider.

Housing market recovery still choppy

George Jackson — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST

On Thursday, the National Association of Realtors said Americans are buying fewer homes -- another sign that the modest recovery of the housing market could be choppy. Sales of previously occupied homes dropped 1.5 percent in May.

Ingrid Beckles, formerly of the default asset management division at Freddie Mac, discussed that and other trending housing industry topics on Capital Insider.

Recession set the middle class back by two decades

George Jackson — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST

The Federal Reserve released new data about the American family on Monday. Median wealth dropped at an alarming rate -- from more than $126,000 in 2007 to about $77,000 in 2010.

Washington Post Financial Reporter Ylan Mui discussed that and other business headlines with Capital Insider.

U.S. housing market gives mixed signals

George Jackson — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:00:00 EST

The U.S. housing market keeps giving mixed signals. On Thursday, mortgage rates hit record lows. However, pending home sales and mortgage applications have declined. Home prices are rising at the same time.

Ingrid Beckles, former manager of the default asset management division at Freddie Mac, discussed the up-and-down numbers on Capital Insider.

Federal workers less satisfied with pay in 2011

George Jackson — Thu, 31 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

Unemployment continues to hover around eight percent, many Americans have stopped looking for work, and others find themselves under-paid or under-employed. The federal work force makes up a huge part of the U.S. Economy -- more than two million employees -- and most of their budgets will shrink next year. So, how satisfied are the feds with their take-home pay?

Lara Shane, vice president for research and communications with the Partnership for Public Service, discussed a new report on the topic with Capital Insider.

Tax hawks target NASCAR sponsorships

George Jackson — Thu, 31 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

Dale Earnhardt Jr. carries a lot of name recognition on and off the track. His car does too. It's tattooed with the logo for the U.S. National Guard.

Earnhardt is not the only racer sponsored by the U.S. Military and NASCAR is not the only sport the military sponsors. U.S. taxpayers shell out tens of millions of dollars each year to boost recruitment. Is the investment worth it?

Taxpayers Protection Alliance President Dave Williams discussed the issue with Capital Insider.

Debt but no degree

George Jackson — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

A growing number of people with some college education have a pile of debt, but no degree to show for it. Government data also suggests college dropouts are four times as likely to fall behind on student loan payments.

Washington Post Financial Reporter Ylan Mui went over the numbers and their possible implications with Capital Insider.

Tax hawks question $150 million for U.S. Enrichment Corporation

George Jackson — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

The House Rules Committee continues to hammer out a budget for the next fiscal year. Some amendments will make their way to the floor, others will not. Both houses of Congress, the White House, and American taxpayers will be watching closely as the national debt approaches its ceiling once again.

Taxpayers for Common Sense President Ryan Alexander discussed controversial amendments on the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act with Capital Insider.

LSU professor: "Fed's inflationary bias fuels energy costs"

George Jackson — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

The price of oil dropped to a six-month low this week. Speculators are concerned economic uncertainty in Europe could hurt demand for crude. In the U.S., gas prices have been flat -- about $3.73 a gallon according to AAA. That's down more than 20 cents from early April.

Will that trend continue? And can the federal government do anything to help?

LSU Finance Professor Joseph Mason discussed the issue on Capital Insider.