Christine Keyworth

The recession hit everywhere, but Virginia is booming compared with the rest of America.

In Pictures: Best States For Business

The carnage of the economic downturn is everywhere with bankruptcies, foreclosures and unemployment soaring nationwide. None of the 50 states are immune. Only two, Alaska and North Dakota, are expected to see employment gains this year. Maryland, North Dakota and Virginia (by a hair) are the only states where the economy is projected to expand in 2009. Housing? Every state saw a decline in median home prices last year. Read more here

http://www.forbes.com/2009/09/23/best-states-for-business-beltway-best-states.html

FDIC pushes mortgage help for jobless
Buyers of failed banks who get assistance from the agency should consider giving forbearance plans to unemployed borrowers.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Some unemployed homeowners at risk for foreclosure could get a temporary break on their mortgage payments under a plan being pushed by the FDIC.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said on Friday it is encouraging certain banks to reduce mortgage payments for the unemployed or underemployed for at least six months.Read the full story here:

http://money.cnn.com/2009/09/11/news/economy/forbearance_unemployment/index.htm?postversion=2009091118