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Wedbush Securities' equity focus list was Wall Street's best performer in the past six months, according to Zacks.
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Lifetime Sports Academy : The program that teaches sports skills and values to children from throughout the city wraps up its 13th year, with this year's enrollment topping 1,700. WellPoint: Indianapolis-based health insurance giant posts a second-quarter net profit of $722 million.
UH system develops plan to ask state for $75 million to build Victoria campus
Originally published July 31, 2010 at 10:36 p.m., updated August 1, 2010 at 12:45 a.m. The University of Houston System's Board of Regents wants the state to fund $75 million to build a new Victoria campus.
Simon Property Group profit hits $152M
A strengthening retail sector helped Simon Property Group post a jump in profit and funds from operations in the second quarter.
U.S. Stocks Rise as Consumer Confidence Overshadows GDP: Video
July 30 -- Bloomberg's Gigi Stone reports on the performance of the U.S. equity market today.
Buffett-signed spoon a scoop for charity
Dairy Queen President and CEO John Gainor holds a 33-inch, red Dairy Queen spoon for Warren Buffett to sign at the Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting in May.
SW Houston crash kills 4-year-old boy
A 4-year-old boy died after being injured in a crash in southwest Houston Friday afternoon, authorities said.
$1 million houses in area sell quickly
Though home sales remain down over 20 percent from the nation's peak in 2005, one housing niche in the Toledo area does seem to be bucking the trend: homes priced over $1 million.
Carrigan: Go ahead, add commodities to your portfolio
Last Wednesday, the NYMEX nearby month contract of natural gas popped over 2 per cent and nudged my natural gas exchange traded fund back to the break-even level.
Tuesdays: Live Warren Watch chats
Johnson Sash & Door is a family owned and operated Window and Door Company that has been doing business in the Omaha area since 1932.
Openings & Closings
David Luna at Flora & Muse, his new restaurant. Add another unlikely mobile food vendor to the list of food trucks now rolling through Houston's streets: Hubcap Grill 's fire engine-red truck had its grand unveiling last night in the parking lot of Christy's Donuts at West Gray and Montrose.
Nebraska Housing Summit set for Aug. 4 in Kearney
The 2010 Build Nebraska Housing Summit is aimed at helping people who are interested in affordable housing.
Bill Donoghue: Proactive Fund Investor celebrates five-year win
The first five years of The Proactive Fund Investor newsletter have yielded some key lessons about succeeding in today's unpredictable markets.
Ny Ag announces probe of life insurance industry
State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said Thursday that he had opened a fraud investigation into how life insurers pay out benefits after policyholders die.
Theater review: Arabian Nights gives age-old tales new life
Scheherazade and sister Dunyazade ride camels led by the Wazir in this scene from Arabian Nights.
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A trusting real estate agent got more than he bargained for when he tried to help a stranger.
Realtor attacked in brazen daytime robbery
A trusting real estate agent got more than he bargained for when he tried to help a stranger.
Wall Street Movers, 7/30: Alcatel-Lucent,...
Stocks that moved substantially or traded heavily Friday on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market.
Genworth hit by lapse concern, housing caution
Genworth Financial Inc. shares dropped more than 15% Friday on concern about higher lapse rates in the company's life insurance business.
Li Cunxin's ballet dance with the devil
Dancer Li Cunxin says he holds no grudge toward China over his arduous ordeal. Nearly 30 years ago, Chinese ballet dancer Li Cunxin and Houston attorney Charles Foster were at the center of a politically charged international controversy.
Glimcher offering raises $96M after costs
Real estate investment trust Glimcher Realty Trust said Friday a recently completed public offering of 16.1 million common shares generated about $96 million, after commissions, discounts and expenses.
National real estate group forecasts 11% slide in listings for Alberta
The Canadian Real Estate Association has revised its forecast downward for MLS residential sales activity but elevated its average price forecast at the national level.
Jobs data, earnings latest test for stocks
U.S. stocks are unlikely to break above a key technical level next week unless monthly jobs data and consumer company results paint a more promising picture of the recovery.
Berkshire succession plans point company east
The search for successors to Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and Chief Executive Warren Buffett took a big leap forward Friday after The Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese hedge-fund manager Li Lu is a leading candidate to oversee part of the company's giant investment portfolio.
Highest Rated Texas Schools Increase
More than two-thirds of Texas school districts received one of the two highest possible ratings when the state issued its annual report card on Friday, a big improvement over last year's scores that was due largely to a measure that allows students to be credited for improvement despite not passing.
Most actively traded companies on the TSX, TSX Venture Exchange markets
Some of the most active companies traded Friday on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange : Osisko Mining Corp.
TSX ends in negative territory on economic data, despite fight for gains
The Toronto stock market fought a losing battle to emerge from the red on Friday as investors weighed underwhelming readings for both Canadian and U.S. economies.
Man arrested in Killeen faces charges in '09 murder
By Philip Jankowski Killeen Daily Herald A Round Rock man was arrested Thursday in Killeen on charges related to a 2009 murder in Houston.
Most actively traded companies on the TSX, TSX Venture Exchange markets
Some of the most active companies traded Friday on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange : Osisko Mining Corp.
Brookfield Homes in merger talks with Carma
Brookfield Homes Corp. said Friday it's discussing a possible merger with Carma Developers LP, the North American residential and housing division of Brookfield Properties Corp.
Bill White to President Barack Obama: Call me
Bill White, the Democrat running for Texas governor, has a message for President Barack Obama: Call me.
Financial Stocks: Financials wrap up strong month on down note
U.S. financial stocks posted slim losses on Friday as investors reacted to reports of a U.S. economic slowdown.
Caterpillar picks N.C. for equipment plant
Heavy-equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc. said Friday it will build a parts plant for large mining machines, and it expects to employ about 510 full-time and contract workers in five years.
Inheritance Tax Insurance
For many people, the most straightforward solution to an inheritance tax liability is to take out an insurance policy. This policy will be written into a trust so that when the person dies, their family will have enough money to be able to pay the tax bill. This post explains how these insurance policies work in practice.
Financial Stocks: Genworth falls 15%, drags financials down
U.S. financial sector stocks toggled between gains and losses Friday as investor parsed second-quarter gross domestic product data and an index of Midwestern manufacturing strength.
State suspends medical license of doctor charged with DWI, drug possession
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas The state has temporarily suspended the license of a Houston-area doctor allegedly caught speeding down a busy highway with a carload of drugs.
Stocks end July with big gain; Dow gains 7.1 pct
Stocks had a fitting end to a choppy July as prices seesawed their way to a narrowly mixed finish.
Court session pits BP against oil spill victims
BP came face-to-face Thursday with victims of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill during a first court hearing into the case, which is likely to become one of the nation's biggest civil trials.
MetLife rallies as analysts boost estimates
Shares of MetLife Inc. rose more than 4% and topped financial-sector gainers in the S&P 500 Friday, as several analysts raised their forecasts for the insurance giant a day after it reported strong earnings.
Judge blocks changes in Neb. real estate industry
A federal judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of new rules governing Nebraska's real estate industry.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Law - What is the Process For Filing?
Most bankruptcies filed in the United States are filed under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. The advantage of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is that is gives you the opportunity to completely start over in your financial life.
What Are Bankruptcy Priority Debts?
When you file for bankruptcy you will be assigned a trustee who will help you divide your debts into priority and non-priority debts. But what are these exactly?
Release a Frozen Bank Account
When the IRS levies your bank account, it can be a trying time. Most taxpayers do not know the appropriate actions they need to take to release a bank account levy. The IRS tax code is extremely complex, which can make it virtually impossible for someone who does not have tax law knowledge to figure out the process on their own.
The Pros and Cons of Hiring an Accountant to Do Your Taxes
Each year personal tax and accounting software becomes more efficient, which leaves the question of whether it's worth hiring an accountant to do the work or to just invest in the software. The answer may lie in your specific personal situation. Here are a few pros and cons to hiring an accountant to figure out your taxes versus doing it yourself.
How to Avoid Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy happens when a person or a business is unable to repay their existing debts. The process starts once the debtor or creditor filed a petition. In other times, bankruptcy allows a person or a business to start fresh.
Avoid Filing For Bankruptcy - Find Other Options
Filing for bankruptcy is not only the solution. Truth is; it's not yet too late if you are aware of these three alternatives which anyone can use to solve credit card problems.
How to Rebuild Your Credit After Bankruptcy Filling
There is no need to immediately get upset if your credit history is bad. This problem has a solution and you can always find a way to qualify for a loan and with good terms and rates.
Release an IRS Tax Levy
An IRS tax levy can put a great deal of stress on the finances of a household. Is there any way out? How long will this last? And will this IRS collection action ruin my financial status? It is important to become quickly informed on how to release an IRS tax levy.
Emerging Markets Report: Emerging markets, on healing path, climb in July
Russian and Turkish stocks stood out from their emerging-market rivals in July, helping push the investment class to its best gain in four months as panic over European debt loads subsided and as China's economy expanded, albeit at a slower pace.
Why Did I Receive a Bank Levy?
Often, when a taxpayer discovers the IRS has placed a bank levy on their accounts, they are at a loss to understand why. If you are dealing with a bank levy, it is important to understand why the action occurred. There is an IRS tax collection process that precedes the use of this measure.
Lennar SW Reports Brisk Sales of Manor and Estate Homes at Hampton Park in Gateway in Fort Myers
FORT MYERS - Lennar reports it has seen strong sales of Manor and Estate Homes since opening its Welcome Home Center at Hampton Park at Gateway, located three miles east of I-75 off S.R. 82 and Colonial Blvd. on Avalon Lake Circle in Fort Myers. Matt Devereaux, director of sales for Lennar's Southwest Florida Division, said new three, four and five-bedroom Manor and Estate Homes at Hampton Park at Gateway range from 2,272 square feet of living space to 3,800 square feet, priced from the low $200s. Hampton Park at Gateway features its own Sports and Social Club, which includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, billiards room, and resort style swimming pool along with a large social room for parties and an outdoor pavilion with barbeque grills and fireplace. Gateway Golf and Country Club features the Tom Fazio-designed 18 hole, par 72 championship golf course that ranks among Florida's best, a tennis facility with lighted Har-Tru clay and Deco Turf courts, and a magnificent clubhouse with golf and tennis pro shops, locker rooms, cards rooms, and The Griffin Room, which offers fine dining or alfresco service. www.Lennar.com
What is a Tax Levy?
When you do not pay your tax obligations, the IRS can legally pursue severe financial action to secure a repayment. A tax levy is far more serious than a federal tax lien. A lien is a claim against assets. While a federal tax levy allows the IRS to seize your money and assets, such as property to turn around and sell. At this point, you need help from a qualified tax attorney to avoid more serious consequences.
Bond raised for Webster man in fatal wreck
July 30, 2010 Bond was raised Wednesday for a Webster man charged in Monday's double-fatality wreck on the Gulf Freeway that killed two League City men.
Stop an IRS Wage Levy, Even If You Don't Have the Money
When you are the victim of an IRS wage levy, you wonder how you are going to be able to get out of the situation you are in. It is a very frightening situation that many people have been in before, and there will be many more in the future.
Prevent an IRS Notice of Intent to Levy
A skilled tax professional can delay the levy process while negotiating the best settlement of your tax liability. It is important to have a tax expert on your side that is knowledgeable of the various payment plans and tax relief allowances offered by the IRS.
IRS Bank Levy - What If it Isn't Yours?
You're married and you share everything. But are you willing to risk your personal financial assets - your wages, your retirement fund, the cabin in your name that has been in the family for 100 years? An IRS bank levy can threaten all these things.
What is an IRS Bank Levy?
Tax debt can cause serious problems for taxpayers and their families. One of the most crippling is an IRS bank levy. When a bank levy is served, taxpayers will have their bank accounts frozen while the IRS sorts out the financial issues. During this process, people will not be able to access their funds. A bank levy is a very powerful tool used by the IRS to recover the back tax debt they believe is owed to them.
N.C. hoping to land Caterpillar plant, 500 jobs
North Carolina hopes to be picked as the site for a new plant planned by heavy-equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc.
Social Security Benefits - Are They Taxable?
There are a few things to evaluate when determining whether your social security benefits are taxable. How much of your social security benefits are taxable depends on total income and marital status.
Slayer, Anthrax and Megadeth visit Houston on American Carnage tour
You've been waiting since 1989 for this. True, Metallica is absent, but that might not be a bad thing considering that they might keel over if they tried to play their standard setlist from the 1980s.
Jonathan Burton's Life Savings: Investor sentiment gets hotter in July
The buyers are back in town. Bullish sentiment among investors rose to 40% from 21% in the first week of July, according to the latest survey from the American Association of Individual Investors, while 33% of respondents were bearish, down from 57% earlier in the month.
MetLife, Genworth swing to quarterly profits
MetLife Inc. and Genworth Financial said late Thursday that they swung to quarterly profits.
Mutual Funds Weekly: Gold bugs swatted as investors picnic on stocks
Don't miss these top money and investing columns: Gold bugs were swatted this past month like so many mosquitoes.
Death benefit controversy overdone: FBR analysts
Life insurers are facing a barrage of investigations and criticism over the way the industry pays death benefits for veterans and other federal employees.
Creditor Rights in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Few people believe that filing of bankruptcy is only beneficial for a debtor. However, this is not the case. Creditors have various rights and benefits as well.
The 1099 Paper Storm
The IRS is going to require a lot more reporting from small business. You will need to report via a 1099 ever person and business you do business with. This will be a huge burden on the small business...
Bankruptcy Laws - Must Understand the Facts
Bankruptcy laws are designed for those people suffering with debt problem. These laws help you to consolidate all debt and make a new start.
Filing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
If you are facing financial trouble, then as a debtor evaluate the numerous options that lie before you to tide over the situation. Any individual who has a continuous and regular income flow, and has debts less than amount fixed by law can explore the option of filing for Bankruptcy under Chapter 13.
Why So Many Debt Consolidation Clients End Up Filing Bankruptcy
In my years of experience practicing bankruptcy, I have seen clients file bankruptcy cases for many different reasons. But, for me, the most frustrating trend is the very high number of clients who seek bankruptcy advice after working with debt consolidation companies.
Getting Over Personal Bankruptcy
One of the first things you need to do is to come to terms with the fact that you have declared bankruptcy. Once done, you have to face all the consequences that come along with it.
Avoid Bankruptcy - Involuntary Vs Voluntary Bankruptcy Filing
Bankruptcy is a common phenomenon and many people all around the world are filing for it to protect them from the harassing phone calls of their lenders. Bankruptcy is considered the most traditional and old way for getting rid of debts.
Should I Declare Bankruptcy? - Guide Me
With some persuasion you will be able to waive off some of the debt or the interest that has accumulated on it in exchange for making steady repayments. Bigger creditors know the problems associated with debt collection and the hassles with employing a debt collection agency.
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