Recession Ends in 79 Metros, Index Shows

This interactive article is informative and definitively hopeful. It declares that 1 of every 5 metro areas in the nation ended its recession in August, indicating that the economy grew from six months earlier. This means a total of 79 areas are "in recovery." 270 are considered to have a "moderating economy" leaving only 35 still in their lowest points.
The interactive map portion of the article is perhaps the most interesting. You can click on each state to see all of its metropolitan areas. It then provides detailed information on whether the area is still in recession or not, as well as statistics on unemployment, housing prices, and more. Further into the article it gives a state by state analysis on how many of each state's meto areas are recovering, as well as information on why certain states are doing better than others.

World's hungry hit more than 1 billion in 09: UN

Global economic crisis has also played a role in increasing hunger in the world. In 2009 there were 100 million people who were undernourished. Due to increase in food prices and less donations poor people haven't been able to get enough food in developing countries.

In Hong Kong, a $56.6 Million Apartment

After discussing different economic systems throughout the world, this article highlights the different models in China. Hong Kong has recently just sold an apartment for $56.6 million dollars in contrast to warnings that the city might be facing real estate bubble. Hong Kong pegs its currency to the ours as well as interest rates. The governments owns all of the land and can lease it to developers for up to 99 years. They set strict rules on how the building can be used and other zoning regulations. Regulations have caused an increase amount in vacant spaces because people are not able to keep up with payments to the government and adhere by the specific rules. The article also touches upon fact that if our interest rates rise, "real estate owners in Hong Kong could be severely squeezed". What will the future hold for this market in Hong Kong? Does this $56.6 million dollar sale mean there will be no real estate bubble? Most likely, no. Deals like this are probably not going to happen in the future.

For Young Adults, a Decade Lost?

This article discusses how far behind young adults are than their peers from 10 years ago. They are behind in savings especially - most having less than 2 months of living expenses saved up. One third of this demographic are still living with their parents - quite literally putting off "becoming an adult."
This should not be called laziness, as the current job market and economic situation do not provide circumstances where people are able to support themselves fully. The second half of the article provides tips for young adults on how they can begin to save and how to improve their situations.

Cuba's Economy: The Demise of the Free Lunch

Under the Presidency of Raul Castro, Fidel Castro's brother, Cuba is making economic decentralizing reforms. This article takes a look at a recent reform to shutdown free lunch programs and compensate workers with a large (over 50%) salary increase. This is regarded as a good decision, as the free canteens served low quality, imported food and inadequate quantities. Now workers have the freedom to chose how to spend their food money, and domestic private food businesses could benefit from more business, although state run restaurants are expected to pick up most demand. Raul Castro is making other reforms, such as privatization of idle public farm land, with the over all goal of increasing productivity. These reforms represent the end of the communist ideology in Cuba, but are much needed to bring the country back from the edge of economic collapse.

Obama's Appointees Are Flexing Their Regulatory Power

This article is about the Obama’s administration tackling issues from the dangers at the workplace and home. Regulators have been sent out to prevent such dangers such as from consumer products nearly 15,000 of them, to swimming pool drains to prevent children from entrapment. Regulators are displaying beliefs that it’s their job to protect the American people from such dangers.

The Fed's $2.2 trillion fire hose

This article provides interesting ideas about the governments role as they try to control the recession.

Turkish police break up protests

This article talks about how economic crisis in Turkey is leading to violent protests. Turks are protesting against the IMF and the World Bank because people believe that living standards of people are not important to the world bank and IMF. Interesting article read on

The economy's stumble: Air pocket or second dip?

The economy has seemingly been on the road to recovery since the spring, but the latest figures show a September stumble. Non-farm employment fell by 263,000--62,000 more than August. Unemployment rose by 0.1% to 9.8%.

No one said the road to recovery would be an easy one, but the concern is whether this is merely an air pocket or a sign that even worse times lie ahead. Indicators such as the stock market and new claims for unemployment benefits point to recovery.

But even once the economy improves, there is fear that employment will not follow suit. More than half of businesses say they will not return to pre-recession staffing levels until 2010, if at all. 43% plan to cut payrolls in the next 12 months.

All of this leaves President Obama considering even more stimulus measures to boost the economy. However, many people, including liberal supporters, are growing weary of enlarging the budget deficit any more. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi even wants to consider a value-added tax. The problem with this is that it may stifle the beginnings of a recovery. As the article says, no one said the president's job was easy.