No federal bailouts for commercial real estate developers (Seattle Times)
The federal government should refuse the latest group with a request for a federal bailout — commercial real-estate developers. The federal infusion of money to shore up financial institutions was reasonable because the potential domino effect of failure threatened international banking system. The U.S. Treasury cannot heal every economic ill, and it needs to draw the line well short of ...

Ask The Fool (Tulsa World)
When I buy stock, what am I buying? I see that the company gets its money when the stock is first issued. But after that, how does the company benefit when I buy a share on the open market?

U.S. Private Equity Firms Seek Bargains in Japanese REIT Market (Commercial Property News)
Japanese REITs, which have lost more than 50 percent of their value on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since their peak last year, are increasingly attracting the attention of U.S.-based private equity firms like Oaktree Capital Management, which has launched the first tender offer for a REIT in Japan.

Hotel stocks suffer as travelers cut back (Honolulu Advertiser)
As the term "staycation" gained traction in the American lexicon, hotel stocks plunged in 2008 as both consumers and businesses cut back on travel spending.

Former ND workers comp exec asks for acquittal (Fargo Forum)
BISMARCK, N.D. - An attorney for former North Dakota workers compensation director Sandy Blunt wants a judge to throw out a felony conviction against him. Advertisement: SERVPRO of Fargo Moorhead Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration. 24 Hour Emergency Service! SERVPRO® of Fargo specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or ...