More News on Economy in Crisis

Relief at the grocery store: Food prices going down

Grocery shoppers are finally seeing some reprieve from last year's steep price increases. Food prices are dropping on some key items as retailers slash prices to better compete and food makers do more promotions and pass along savings from lo... Full story

Is economy improving? Men's underwear may tell the story

WASHINGTON — For one answer to the nation's most pressing economic question — when will the recession end? — just take a peek inside the American man's underwear drawer. There may be some new pairs there, judging by recent reports ... Full story

Sales of big-ticket items soar, bolstering economy

WASHINGTON  — Consumers and businesses went on a big-ticket spending spree in July, sending home, car and equipment sales soaring by the largest amount in years. The sales, detailed in two government reports Wednesday, confirmed a subtle ... Full story

White House, Congressional Budget Office project record deficits

WASHINGTON — The federal government faces exploding deficits and mounting debt over the next decade, White House and congressional budget officials projected Tuesday in competing but similar economic forecasts. Both the White House Office of M... Full story

Cash for Clunkers program nears end, and residents are buying in

BILL MCKEOWN

Got a 1986 bronze Cadillac DeVille that’s visually stinking up the neighborhood and burning a hole in your wallet? You have today and, realistically, half a day Monday to dump that dinosaur for a new, fuel-efficient chariot before the federal ... Full story

Failed clunker deals may cost consumers

MARTIN ZIMMERMAN

Consumer advocates called on federal officials today to crack down on auto dealers that they contend are taking advantage of car buyers participating in the government's "cash for clunkers" program. In some cases, the groups said, dealerships are ... Full story

Old-fashioned bartering helps with medical bills

Cash, check or a cord of wood for that doctor visit? As health care costs climb, old-fashioned bartering has seen brisk growth since the economy soured. Hillsborough, N.J.-resident Robert Josefs traded his Web site designing skills for nearly $1,0... Full story

Delta, US Airways swapping airport slots

HARRY R. WEBER

ATLANTA • The sudden flurry of airlines swapping takeoff and landing slots at Washington and New York area airports continued Wednesday with Delta and US Airways striking a deal similar to one between AirTran and Continental disclosed t... Full story

Car buyers returned to American showrooms in July

DETROIT • The government's "cash-for-clunkers" program drew car and truck buyers back to American showrooms last month, making July the best month for auto sales in nearly a year and offering powerful evidence that the rebates were working as se... Full story

So how will we pay for everything?

STEPHEN OHLEMACHER

WASHINGTON • The recession is starving the government of tax revenue, just as the president and Congress are piling a major expansion of health care and other programs on the nation's plate and struggling to find money to pay the tab. The num... Full story