Orange County Register - "Banks rethink relationships with mortgage brokers" (10-28-07)

"As loan defaults and foreclosures rise, politicians and consumer groups have directed many of their attacks toward mortgage brokers. They say some brokers steered consumers into loans they couldn't afford to earn a bigger commission. California's Department of Real Estate is encouraging consumers to report abusive practices by brokers, and at least two members of Congress have introduced separate bills that would expand broker regulation."

Bloomberg - "Merrill's Former Chief Tully Calls Losses `Sickening'" (10-28-07)

"Daniel Tully, who tripled Merrill Lynch & Co.'s stock price during his tenure as chief executive officer in the 1990s, became the first former head of the brokerage to castigate CEO Stan O'Neal, calling the firm's record third-quarter loss 'sickening.' Tully, who served as chairman for four years before retiring a decade ago, said in an interview yesterday that he has spoken with current and former employees of New York-based Merrill who share his views. He declined to comment on whether O'Neal should be replaced, saying the board must decide. The Wall Street Journal, citing a person briefed on the discussions, said on its Web site today that O'Neal has decided to leave the firm."

Yahoo - "Reports: Merrill Lynch CEO Close to Exit" (10-28-07)

"Stan O'Neal, the beleaguered chief executive of Merrill Lynch & Co., was reportedly close to resigning Sunday amid broad criticism for leading the world's largest brokerage to its biggest quarterly loss since it was founded 93 years ago."

SanLuisObispo.com - "County's ailing housing market: How low will it go?" (10-28-07)

"With San Luis Obispo County home sales for September plunging to their lowest level in 18 years and the median price dipping below $ 500,000 last month, economists and local real estate experts say it may be several years until the housing market begins to gain strength."