6-1-09

6-1-09—As the financial crisis entered one of its darkest phases in October, a handful of the nation’s largest banks began holding daily telephone sessions. ... Atop the agenda ... how to counter an expect attempt to rein in credit-default swaps and other derivatives...NYT A1
--Hospitals plan to begin a lobbying campaign this week to prevent Congress from including charity care requirements in legislation to overhaul the health system. NYT A11
--A hedge fund firm that reaped huge rewards betting against the market last year is about to open a fund premised on another wager: that the massive stimulus efforts of global governments will lead to hyperinflation. WSJ C1
--A bipartisan group of legislators is pressing the Treasury Dept. to close a loophole that has allowed banks to seize Social Security and disability benefits from customers’ accounts despite federal rules intended to protect these benefits from creditors. WSJ C1
5-29-09—The Vatican newspaper made a rare foray into sports, praising Barcelona’s triumph over Manchester United in the European Champions League final as a victory of creativity over athleticism. “Football, Finally,” was the headline in Thursday’s editions of L’Osservatore Romano. “Technique and creativity have had the better of athletic vigor,” the newspaper said.” NYT B15