By SEWELL CHAN
New York Times

In 2006, Citigroup signed a 20-year, $400 million contract to name the Mets’ new stadium in Queens Citi Field. As recently as last week, the troubled financial-services conglomerate said it had no intention of backing out of the deal for the new stadium — the replacement for Shea Stadium, which is being demolished.

Read the full article on the New York Times’ website

By Joseph Haslag

As each month passes, Missouri’s fiscal outlook gets bleaker. The state started the fiscal year on July 1 with a balance of $833 million. As tax revenues plummet, however, the Office of Administration says it’s likely that the majority of that surplus will be gone by the start of fiscal year 2010. Incoming Gov.-elect Jay Nixon’s transition team anticipates a revenue shortfall this fiscal year of at least $340 million.

Some state lawmakers have responded by urging tax increases to fill the gaps, but that’s a dangerous course. Revenues are down because the economy is slumping, and an almost certain way to make things worse — not only for government, but for families and businesses — is to raise taxes.

View the entire article at the Show-Me Institute website.

By Calvin Harris II

The nation’s current economic crisis has made it difficult for even dependable borrowers to get credit. Recognizing that some people facing their own fiscal challenges may find quick-fix options to be attractive, the Saint Louis Board of Aldermen is debating a proposal that would restrict the opening of new payday loan firms and check cashing operations near schools and residential areas throughout the city. The plan would also prohibit new stores from opening near existing operations of this type.

View the entire article at the Show-Me Institute website.