The Christian Science Monitor - President Obama fleshed out a new mortgage-relief plan Wednesday, saying the steps he outlines would “help millions of responsible homeowners” and the US economy.

Reuters - President Barack Obama on Wednesday called on Congress to approve a $5 billion to $10 billion effort to help U.S. homeowners refinance as part of a wider package of proposals to shore up the depressed housing market.

The Christian Science Monitor - The Occupy Wall Street movement, which cut its teeth last fall by occupying streets and parks across the country, is moving into a new phase as it gears up for spring: occupying homes.

Reuters - Within months after taking over as chief lobbyist at mortgage lender Freddie Mac in 1999, Mitchell Delk hired a prominent Washington insider to advise him on how to build support among conservatives on Capitol Hill: Newt Gingrich, the former speaker of the House of Representatives.

The Christian Science Monitor - President Obama on Friday proposed to sweeten a deal from Washington to entice banks to modify payments, lower loan principal, and expand eligibility in order to help more of the 11 million American families sinking under their mortgages.

The Christian Science Monitor - One would think that after 17 GOP presidential debates, everything the remaining candidates have to say has already been said.

This felt like a particularly seismic year with an abundance of stories that rocked the course of history. From the tragic Japan earthquake to the death of one of the world’s most notorious terrorists, these are the biggest stories that defined 2011. 100 Words and Phrases That Ticked You Off Year’s Biggest Facebook Topics

Reuters - Republican White House hopeful Mitt Romney sought to create doubts about rival Newt Gingrich among South Carolina conservatives on Saturday by criticizing his high-paid work for mortgage giant Freddie Mac.

The Christian Science Monitor - In the first hour of the GOP debate in Iowa, Newt Gingrich and Michele Bachmann went toe to toe over Gingrich’s $1.6 million in earnings as a consultant to Freddie Mac. 

Reuters - A judge questioned why Bank of America Corp’s $8.5 billion settlement with mortgage securities investors was being rushed for approval and whether the trustee that negotiated it treated investors fairly.