A federal judge in New York has approved turning the ownership of Rogers Plaza shopping center back to Flint-based Citizens Bank and another investor. • Read the story Full story »

Banks took another hit last week when GMAC began lending money to General Motors' car buyers within hours after getting a federal bailout. Why can't banks pump up lending as quickly as GMAC has, a Detroit editorial demanded to know. The public and Congress are lobbing a lot of complaints at U.S. banks these days, claiming they are not... Full story »

FDIC cited Select Bank and Northpointe Bank for problems such as operating with inadequate protection for its loans and excessive levels of troubled loans. Bank officials say they are making changes to comply with the FDIC order. • Read story, download FDIC report Full story »

New pacts between Midwest credit unions, General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC promise a rich combination: low-interest loans and automaker rebates. • Read the story Full story »

With the economy in turmoil, many West Michigan residents are starting over with new careers and business ventures. This week, The Press looks at five area people who have made the leap. Today, meet Kimberly Obetts, who founded a financial services business. • Read the story • Tuesday: Systems analyst opens ice cream shop • Wednesday: Diemaker becomes nurse • Thursday: Factory worker takes over family tree farm Full story »

IONIA -- Independent Bank Corp. on Friday said it finalized its deal with the U.S. Treasury that resulted in a $72 million investment from the Treasury Capital Assistance Program, known as TARP. The Treasury received preferred shares that pay quarterly 5 percent dividends for the first five years and 9 percent thereafter. Full story »

Many credit unions are succeeding by doing what they've done traditionally -- making conservative but well-priced loans for homes, cars and small businesses with the money they take in as deposits. • Read the story Full story »

On Monday, Michele Schilling was eager to refinance her Belding home and shed a monthly payment of more than $1,000. But today, the 26-year-old is sitting tight. "I was talking with my sister about it, and she said check out this article before you do anything," Schilling said.  Full story »

Beginning Wednesday, Carl Oosterhouse must document his duties as chief operating officer of Gainey Corp. down to half-hour increments, a federal bankruptcy judge ruled today. • Read the story • Lawyer loses appeal to get license back Full story »

HOLLAND -- A company controlled by Amway heir David Van Andel spent $20 million to acquire a 9.9 percent stake in Macatawa Bank Corp. as part of the bank's effort to raise additional capital. Van Andel's involvement was disclosed in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing earlier this month. Full story »

IONIA -- Independent Bank Corp. tentatively was approved for a $72 million investment from the U.S. Department of Treasury's Capital Purchase Program. Treasury is expected to acquire preferred shares paying a 5 percent dividend for five years, then 9 percent until the bank redeems the shares. An additional $10.8 million in common stock is expected to be acquired by... Full story »

Wall Street showed relief early today over the government's plan to bail out Citigroup Inc. Investors also cheered the idea that the government could introduce another economic stimulus plan. • Read the story | More news, stock quotes • Obama readies economic stimulus plan Full story »

A bankruptcy judge used a unique way to decide what Gainey Corp. Chief Executive Officer Harvey Gainey, right, and Chief Operating Officer Carl Oosterhouse should earn. The amount is far less than what the executives had requested. • Read the story Full story »

GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP -- So here's a merry bit of advice at the front of the holiday shopping season: "Americans have to start saving more." And if Mitch Stapley is right about that, then the world economy may continue to slump. The chief fixed income officer for Fifth Third Asset Management said Thursday investors should expect continued stock market... Full story »

GRAND RAPIDS -- The disbarred attorney named last week to help guide bankrupt trucking giant Gainey Corp. is being paid $12,500 a week -- $650,000 a year. Wachovia Bank, Gainey's largest creditor, thinks that's too much. On Tuesday, attorneys for the bank asked Grand Rapids Bankruptcy Judge James Gregg to prohibit or place a limit on Carl Oosterhouse's salary.... Full story »