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John Ydstie After covering the economy, Wall Street and federal budget issues for two decades, John Ydstie is now applying his reporting and interviewing skills as a roving national correspondent.
John Ydstie 2010
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John Ydstie

National

Latinos Hard-Hit by Mortgage Crisis

The wave of foreclosures spreading around the country is hitting Latinos especially hard. Many Hispanic homeowners could only qualify for subprime loans. Now as foreclosures mount, crime is up and businesses are struggling.

Latinos Hard-Hit by Mortgage Crisis

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Election 2008: Candidates on the Issues

Candidates Strongly Differ on How to Tax the Rich

Although the two presidential candidates may seem similar on certain issues such as immigration, their tax policies are widely divergent. Obama would tax the wealthiest and give breaks to the poorest, while McCain would offer tax breaks to everyone and huge ones to the rich.

Candidates Strongly Differ on How to Tax the Rich

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Seeing the Personal Side of the Mortgage Crisis

Who should, or should not, be bailed out by the federal government in the subprime mortgage debacle? Do homeowners need help, or do they need to live with the consequences of their actions?

Seeing the Personal Side of the Mortgage Crisis

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Analysis

Week in Review: Obama Surges Forward

This week presidential hopeful Barack Obama made significant progress in his bid to be the Democratic nominee. Also this week, President Bush promised to veto a farm bill and a housing aid bill.

Week in Review: Obama Surges Forward

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Economy

Can Washington Deliver Lower Gasoline Prices?

With gasoline prices now nearing $4 a gallon in some parts of the country, the high cost to fill up the tank is increasingly the hot topic on Capitol Hill, at the White House and on the campaign trail.

Can Washington Deliver Lower Gasoline Prices?

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Katrina & Beyond

No Title? No Easy Access to Post-Katrina Aid

When Alice Cousin's parents died, the New Orleans resident didn't put the family home in her name. As a result, she was turned down for aid to help her fix the house. Lack of legal paperwork has blocked rebuilding efforts for as many as 20,000 New Orleanians.

No Title? No Easy Access to Post-Katrina Aid

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Katrina & Beyond

New Orleans Family Misses Home Gatherings

One New Orleans family misses gatherings in their old house. The house has been in the family since the late 1940s. Katrina ripped off the roof of the home two and a half years ago, and they still don't have the money to repair it.

New Orleans Family Misses Home Gatherings

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Politics

Congress Moves Forward on Farm Bill

On Friday, Congress may have resolved the legislative knot that is the farm bill, which governs the massive presence of the federal government in farming, food and fiber production, nutrition and even the lumber industry. It also involves one of the most complex lobbying operations in Washington.

Congress Moves Forward on Farm Bill

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Interviews

Judi Dench, Living Quietly in 'Cranford'

The actress, whose career has spanned splashy Bond blockbusters and Sondheim on stage, plays a shy, sweet English spinster in the Masterpiece TV series based on Elizabeth Gaskell's tales.

Judi Dench, Living Quietly in 'Cranford'

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Economy

White House, Congress Bring Housing Fixes to Table

In Washington on Thursday, lawmakers are holding more hearings on legislation to aid distressed homeowners. Congress is considering several bills to help stem rising foreclosures. The Bush administration Wednesday proposed expanding a Federal Housing Administration program.

White House, Congress Bring Housing Fixes to Table

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Economy

If It's a Recession, How Deep?

With employers slashing jobs for the third straight month, there is a consensus building that the economy is in a recession. But the question remains as to just how bad a recession it may turn out to be.

If It's a Recession, How Deep?

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Katrina & Beyond

Non-Profits Become Key Lenders in New Orleans

Small businesses in New Orleans have faced an uphill battle since Hurricane Katrina. Entrepreneurs are having trouble getting loans from traditional sources. Non-profit community lenders are filling in the gaps.

Non-Profits Become Key Lenders in New Orleans

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Economy

Divisions Persist over Home-Loan Assistance Effort

The Hope Now Alliance, a group of lenders organized by the Bush administration to help borrowers struggling to stay current with home mortgages, says it has helped 1 million homeowners since July. But critics say the effort isn't doing enough to address a crisis.

Divisions Persist over Home-Loan Assistance Effort

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