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The number of people applying for first-time unemployment benefits dropped to 610,000 last week. The AP's Mark Hamrick reports. (April 16)

BusinessMoney Minute: Foreclosures, Fords and BinkysMoney Minute: Foreclosures, Fords and BinkysThe Associated PressForeclosures in California soared in the second quarter to the highest level in at least 20 years. The AP's Mark Hamrick reports on that and the rest of Tuesday's top business headlines. (July 22)AP Money MinuteForeclosures in California soared in the second quarter to the highest level in at least 20 years. A survey by DataQuick Information Systems found that foreclosures increased about 33 percent from the previous quarter and jumped 261 percent compared to the same quarter last year. The number of default notices _ an indicator of possible future foreclosures _ also jumped between April and June. ----------------------------In an effort to move away from its heavy dependence on truck sales, Ford plans to import six small vehicles to the U.S. market. A person briefed on the company's plans who is requesting anonymity also says Ford will revamp some U.S. plants to produce more small cars. Ford's U.S. sales have have dropped 14 percent this year and the company has announced substantial cutbacks in recent weeks. --------------------If you own one of the It's My Binky pacifiers, the company wants it back. About 115,000 of the personalized pacifiers have been recalled because pieces can detach and pose a choking hazard. The pacifiers were sold at Nordstrom and baby boutique stores around the country between February 2006 and June 2008 as well as at It's My Binky dot com.--------------------------I'm Mark Hamrick with AP Money Minute(****END****)

BusinessMoney Minute: Foreclosures, Ford, VerizonMoney Minute: Foreclosures, Ford, VerizonThe Associated PressAccording to foreclosure listing service RealtyTrac, more than 261,000 homes received at least one foreclosure-related filing in May. That's up 7 percent from April and nearly 50 percent higher compared with a year earlier. (June 13)AP Money MinuteThe foreclosure rate has risen again. According to foreclosure listing service RealtyTrac, more than 261,000 homes received at least one foreclosure-related filing in May. That's up 7 percent from April and nearly 50 percent higher compared with a year earlier. The news comes as criticism mounts that efforts by government and the mortgage industry to stem the tide of foreclosures aren't keeping up with the rising number of troubled homeowners. ----------------------- Ford managers have told union officials that the automaker will have to further reduce the size of its factory work force to deal with the rapidly shifting U.S. auto market. The slumping economy has cut U.S. auto sales by 8 percent during the first five months of the year. Ford says high gas prices are sending consumers away from trucks and sport utility vehicles toward more fuel-efficient cars. Earlier this year, Ford announced corporate-wide buyout and early retirement offers for U.S. hourly workers, but only 4,200 took the offers. Ford said those offers will be extended to the newly affected workers.-------------------------------- ----In response to households dropping traditional service in favor of cell phones, Verizon is set to give discounts to wireless customers who don't have landlines but order Internet or TV service from the phone company. Verizon's Flex Double Play bundle will give monthly discounts from $8 to $12 a month for those who combine a Verizon Wireless plan with broadband or FiOS TV. Surveys point to about one in seven U.S. households now lacking landlines.I'm Mark Hamrick with AP Money Minute