Segregated mortgage market drives lending abuses, consumers pushed into spiraling debt, sunshine provision leaves non-profits out in the cold, where banks do business, micro-entrepreneurs network for success.

Predatory lending victory in Illinois, payday loan alternatives save consumers money, letting the sun shine on nonprofits, Woodstock Institute salutes Martin Eakes of Self-Help Credit Union, Firstar changes service area in response to Institute's concerns.

Woodstock Institute documents the duel mortgage market, final CRA "sunshine" rules, Woodstock Institute asks OCC to step up CRA enforcement.

Woodstock Institute finds regular credit unions not serving low-income people, investments help low-income credit unions hit their stride, stable and diverse communities elusive in Chicago, Chicago banks agree to improve service.

Woodstock Institute staff visits Illinois congressional delegation, seminar helps non-profits court bank partners, underserved communities offer banks new customers, and a new book released on the fair banking movement.

Credit union services debate intensifies, national collaboration ends bank-payday lender partnership between Brickyard Bank and Check N' Go, community development banks thrive, State Farm Bank practices critiqued.  MAF Bancorp investigated for fair lending violations.

Stories include:  New Document Sets Strong Goals for Chase, Preserves Influence of CRA; Woodstock to HostCommunityReinvestment Conferencein Brazil; New Woodstock Study Finds Subprime Loans Lead to Neighborhood Foreclosures; Woodstock Meets with Comptroller of the Currency Officials on CRA; Regulators Break Ranks on ‘Small’ Bank Definition in CRA; Broad Support for New Payday Lending Laws.

Social Security lifts millions out of poverty, Woodstock Institute host international conference in Rio de Janeiro, Marva Williams wins Tom Gobby award.

Stories include:  Many Borrowers Unaware of Mortgage Interest Rate Details, Congress Makes Saving Easier for Modest-Income Families, Federal Regulators Do Incomplete, Inconsistant Job, What We Need is a Meaningful, National Standard for Mortgage Underwriting, Woodstock Institute Gets MacArthur Award.