Banks have promised scores of companies money for a rainy day. Now that day is here — and the banks, hard pressed themselves, are worried they will have to keep their promises. Read more..

By LOUISE STORY - The New York Times

A G.M.A.C. subsidiary that was a leader in creative mortgages can’t pay its own debts, so it is demanding a privilege that it won’t grant its borrowers. Read more..

By FLOYD NORRIS - The New York Times

In the worst three months of the company’s 89-year history, American International Group lost $7.81 billion, primarily from bad investments in complex financial instruments. Read more..

By MICHAEL M. GRYNBAUM - The New York Times

The company will require users under 18 to confirm they have read Facebook’s safety tips when they sign up; the site will also display a prominent “report abuse” icon. Read more..

By BRAD STONE - The New York Times

The prospect of an electronic Trojan horse, lurking in the circuitry of a computer and allowing attackers clandestine access or control, was raised again recently by the F.B.I. and the Pentagon. Read more..

By JOHN MARKOFF - The New York Times

Applebee’s and Wendy’s have opted for a more recession-proof approach: glamour shots of food. Read more..

By DOUGLAS QUENQUA - The New York Times

American pressure for a quick end to a Europe-wide ban on U.S. poultry imports threatened to backfire after European officials contradicted claims that the dispute was almost resolved. Read more..

By STEPHEN CASTLE - The New York Times

Private firms are buying up rent-regulated buildings and harassing tenants to increase vacancies, advocates say. Read more..

By GRETCHEN MORGENSON - The New York Times

Wal-Mart and Costco reported April sales that rose more than analysts estimated as American consumers sought discounts on clothing and food. Read more..

By BLOOMBERG NEWS - The New York Times