WHEATON, Ill.—-First Trust Strategic High Income Fund has declared the Fund’s regularly scheduled monthly common share distribution payable on February 16, 2010 to shareholders of record as of February 3, 2010.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic legislators said they’re optimistic the federal government will help California bridge a projected $20 billion deficit, but it’s far too soon to know how much.

Florida Senate President Jeff Atwater told his chamber’s budget writers Wednesday not to raise taxes or fees during this election year to close a projected spending gap of up to $3.2 billion.

Conservation groups that sued to block drilling on a southern Colorado wildlife refuge are trying to raise money and interest in buying an energy company’s mineral rights in the area.

The federal government is opposing a Michigan man’s request to take the deposition of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner in a lawsuit that challenges the bailout of American International Group Inc.

Senate Democrats on Wednesday proposed allowing the federal government to borrow an additional $1.9 trillion to pay its bills, a record increase that would permit the national debt to reach $14.3 trillion.

John Morrell & Co. is closing its pork processing plant in Sioux City, eliminating all 1,450 hourly and salaried jobs at one of the city’s largest employers, the company announced Wednesday.

Wells Fargo says the economy is getting better — it sees signs of recovery in its loan business. But the big bank may be more of an exception than a leading indicator.

ATHENS, Ga.—-National Investment Banking Association is has been designated as a Partner in The First Annual Halter Financial Summit – “China in a Changing World” to be held in Pudong Shangri-la in Shanghai, China, April 7-9, 2010 and will feature 100 Chinese companies, and the Honorable George W.

NEW YORK—-Western Asset Inflation Management Fund Inc. announces its portfolio composition as of December 31, 2009.