Real estate prices push up rent costs - 2006-03-30
Elevated real estate prices and employment gains in Southern California will continue to push up apartment rents and occupancy rates, which currently rank among the most expensive in the country, according to a real estate study released Wednesday. Average rent in Long Beach is forecasted to climb over 6 percent and occupancy rates are expected to rise in the next year
Read the full story at Long Beach Press-Telegram

U.S. Economy Grows at 1.7 Percent Pace - 2006-03-30
The U.S. economy ran into a soft patch in the final quarter of 2005, expanding at an annual rate of only 1.7 percent. The Federal Reserve and other economists indicated that the economy bounced back smartly in the current January-to-March quarter. Private analysts forecast growth during this period will be at a healthy pace of 4.5 percent or higher.
Read the full story at ABC News