Fed officials were conflicted over program to drive down mortgage rates, aid housing

WASHINGTON — Amid uncertainties about strength of the budding recovery, Federal Reserve policymakers last month were conflicted over whether to expand or cut back a program intended to drive down mortgage rates and prop up the housing market, according to a document released Wednesday.

AP INVESTIGATION: SC Gov. Sanford’s charter jet use in Europe cost state more than $63,000

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, already facing scrutiny for expensive taxpayer-funded flights, relied on charter jet services costing more than $63,000 when traveling in Europe on two state business trips, an Associated Press investigation has found.

Fed minutes: With economy on mend in Aug., officials felt comfortable slowing revival program

WASHINGTON — With the economy on the mend, Federal Reserve policymakers last month felt comfortable slowing the pace of one of its economic revival programs and not changing any others, according to documents released Wednesday.