Gov. O'Malley's State of the State Calls for Investment, Taxes (ContributorNetwork)

ContributorNetwork - Gov. Martin O'Malley of Maryland delivered a State of the State speech for 2012 on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, seeking same-sex marriage legislation, a phased 6-percent sales tax on gasoline, and education and investment. The text of the speech can be viewed on the governor's website .

Disney 1Q revenue misses estimates but profits up (AP)

AP - The Walt Disney Co. said Tuesday that its net income rose 12 percent in the final quarter of 2011, as a slimmer movie slate and upbeat theme park results helped the company top earnings forecasts even while revenue gains were less than expected.

Yahoo chairman exits, review drags on (Reuters)

Reuters - Yahoo Inc Chairman Roy Bostock and three other directors will step down as the struggling company ploughs ahead with an internal overhaul, including discussions on dealing with its stakes in China's Alibaba Group and Yahoo Japan.

Greek debt talks drag on but banks signal progress (AP)

AP - Greece's private creditors signaled progress late Tuesday on a debt-relief deal but crucial talks between Greek coalition leaders about forcing more austerity upon a hostile public were again postponed.

Michigan Lawmakers Explore Alternatives to Gas Tax Hike (ContributorNetwork)

ContributorNetwork - Michigan's Senate Transportation Committee is hammering out a 30-bill package to address the state's extensive road and bridge repair issues. Included is a proposed gas tax hike to fund the $1.4 billion per year needed for the renovation. As the Detroit Free Press says, that portion is being pushed down the committee's agenda in favor of other measures that are less costly to taxpayers. Here are details about road work and gas tax increases in Michigan.

Chrysler, Clint Eastwood Say Super Bowl Ad Isn't Political (ContributorNetwork)

ContributorNetwork - Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne defended the auto company's "It's Halftime in America" commercial during the Super Bowl featuring Clint Eastwood talking up Detroit. The ad slot stirred up debate for being a political statement, but Marchionne says it wasn't that, MLive reports. Here are details about Chrysler's ad.

More US states to join foreclosure-abuse deal (AP)

AP - Arizona, Michigan and Florida, three of the states hit hardest by the housing crisis, will join a nationwide settlement over foreclosure abuses, officials with direct knowledge say. They will join more than 40 other states in approving a deal that would benefit many Americans who lost their homes or can't afford their mortgages.

Wall St edges up in quiet day; Disney down late (Reuters)

Reuters - Stocks rose slightly on Tuesday, but with the outcome of discussions on a bailout package for Greece uncertain, investors are unlikely to make big bets in coming days.

Greek parties delay bailout talks despite EU threats (Reuters)

Reuters - Greek political parties delayed yet again on Tuesday making the tough choice of accepting painful reforms in return for a new international bailout to avoid a chaotic default, seemingly deaf to EU warnings that the euro zone can live without Athens.

Spanish banks set aside billions for toxic assets (AP)

AP - Spain's three top banks said Tuesday they will set aside an additional euro6.1 billion ($8 billion) to meet a new government demand for all banks to boost their buffers against troubled real estate assets.

SEC weighs two money market fund proposals (Reuters)

Reuters - The chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission is eyeing two potential plans to bolster the stability of money market funds, but their fate remains uncertain due to internal disagreement at the SEC over the need for more regulations.

Analysis: Banks largely reserved for U.S. mortgage pact cost (Reuters)

Reuters - As the nation's five largest mortgage lenders edge close to a $25 billion settlement over foreclosure abuses, it's becoming clear that the deal will have little or no impact on their future bottom lines.

Glencore-Xstrata deal meets shareholder opposition (Reuters)

Reuters - At least two top 10 shareholders in miner Xstrata plan to vote against a takeover by commodities trader Glencore, threatening the creation of a powerhouse spanning mining, agriculture and trading.

U.S. Companies 'Yammer' for a Productivity Revolution (ContributorNetwork)

ContributorNetwork - SAN FRANCISCO -- In a pleasant surprise, the Department of Labor has reported an another increase in total nonfarm employment. The U.S. added 243,000 jobs in January, ticking the unemployment rate to 8.3 percent.

Walmart names ex-Woolworths veteran as new China CEO (Reuters)

Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc has named an industry veteran, but a relative newcomer to China, to run what is a strategically crucial business for the world's biggest retailer as it faces tougher competition in the fastest growing major economy.

Merger fails, but D.Boerse CEO says allies a must (Reuters)

Reuters - D.Boerse CEO eyes new allies as NYSE deal crumbles Deutsche Boerse (DB1Gn.DE) does not believe it can survive in the long term without a new partner despite the collapse of its proposed $7.4 billion merger with NYSE Euronext , its chief executive told a German newspaper.