WASHINGTON - December 22, 2008 - The desperate straits of many U.S. homeowners showed in new data released on Monday, suggesting efforts to help them are having limited success.

LONDON, England - December 22, 2008 - The government has been accused of trampling on individual liberties by proposing wide-ranging new powers for bailiffs to break into homes and to use “reasonable force” against householders who try to protect their valuables.