Researchers chart mortgage aid

A spreadsheet tracking subprime lending, delinquency and foreclosure rates in more than 1,000 housing markets could indicate where the government will be distributing nearly $4 billion in federal grants to help state and local governments buy foreclosed-on and abandoned homes. The spreadsheet, produced by researchers at the Local Initiatives Support Corp., is intended to help local officials assess needs within states that were allocated funds at the end of September. Florida is slated to get about $541 million.