Today's News

WASHINGTON

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Alfonse M. D'Amato will hold a hearing June 17 on financial reform legislation. Page 2

Legislation that would make it more difficult for consumers to eliminate their unsecured debt in bankruptcy was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Page 2

MORTGAGES

Community groups are balking at Household's $8.5 billion deal to buy Beneficial, saying the merger would hurt the low- and moderate-income people both companies target. Page 7

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

Three weeks after buying CoreStates, First Union laid out a blueprint that keeps much of the Philadelphia banking company's institutional investment management unit intact. Page 9

COMMUNITY

The advertisements for his consulting firm proclaim Alex Sheshunoff to be "the first and last name in banking." He charges a lot, but clients say they get their money's worth. "One of our biggest challenges is to manage our clients' expectations," Mr. Sheshunoff says. Page 6

CARDS

Hold the pickles, but pass the plastic. More fast-food restaurants are accepting credit cards. Page 10

As other banks rein in their cobranding programs, Chase Manhattan is adding benefits to its Shell MasterCard. Page 11

TECHNOLOGY

Cross-border use of the automated clearing house network-currently possible only between the United States and Canada-is picking up steam. Page 12

Reuters America signed up PaineWebber for an equities market information service developed to succeed Reuters' old Quotron service. Page 13

MARKETS

Though interest rates remain low, spreads on bank bonds will probably widen in the coming weeks, according to analysts. Page 22

Norwest registered to issue up to 10 million new shares that would be used for acquisitions. Back page

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