Alex Schaefer's depiction of a Chase branch going up in flames drew the attention of L.A. police, who asked if he was a terrorist. He said the work was a metaphor for the havoc banking practices have caused the economy.Standing before an easel on a Van Nuys sidewalk, Alex Schaefer dabbed paint onto a canvas.

California's new jobs czar, former Bank of America and GMAC executive Michael Rossi, will serve as a liaison for businesses, labor and Gov. Jerry Brown's administration.Reporting from Sacramento -- Gov. Jerry Brown, under fire for not doing enough to revive the state's ailing economy, named a jobs

The first change since the rate fell to 0.1% in 2008 reflects worries about the economy. Tokyo also plans to buy $60 billion in government bonds and other assets.Japan's central bank cut its key interest rate to virtually zero in a surprise move Tuesday and is looking to set up a $60-billion fund