Monday morning headlines

Stocks dipping a bit: Wall Street braces for the August employment numbers, due out Friday. Between now and then, there are several economic reports to chew on. Dow is down 35.

Consumer spending edges higher: But analysts aren't convinced the 0.4 percent gain for July changes the tenor of the sluggish recovery. (Bloomberg)

Extending homebuyer tax credit?: It's been one of the few effective ways to bump up sales, and now Washington has to decide whether the program should be resurrected. (Reuters)

Money-losing real estate: Nearly 20 percent of the homes sold in OC last spring went for a price that was lower than what the owner had paid, according to Zillow.com. Condos were the biggest losers. (OC Register)

Disney close to deal with Time Warner Cable?: Looks as if TW customers won't be losing ESPN and ABC after all. New distribution agreement is said to be in sight, though a final resolution remains days away. Time Warner Cable's contract with Disney expires Thursday. (NYT)

Vote nears on plastic bag ban: Tomorrow is the deadline for bills to pass the legislature this session, which means that the state Senate will soon be taking up the controversial measure. From the Mercury News:

If the bill moves to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk and is signed into law by Sept. 30, plastic bags would be banned from supermarkets and large pharmacies beginning in 2012. Smaller grocers, convenience and liquor stores would have to comply by 2013.

New center for Bob Hope Airport: Burbank officials signed off on a $120-million transit hub for rail, bus and rental car travelers. Project is expected to be completed in 2012. (USA Today)

McCourt trial begins: Divorce case centers on who owns the Dodgers, but don't expect an early resolution. (LAT)

Tribune doesn't file amended plan: The media giant had been expected to offer an alternative to its initial reorganization plan. No reason given for not filing, other than the company's ongoing discussions with creditors. (Crain's)