Ruth Simon writes January 31 in the Wall Street Journal:

State attorneys general have until Friday to join a potential national settlement of alleged foreclosure abuses, according to a document reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

The deadline, set by negotiators trying to pull together an agreement with the federal government, states, and five major banks, is the latest sign that the finish line is in sight for what has been a bruising, yearlong haul. Government officials are aiming for a deal valued at $25 billion in loan write-downs and other homeowner compensation with Ally Financial Inc., Bank of America Corp., Citigroup Inc., J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and Wells Fargo & Co. Representatives of Ally, Bank of America, Citigroup, J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo declined to comment.

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