WASHINGTON, Jan 8 (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury Department said on Thursday it will give regulators two extra weeks to approve thrift and bank holding company applications and so effectively extend the time for some firms to seek rescue funds. 'We have given the regulators until January 15 to finish processing any holding company and thrift applications that were not completed by (December 31) for applicants wishing to participate in (the capital purchase program),' the Treasury said in a statement. The decision means that any firms that applied for bank or thrift status in order to access rescue funds will not be ... (full story)