WASHINGTON — U.S. home prices fell in most major cities for the second straight month, further evidence that the housing recovery will be bumpy and weigh on the broader economy in 2012.
NEW YORK — After a disastrous holiday shopping season, the parent company of Sears and Kmart will close at least 100 stores to raise cash — a move that sparked speculation about whether the 125-year-old retailer can avoid a death spiral fed by declining sales and deteriorating stores.
LOS ANGELES — Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, Pau Gasol added 22 points and nine rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers avoided the fourth 0-3 start in franchise history with a 96-71 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame coach Mike Brey called his team’s victory over Pittsburgh on Tuesday one of the most fun games he has coached since coming to South Bend.
CARSON CITY — Not all residents have the same privileges to access beaches owned by the Incline Village General Improvement District at Lake Tahoe, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.
KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — November mornings cast a chilly spell on this sprawling military installation.
Consumers nationwide are expected to return about $46 billion worth of merchandise purchased before Christmas, according to the National Retail Federation. That’s 4 percent more than post-Christmas 2010 and 10 percent higher than in 2009.
BEIJING — China announced a cut Tuesday in its rare earths export quota as it tries to shore up sagging prices for the exotic metals used in mobile phones and other high-tech goods.
It might be coincidental that the new year and the beginning of tax season arrive so close together. Many people resolve to be wiser with their money in the new year, and it just so happens that being smart about your taxes is a good way to get started.
