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Dakota Meyer and nine others: what they did to receive the Medal of Honor

For going above and beyond the call of duty, Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer was awarded Thursday the Medal of Honor, the US government’s highest military decoration. Here is a look at him and nine other men who risked their lives to protect America.
Photos of the Day: Photos of the day 02/28
Can economy's 2010 growth spurt last? Five clues.

The US economy grew at a relatively healthy 3.2 percent annual rate in the final quarter of 2010, the Commerce Department reported Friday. That is an improvement from a 2.6 percent rate in the third quarter.
But to many Americans, it's hard to tell if anything is really better. Buried in the new report are clues to why that is – and what might happen to the economy in the year ahead. Here are five things that the government’s preliminary report on gross domestic product reveals about the health of the economy.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's top 5 quotes to the UN, 2005-2009

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech to the UN General Assembly today marks his sixth appearance. From 'nuclear apartheid' to 'bad hijab,' here are highlights of Mr. Ahmadinejad's five previous visits to the General Assembly.
In Pictures: Architecture in the digital age

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Stock market opens higher on hope for China

Stock market opened higher Tuesday amid optimism that China will take action to reverse the recent slowdown in its economic growth. Rising home prices also gave the stock market a boost.
Stocks mixed after Greek worries resurface

After gaining for most of the day, the Dow only finished up 2 points at 12503 Tuesday, as news out of Greece yanked indexes lower shortly before the closing bell.
Fixed mortgages: new lows for 15-, 30-year loans

Fixed mortgages for 30-year loan dips to 3.79 percent; 15-year loan averages. 3.04 percent. But record low rates on fixed mortgages have not ignited home sales.
Paper Economy
Housing permits on the rise

Single family housing permits, increased a notable 1.9 percent from March to 475,000 single family units, and increased 18.5 percent above the level seen in April 2011, but still remained  an astonishing 73.58 percent below the peak in September 2005.
Stocks fall; Dow continues two-week slide

The Dow lost 63 points to close at 12632 Tuesday as Europe's latest political impasse cast a gloom over financial markets.
Paper Economy
Construction spending improves. Slowly.

On a month-to-month basis, total residential spending increased a slight 0.68 percent from February and rose 7.42 percent above the level seen in March 2011 while remaining a whopping 63.91 percent below the peak level seen in 2006.
Paper Economy
New construction weak in March

Single family housing permits declined a notable 3.5 percent from February to 462,000 single family units, but increased 17.6 percent above the level seen in March 2011.
The New Economy
Ten sectors investors should avoid in 2012

Investors beware: If you want big returns this year, don't put your money in developing countries, banks, or homes (including yours).
30-year mortgage rate under 4 percent

30-year mortgage rates fall slightly to an average 3.98 percent, near record low of 3.87 percent that 30-year mortgages hit in February.
Paper Economy
Construction spending goes flat

On a month-to-month basis, total residential spending increased a slight 0.03 percent from January and rose 5.59 percent above the level seen in February 2011, while remaining a whopping 63.56 percent below the peak level seen in 2006.
Jobless claims fall to four-year low as economy rebounds

Unemployment assistance applications dropped to a seasonally adjusted 348,000, the lowest level since February 2008. The drop coincides with the best three months of hiring in two years
Paper Economy
Housing permits jump, but housing starts plummet

Single family housing permits increased a whopping 4.9 percent from last month to 472,000 single family units, but single family housing starts plunged 9.86 percent to 457,000 units.
Paper Economy
Housing market goes flat; shows signs of progress

The latest Housing Market Index (HMI) shows a flattening of most measures in March with the composite HMI index remaining unchanged at 28. The "buyer traffic" index stayed put at 22.
Bankruptcy jitters in Stockton. Will other cities fail?

Bankruptcy of Stockton, Calif., looms large as city enters talks with creditors. But most other troubled California municipalities are taking drastic steps to avoid bankruptcy.
Mortgage rates dip again. 15-year loan hits new low.

Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed loan falls to 3.88 percent; 15-year fixed mortgage rates now average 3.13 percent.
Paper Economy
Construction spending perks up

On a month-to-month basis, total residential spending increased 1.78 percent from December and rose 6.73 percent above the level seen in January 2011.
30-year mortgage rate falls to 3.9 percent

30-year mortgage rate falls again to near-record lows. Fixed 30-year mortgage rates have stayed below 4 percent for 13 weeks in a row.
How student-built solar homes can help solve US housing and energy crisis

Few of the homes created by university teams in the Solar Decathlon are ever lived in – despite their extraordinary expense and tax on the environment. Instead of building temporary show houses, schools should build energy-efficient homes for local people who need them.
Stocks close lower after flirting with 13000

The Dow lost 27 points to close at 12938 Tuesday as stocks closed lower for the first time in four trading days.
Housing market showing signs of turnaround

Last year was so dismal, home sales almost certainly have to go up in 2012. If home prices stabilize later this year, as many analysts expect, the housing market will be set for a turnaround.
Paper Economy
Housing market mixed; still fragile

Single family housing permitsincreased 0.9 percent from last month to 445,000 single family units, but single family housing starts declined 1.0 percent to 508,000 units.
30-year mortgage rates stay at record low

30-year mortgage rates average 3.87 percent for the third week in a row. That's the lowest for 30-year mortgage rates since the 1950s, when the long-term loans became popular.
30-year mortgage rate rises for first time in 2012

30-year mortgage rate climbes to an average 3.98 percent. Last week, the average 30-year mortgage rate stood at a record low 3.88 percent.
Paper Economy
Residential construction improves, but the market is fragile

Single family housing permits, the most leading of indicators, increased 1.8% from last month, but the environment for new home sales remains weak
Paper Economy
Finally, some good news for the housing market

The latest housing market index shows that all measures increased in January, propelling the composite HMI index to its highest level since 2007