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In Pictures: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2012

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Euro debt crisis: Is Spain the new Greece?

Spain has become the focal point for Europe's debt crisis. But Spain isn't Greece. It's better – and worse.
Gas prices: How much will they hurt the economy? (+video)

Gas prices are slated to hit new highs within months. How might that affect the modest economic recovery? Here's a clue: Every 10-cent rise per gallon in gas prices costs the US economy $11 billion.
US stocks shrug off higher gas prices to push Dow above 13,000

Better economic news from Europe helped lift US stocks past the symbolic plateau. The Dow last closed above 13,000 in May 2008, before the collapse of the housing market.
In Pictures: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2012
Can American manufacturing really be cornerstone of economic revival?

For decades, the US manufacturing sector has shriveled, but President Obama now envisions it as an engine of a revived US economy. The basis of his optimism may be hopes for 'advanced' manufacturing.
Unemployment rate drops to 8.3 percent. Is that a problem for Mitt Romney?

It could become harder for Republicans such as Mitt Romney to blame President Obama for a lack of jobs. In January, the unemployment rate fell to its lowest level since February 2009.
2012 economic outlook: What's in store for next year?

With the housing market and auto sales showing some signs of life, pundits predict a better economy for 2012. But the ripple from a European downturn could erode the economic pace in the US.
No sign of Herman Cain quitting yet, 'reassessing'

Herman Cain: Publicly, there were no signs that the former pizza company executive was calling it quits in his campaign for the presidential nomination.
Northern lights: Aurora borealis astounds skywatchers

Northern lights: Traditionally, only skywatchers in high-latitude locations can see aurora borealis, but during strong solar weather events, they can be visible to observers at lower latitudes.
A long, steep drop for Americans' standard of living

Not since at least 1960 has the US standard of living fallen so fast for so long. The average American has $1,315 less in annual disposable income now than at the onset of the Great Recession.
Big squeeze for grads: Student loans rise, job opportunities dim

College grads have to pay back ever bigger student loans. But job opportunities are slim. Is US competitiveness at stake?
Herman Cain's '999 plan': long overdue tax reform or job killer?

Herman Cain's political star is lately on the rise, thanks in no small part to the persistent marketing of his '9-9-9 plan' to reform the tax code. Independent economists say the plan takes us into uncharted territory.
Obama speech: Will his jobs plan work?

Obama speech outlined many ideas that are popular and have commanded bipartisan support in the past. But the words 'stimulus' and 'spending' are unpopular, notes at least one expert.
Could hurricane Irene help the economy? Rebuilding as stimulus.

Money spent to rebuild after hurricane Irene may slightly stimulate the economy, especially as a result of insurance payments. But most expenditures will merely be diverted from one area to another.
Stock market volatility: Dow jumps on jobs report, plunges, then rises again

Stock market gains early Friday morning were wiped out by noon, before another rally ensued. A better-than-expected jobs report gave some analysts hope that another recession could be averted.
Diggin' It
A visit to a slave garden

Near Tarrytown, N.Y., Philipsburg Manor re-creates a slave garden that shows how slaves in the 1700s grew food for themselves and to sell.
Jane Fonda: QVC axed appearance over Vietnam War comments

Jane Fonda was set to appear on the home-shopping channel on Saturday to promote her new book on aging, 'Prime Time.' But the day before, she learned her segment had been cancelled.
Gas prices skid 25 cents a gallon in past month – and may dip further

Gas prices have fallen to $3.72 since topping out at $3.98 a gallon in May. Plenty of supply and soft demand mean gas prices are likely to keep falling this summer – perhaps another 30 cents a gallon.
Two years after end of Great Recession, how are we doing?

The Great Recession officially ended in June 2009. That's apparent on Wall Street, less so on Main Street. But the economic recovery is gradually being felt in places like Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Mississippi flooding drowns crops and casinos: What's the economic toll?

The economic toll of the Mississippi River flooding has yet to be calculated, as the crest pushes past Memphis towards New Orleans, but is expected to run in the billions.
$5 gas: Is it around the corner for US drivers this summer?

$5 gas: With residents in nine states and D.C. already paying more than $4 for a gallon of regular gas, analysts ask if the national average will reach $5 a gallon this year.
Johnson & Johnson to buy US-Swiss devicemaker?

Johnson & Johnson said to be in talks to acquire Synthes Inc., which manufactures surgical instruments. Johnson & Johnson could pay up to $20 billion.
Food costs soaring in US after harsh winter. Will higher prices last?

Higher wholesale food prices contributed to a jump in the producer price index in February, the US reported Wednesday. Consumers are likely to see food prices rise at least 4 percent in 2011.
How earnings for unionized public employees compare with private sector

In the fight for balanced budgets vs. benefits for public employees, what's fair and what's politics?
State budget woes: How much will they drag down US economy?

Cutting employees, raising taxes, and delaying payments to vendors could slow economic recovery, experts say, but perhaps only slightly.