Stocks rise on hopeful signs for the US economy

Encouraging news about the U.S. economy extended the stock market's rally Friday.

Stocks rise on hopeful signs for the US economy

FILE - In this Thursday, May 2, 2013, file photo, Trader Kevin Lodewick works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. World stock markets were mixed Friday May 17, 2013 as investors digested a slew of disappointing data from the U.S. ahead of the release of a key measurement of the coun…

Felix, Jeter help U.S. break 1985 record in 4x100

The United States' 4 x100-meter relay members, from left, Carmelita Jeter, Bianca Knight, Tianna Madison and Allyson Felix, celebrate their gold medal win Friday in the Olympic Stadium at the Summer Olympics in London. The United States relay team set a world record with a time of 40.82 seconds.

Felix, Jeter help U.S. break 1985 record in 4x100

LONDON | Eyeing the trackside clock as she approached the finish line, Carmelita Jeter pointed the black baton in her left hand at those bright orange numbers.

Oil jumps to 9-month high after Iran cuts supply

Oil prices jumped to a nine-month high above $105 a barrel on Monday after Iran said it halted crude exports to Britain and France in an escalation of a dispute over the Middle Eastern country's nuclear program.

Washington homeowner transforms backyard into mosaic of stories

TACOMA, Wash. — Stare out of Ingrid Walker's back windows in the rain and you won't see a dull, dripping yard with leafless trees. What you will see is pattern and color — royal blue granite shapes, yellow tin mushrooms, warm red brick paths and shiny glass stepping stones in a modernist mos…

Food production a bright spot in gloomy economy

MILWAUKEE | While the recession took a toll on manufacturing and other industries, one part of the economy has remained a bright spot over the past few years: food production.

Oil stuck below $76, gas prices slide lower

Gasoline prices are now a penny below where they were a week ago and could head lower after a retreat in oil prices over the past few days.

Trade gap likely points to slower economic growth

WASHINGTON | A decline in exports and a sharp rise in imports pushed the U.S. trade deficit in June to its widest point since October 2008, raising new concerns about the weakening economic recovery.