Tax benefits and penalties of marriage

The Supreme Court has struck down part of a law that denied federal benefits to same-sex couples who were married in states that recognize their unions. The tax benefits of being married, however, are a mixed bag. Three scenarios: ___ A couple with...

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Student debt flunking many first-time home buyers

WASHINGTON — They're not yet an endangered species, but their steadily diminishing presence has some real estate analysts worried: First-time buyers are missing in action in housing markets across the country. Traditionally first-timers have accounted...

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Maine fireworks revenues far exceed projections

PORTLAND, Maine — Sales at Maine's fireworks stores have far surpassed initial projections when fireworks became legal last year for the first time in 63 years. When legislators debated a bill in 2011 seeking to legalize fireworks, the Maine Revenue...

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Lobster trap limit increased for Maine island

SWANS ISLAND, Maine — Lobstermen on Swans Island off the eastern Maine coast are now allowed to fish more traps. Gov. Paul LePage last week signed into law a bill allowing Swans Island fishermen to have 550 traps, up from 475. The law aims to increase...

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Home price gains bring sellers off the sidelines

SAN DIEGO — Robert and Emerald Oravec were itching to sell their condominium late last year to move closer to a favorite surfing spot, but they were stuck. They owed the bank $194,000 and figured the most they could get was $180,000. When they put their...

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Supreme Ct. to consider fight over frozen assets

MIAMI — The U.S. Supreme Court is taking up a case this fall over whether the government can freeze the assets of people who have been accused of a crime. The case involves Kerri and Brian Kaley, who came under federal investigation for allegedly stealing...

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Ecuador flower growers in Snowden shock

PIFO, Ecuador — Gino Descalzi used to fret about things like aphids, mildew and the high cost of shipping millions of roses a year from Ecuador to florists in the United States. These days he's worried about a 30-year-old American thought to be stuck...

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European officials slam US over bugging report

BERLIN — Senior European officials expressed concern Sunday at reports that U.S. intelligence agents bugged EU offices on both sides of the Atlantic, with some leftist lawmakers calling for concrete sanctions against Washington. The president of the...

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SF rapid transit talks break down; strike possible

OAKLAND, Calif. — Negotiators for San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit said they planned to show up for contract talks Sunday as union leaders warned workers will likely go on strike, which threatens to cripple the region's Monday morning commute. Josie...

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Economic group urges 'yes' on Springfield casino

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts is urging Springfield voters to approve the July 16 referendum on the MGM Springfield casino proposal. The council says it believes the agreement between MGM Springfield...

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