He attributed the change to an improved economy, with the creation of entry-level jobs triggering home buying by first time homebuyers backed by support from federal housing programs.

WSJ: New York Area Housing Recovery: Signs the Slump May Be Over

Finalists: Patricia Callahan, Sam Roe and Michael Hawthorne of the Chicago Tribune for their exposure of manufacturers that imperil public health by continuing to use toxic fire retardants in household furniture and crib mattresses, triggering reform efforts at the state and national level, and Alexandra Zayas of the Tampa Bay Times, St.

WSJ: 2013 Pulitzer winners in journalism and arts

That is close to the 7% level that Italy reached last month, triggering anxiety among Europe's political leaders that Rome's debts were becoming unsustainable.

BBC: Euro falls below $1.30 for first time since January