Housing: Mortgage-interest write-offs cost gov't less than we thought

WASHINGTON

Defense firms in wait-and-see mode

WASHINGTON - Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. in July bought a company that makes drones used for military target practice. Then the contractor put further acquisitions on hold.

Late talks produce a fiscal agreement

WASHINGTON - Racing the clock, the White House reached a New Year's Eve accord with Senate Republicans late Monday to neutralize across-the-board tax increases and spending cuts in government programs due to take effect at midnight, according to administration and Senate Democratic officials.

House GOP puts off vote on 'Plan B'

WASHINGTON — Confronted with a revolt among the rank and file, House Republicans abruptly put off a vote Thursday night on legislation allowing tax rates to rise for households earning $1 million and up, complicating attempts to avoid a year-end “fiscal cliff” that threatens to send the econ…