By: Yuki Noguchi and Melissa Block //
October 24, 2012
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Some recent numbers suggest housing industry is much better off. New home sales were up 5.7 percent in September, 27 percent higher than last year's levels. That comes on the heels of some other promising numbers out last week on construction activity.
Actor James Gandolfini, 51, has reportedly died. Variety magazine reports that he suffered a "sudden stroke." The cause of death is not yet known with certainty, but HBO says the actor may have suffered a heart attack.
The prize is sometimes called the "Nobel Prize for food and agriculture." And this year's winners include Monsanto executive Robert Fraley, a pioneer in genetically engineered crops. If there's a single person who personifies the company's controversial role in American agriculture, it's probably Fraley.
Microsoft has changed policies regarding Internet connection and used game capabilities for its upcoming Xbox One gaming console. The company says it is responding to feedback from consumers.