Gas prices staying down as 2013 starts

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. drivers are hoping 2013 doesn’t start off like 2012 at the gas pump. So far, so good.Gasoline now averages $ 3.30 a gallon, up about half a penny since Jan. 1. A year ago, gas rose about 10 cents in the first week or so because of a jump in oil prices, and it nearly hit $ 4 in early April.Oil prices should dictate what happens next with pump prices. Economic factors affecting...

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Many French aghast at Depardieu exit

STORY HIGHLIGHTSRussian President Vladimir Putin has bestowed Russian citizenship on actor Gérard DepardieuFor Depardieu, a public war of words erupted, with many in France disgusted by his moveDepardieu more than anyone, represents the Gallic spirit, says Agnes PoirierMajority of French people disapprove of his action but can't help loving him, she addsAgnes Poirier is a French journalist and political...

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Illegal immigrant driver's license plan advances in Springfield

Illinois legislature considers a bill to grant driver's licenses...

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Five accused in India rape case charged in court

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Five men accused of raping and murdering an Indian student were read the charges in a near-empty courtroom on Monday after the judge cleared out lawyers for bickering over whether the men deserved a defense. The 23-year-old physiotherapy student died two weeks after being gang-raped and beaten on a moving bus in New Delhi, then thrown bleeding onto the street. Protests...

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"Cliff" concerns give way to earnings focus

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Investors' "fiscal cliff" worries are likely to give way to more fundamental concerns, like earnings, as fourth-quarter reports get under way next week. Financial results, which begin after the market closes on Tuesday with aluminum company Alcoa , are expected to be only slightly better than the third-quarter's lackluster results. As a warning sign, analyst current...

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Colts, Ravens 0-0 after 1st quarter

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens were tied 0-0 after the first quarter of their AFC wild-card game.A sloppy first quarter included one turnover by each team, and a tackle for loss by Ravens star linebacker Ray Lewis, which drew a huge ovation.Lewis has announced he will retire when Baltimore's playoff run ends.Pro Bowl kick returner Jacoby Jones got the Ravens going with...

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EPA fracking study may dodge some tough questions

PITTSBURGH (AP) — An ongoing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency study on natural gas drilling and its potential for groundwater contamination has gotten tentative praise so far from both industry and environmental groups.Glenn Paulson, the EPA‘s science adviser, describes the project as “one of the most aggressive public outreach programs in EPA history.”The final report won’t come out until late...

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Storm over Depardieu's 'pathetic' move

STORY HIGHLIGHTSRussian President Vladimir Putin has bestowed Russian citizenship on actor Gérard DepardieuFor Depardieu, a public war of words erupted, with many in France disgusted by his moveDepardieu more than anyone, represents the Gallic spirit, says Agnes PoirierMajority of French people disapprove of his action but can't help loving him, she addsAgnes Poirier is a French journalist and political...

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Tinley Park man charged in home invasion, assault

Booking photo of Gary M. Swiercz (Photo from Tinley Park police / January...

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Assad "peace plan" greeted with scorn by foes

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad rejected peace talks with his enemies on Sunday in a defiant speech that his opponents described as a renewed declaration of war. Although the speech was billed as the unveiling of a new peace plan, Assad offered no concessions and even appeared to harden many of his positions. He rallied Syrians for "a war to defend the nation" and...

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