Federal incentives for wind set to expire soon

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Wind energy advocates and South Dakota congressional members are worried that key federal incentives for wind power could expire in less than two weeks as negotiations over the fiscal cliff dominate lawmakers’ efforts.The Production Tax Credit provides a 2.2-cent tax break for every kilowatt-hour of electricity produced from large-scale wind farms.Sen. Tim Johnson says the...

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On gun control, look to Biden

Rebecca Puckwalter-Poza says Vice President Joe Biden was a leader on gun control in the Senate.STORY HIGHLIGHTSRebecca Buckwalter-Poza: Obama has apparently tapped Biden as gun control point manShe says he was leader in Senate on issue, shepherding 1994 gun control legislationIt banned manufacture of many semi-automatic guns,criminalized high-capacity magazinesWriter: Biden worked across aisle; he's...

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Maine West coach suspended following hazing scandal

One of the two coaches linked to allegations of hazing on athletic teams at Maine West High School have been suspended without...

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Egypt opposition vows to fight on against Islamist charter

CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt's opposition, facing defeat over a new constitution in a referendum this weekend, urged its supporters to reject the Islamist-backed charter and pledged to fight on to amend it during elections expected next year. Forty-eight hours before the second round of the plebiscite, the main opposition coalition of liberals, leftist, Christians and secular Muslims called...

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Stock futures set to gain for a third day, Oracle rallies

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stock futures rose on Wednesday as the latest offers in ongoing U.S. budget negotiations underlined hopes for a deal, while technology shares were lifted by strong results from Oracle. The S&P 500 is on track to extend its best two-day run in a month, a sign that investors are looking past the "fiscal cliff," a combination of tax hikes and spending cuts many fear...

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Jets bench Sanchez, will start McElroy vs Chargers

NEW YORK (AP) — Mark Sanchez is no longer the New York Jets' franchise quarterback.He might not even be the backup.Rex Ryan decided to bench Sanchez on Tuesday in favor of Greg McElroy after the fourth-year quarterback had another miserable performance in a 14-10 loss at Tennessee on Monday night that eliminated New York from playoff contention."I think it's best for our team, and for this game,"...

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Ecuador volcano blasts lava high above crater

QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Volcano monitors say Ecuador’s Tungurahua volcano shot lava a half mile (1 kilometer) above its crater overnight and blasted hot rock and gas nearly 2 miles (3 kilometers) down its flank.The regional director for the government’s emergency agency is Lourdes Mayorga and she says officials have prepared shelters and are working to evacuate any people in danger on Tuesday.The country’s...

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Virginia Tech mom: Ignore gun lobby

Newtown funerals: A community says goodbyeNewtown funerals: A community says goodbyeNewtown funerals: A community says goodbyeNewtown funerals: A community says goodbyeNewtown funerals: A community says goodbyeNewtown funerals: A community says goodbyeNewtown funerals: A community says goodbyeNewtown funerals: A community says goodbyeNewtown funerals: A community says goodbyeNewtown funerals: A community...

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NIU frat members charged in hazing surrender to police

While members of a fraternity began surrendering to police throughout the region Tuesday, Northern Illinois University officials...

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South Korea's Park seen winning presidential race

SEOUL (Reuters) - The daughter of a former military ruler led the count of votes in South Korea's presidential election on Wednesday, putting her on track to become its first woman head of state although her narrow advantage meant the race was set to go to the wire. A win for 60-year old conservative Park Geun-hye would see her return to the presidential palace where she served as her...

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