By By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER
AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment aid fell sharply last week as a temporary spike caused by Superstorm Sandy has faded. Weekly applications have fallen back to a level consistent with modest hiring.

The Labor Department said Thursday that applications dropped 25,000 last

BEIRUT (AP) - Syria sharply criticized NATO's move to deploy Patriot missiles along its border with Turkey, calling the decision "provocative," as the West took a major step toward a possible military role in the civil war.

After getting Cabinet approval, German Defense Minister Thomas de

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate is set to endorse legislation that normalizes trade with Russia but highlights discord between the two countries over human rights issues.

The vote Thursday to establish permanent normal trade relations with Russia will bring considerable relief to U.S. exporters and

BOSTON (AP) - A Massachusetts judge has granted a partial victory to a Roman Catholic college sued by an ex-student who said administrators didn't help her enough when she complained that her roommate was having too much sex.

Lindsay Blankmeyer says her roommate frequently had sex with Blankmeyer present. She said in a federal lawsuit she was