Breaking through the bubble

Gas prices up 19 cents over past three weeks

Gas prices soared at an average of 19 cents in the past three weeks due to lingering high crude oil prices, growing demand and higher refining costs, an industry analyst said. The average retail price for all three grades increased 18.95 cents to $2.32 per gallon between March 18 and April 8. The most popular grade, self-serve regular, was priced at $2.29 a gallon, while customers paid $2.38 for mid-grade. Premium averaged $2.48 a gallon for the period. Last week, the Energy Department said it expects gasoline prices to average $2.35 a gallon nationwide in May, the dawn of the heavy summer driving season. The highest average gas price in the nation for regular unleaded was $2.62 a gallon in Bakersfield. The lowest price was $2.06 in Newark, N.J.

Bush hosts Sharon at Texas ranch

President Bush begins a spring schedule of hands-on diplomacy with Middle East leaders, but his opening session with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was overshadowed by a renewed dispute over Israel’s settlements in Palestinian territories. President Bush discussed Israel’s plan to pull out of Gaza as well as settlement activity in the West Bank during his meeting with Prime Minister Sharon in Crawford, Texas. The United States has objected to an Israeli plan to add 3,650 homes to the West Bank’s largest settlement, Maaleh Adumim. The plan would cut off Arab neighborhoods in Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank. Israel insists it has the right to continue expanding these settlements. The United States opposes any further construction there, saying it threatens peace with the Palestinians and violates the internationally backed “road map” peace plan that calls for a settlement freeze.

China, India take steps to improve ties

India and China, the world’s two most populous countries, have agreed to create a “strategic partnership” in an effort to end their longstanding border dispute and boost trade and economic cooperation. The agreement signaled a significant shift in relations between the two Asian giants after decades of mutual distrust and suspicion. Together the two nations account for one-third the world’s population. The statement announcing the partnership was signed by both premiers and said the agreement would promote diplomatic relations, economic ties and contribute to the two nations “jointly addressing global challenges and threats.” The two countries also signed a draft of agreements for cooperation in such diverse areas as civil aviation, finance, education, science and technology, tourism and cultural exchanges.

No more drinking and driving in Montana

State lawmakers in Montana passed an open-container ban that makes Montana one of the last states to outlaw drinking while driving. The Montana House approved the bill 76-21 and sent it to Gov. Brian Schweitzer, who has said he will sign it. It takes effect Oct. 1. The delay is designed to let Montanans get used to the prohibition, which until now had been found only in cities and towns, not out on the open highway. Only Mississippi now lacks a state law against open containers, though many cities and counties there also prohibit open containers locally. While Montana had stood to lose $5 million a year in federal highway funds if it failed to pass the law, the debate focused on balancing safety and personal freedom.

Compiled by Sarah Moser from http://www.msnbc.com