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Gasoline prices have fallen more than 20 percent. And natural gas is selling for less than half what it cost a year ago. But that doesn't mean everyone is benefitting equally from the abrupt reversal.

The bill laying out how to handle terrorism detainees has undergone several changes since it was first introduced last week. Now that the legislation appears to be in its final form, Melissa Block talks with NPR's Ari Shapiro about what the bill says and what its implications would be.

The Senate passes a landmark bill for trying and questioning terrorism suspects, in a 65-34 vote that split along party lines. Final approval of the bill seemed assured earlier in the day Thursday, when an amendment aimed at preserving the right of all detainees to challenge their imprisonment in federal courts was narrowly defeated.

Prosecutors are exploring whether former Rep. Mark Foley (R-FL) broke the law by sending explicit Internet messages to congressional pages. Legal experts say the behavior, though inappropriate, does not necessarily violate any laws.

In Manhattan, witnesses saw a fireball at the apartment building on the Upper East Side, where a small plane crashed into a high-rise condominium. Reports indicate that N.Y. Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle and one other person were killed, with two other possible fatalities.

Noah Adams talks with nutritionist Marion Nestle about what it really means when foods are labeled "natural." Nestle is the Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University. Her latest book is What To Eat.

Former CIA deputy director Robert Gates is President Bush's choice to replace outgoing Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. His confirmation hearings in the Senate began today. Madeleine Brand talks to Guy Raz, who is reporting from the hearing.

The Senate Armed Services Committee votes unanimously to approve Robert Gates as the new secretary of defense. In his sole day of hearings, Gates faced questions about Iraq and U.S. troop levels. The full Senate will vote on his nomination Wednesday.

Despite deep differences over how to proceed in Iraq, the Senate gives its unanimous approval for Robert Gates to take over the reins at the Pentagon from Donald Rumsfeld. President Bush's second Secretary of Defense is taking office at a time of uncertainty over what will happen next in the war.

Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota was recovering from brain surgery Thursday at George Washington University Hospital. As official Washington extended good wishes for his recovery, it also puzzled over the effect that his illness may have on control of the Senate.