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With the Illinois economy and state finances in bad shape, Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn has a rough re-election ahead of him. But he's been counted out before and his likely GOP foe has flaws of his own.

From the Baltic states to Central Asia, plenty of former Soviet satellites have large populations of ethnic Russians — and more than a few of them are yearning to be free.

Many Syrians fled their country and took refuge just across the border, planning to wait out the war. But now, a growing number are working with smugglers to get to northern Europe. The Syrians say they see no end in sight to the civil war and want to start a new life.

Eric Deggans reports that NBC's approaching transition, which will see the second exit Jay Leno has made from the same late-night franchise, is on pace to elevate a former counterculture producer to the ultimate mainstream gig.

In Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War, Robert Gates says the president was unsure the Afghan surge would work and was openly distrustful of military leaders. "I never doubted Obama's support for the troops, only his support for their mission," he writes. The book is scheduled for release Jan. 14.

At first the pounds melt off and then, nothing. But diet plateaus are a normal part of the body's adjusting to a lower weight. Weight loss experts say trying a variety of tactics can help move beyond the diet plateau. For most people exercise works best.

President Obama and Republicans feeling the heat, as bad news about the administration's health care rollout piles up, and the GOP continues to assess damage from its role in the government shutdown. Elsewhere, Detroit watches a bankruptcy trial.

Hungry bugs and warmer temperatures mean pine trees aren't producing as many seeds as they once did, driving up the cost of Italian pine nuts to $120 per pound in some cases. Cookbook author Julia della Croce found a colorful — and delicious — alternative in pistachios.

Crops like radishes, jicama and cilantro will soon be grown close to the Strip, so restaurants will have immediate access to fresh ingredients, instead of having to wait for trucks from California.

Three women and six children were killed as they drove in a small convoy. Mexican officials say they are investigating whether the family members were targeted or were victims of mistaken identity.