Ground assault...Protests in Europe....Shepard arrested

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) Israeli tanks and infantry have crossed the border into Gaza. The ground offensive begins a week after the start of Israel's air assault on Hamas militant targets.

Heavy gun battles are being reported. Israeli military officials say the goal is to take control of Hamas rocket launch sites and will likely take several days.

LONDON (AP) Tens of thousands of people in European cities have been protesting Israel's military offensive in Gaza. Most of the protests were peaceful, but in Athens, Greece, some protesters threw stones and petrol bombs at police outside the Israeli Embassy.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) In Minnesota, nearly 1,000 sealed absentee ballots are being counted for the first time today. It's one of the final chapters in the Minnesota Senate recount. Today's tally may prove crucial in a race that has Democrat Al Franken ahead of Republican Norm Coleman by just 49 votes.

NORMAL, ILL. (AP) Authorities in Illinois say actor and playwright Sam Shepard has been arrested on preliminary charges of speeding and drunken driving. Police say the 65-year-old Shepard was stopped earlier today. He has since posted bail.

NEW YORK (AP) The recession has apparently reached the Rainbow Room, the ritzy Manhattan landmark high above Rockefeller Center.

WNBC-TV says the owners will temporarily close the Rainbow Grill, partly "due to the current economic crisis." The bar, dining and banquet sections will stay open.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-03-09 1349CST | save this article / add to your favorites list