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Ford and GM are calling 2013 the best year for U.S. auto sales in at least five years, as they report double-digit annual gains. Chrysler reported an increase of 9 percent, its strongest year since 2007.

Sure, kids have been playing with tops forever. But Beyblades are battling tops, and they come with their own fighting arena. They're a hit, and if you haven't been nagged for one this year, there's still time.

Also: Democratic National Convention kicks off; power is still out for many after Hurricane Isaac; Lufthansa cancels hundreds of flights because of strikes.

Major League Baseball stadiums offer up some bizarre new menu items. It's a rite of spring.

Critic Alan Cheuse likes his books thoughtfully plotted — and 2011 has made him a happy reader. A tiger haunts, a teen flees, ballplayers dream and vampires reign in beautifully conceived stories from new and distinguished authors.

A series of twisters roared through North Texas on Wednesday night. In Granbury, about 35 miles from Fort Worth, neighborhoods were devastated. The search continues for victims.

Receipts left behind in Timbuktu show how the terrorist network tracks its expenses, The Associated Press reports. From minor amounts spent on food to much more spent on meetings, al-Qaida records expenses much like a multinational corporation would, the wire service says.

Also notable was the unveiling of General Motors' all-electric Chevrolet Bolt concept car, which seems a clear rival to the Tesla.

The fire was moving fast, so firefighters haven't been able to control it. Authorities closed down a 9-mile stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Also: Obama, Romney campaigns continue to spar over tax returns; U.K. and Sweden criticize Ecuador for giving asylum to Assange.