Business News Digest

NATION
Gas prices rise 2 centsper gallon nationwide
WASHINGTON -- The price of gasoline rose by two cents last week to an average of 2.34 a gallon nationwide. Prices have climbed by 14 cents since early November.
The federal Energy Information Administration said late Tuesday that U.S. motorists paid 2.341 a gallon on average for regular grade last week, an increase of 2.1 cents from the previous week.
Pump prices are now 14.4 cents higher than a year ago.
Goodyear workers beginvoting on contract offer
CLEVELAND -- Some of the 14,000 striking Goodyear Tire & amp; Rubber Co. workers began voting Wednesday on a proposed labor deal reached with the world's third-largest tire maker while others studied the pact and prepared to vote today.
Larry Watchorn, 49, a 22-year Goodyear employee who voted on the deal in Lincoln, Neb., said he believes the agreement will pass.
"People want to get back to work. It'll be the best deal they can get," Watchorn said.
United Steelworkers union members, including about 1,400 laid-off and inactive workers, in 10 states were scheduled to vote by today on the three-year agreement reached last week. Some voted Wednesday.
Associated Press