World/nation briefs

Big Apple to extend gasoline rationing Gas rationing in New York City was scheduled to end Monday but has been extended through Friday, even as gas station lines have all but disappeared. Mayor Michael Bloomberg noted the major Thanksgiving travel week comes at a time when 30 percent of gas stations remain closed.

Crews look for second missing oil rig worker As crews search for a worker still missing after an oil platform explosion and fire, doctors say one of four men burned in the blaze is improving and is now in fair condition. Doctors say two remain in critical condition and one in serious condition.

Tehran hosts meeting on Syrian conflict An estimated 200 Syrian and regional politicians gathered in Tehran to discuss a possible end to the violence that has engulfed Syria. Iran continues to back Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime, making Western and many Arab governments doubt its sincerity. But the presence of delegations from dozens of countries, including Russia and China, indicate that Iran is seen as able to wield influence in the matter.

New Coptic pope enthroned in Cairo The new pope of the ancient Orthodox Coptic church was enthroned in an elaborate ceremony at St. Mark's Cathedral attended by the Muslim prime minister, Cabinet ministers and a host of politicians. Pope Tawadros, 60, replaces Shenouda III, who died in March after 40 years on the throne. Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt's estimated 83 million people.

Rebels in Congo reach door of Goma A rebel group believed to be backed by Rwanda advanced to within 2 miles of Goma, in eastern Congo, marking the first time that rebels have come this close since 2008. The M23 rebel group is made up of soldiers from a now-defunct rebel army, the National Congress for the Defense of the People, a group made-up primarily of fighters from the Tutsi ethnic group, which was targeted in Rwanda's 1994 genocide.