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Mortgage settlement won't end probes: NY attorney general

Mortgage settlement improved because New York, California initially rejected it, some say. Even after mortgage settlement, New York Attorney General Schneiderman is still investigating related fraud.

The Buffet rule won't work in practice

According to the Buffett Rule the wealthy should pay at least as much tax as middle-income households. That sounds straightforward but it’s not.

Would you drink toilet water?

The "gross out" factor has long prohibited efforts to take dirty water and transform it into drinkable water. That resistance may abate if water prices rise.

Toyota: US probes door fires in Camrys, RAV4s

Toyota Camry and RAV4 owners have reported their car doors catching on fire, apparently from power window switch. Up to 830,000 Toyotas from the 2007 model year could be affected.

Europe's Internet revolt: protesters see threats in antipiracy treaty

Anger over proposed antipiracy treaty ACTA was expected to bring thousands to Europe's streets today. Supporters say it will better protect intellectual labor, while opponents see free speech threats.

Political fallout from birth control fight: A glimmer of good news for Obama?

Under fire from Catholic bishops and others, the Obama administration had to backtrack on contraception and health insurance. But many Catholics differ with the church hierarchy over birth control.

Why carpooling is cool again

When you add up all of the little costs, every mile you drive costs you at least $0.50 in fuel, maintenance, wear and tear, and tolls. If you’re commuting 10 miles each way every day, that’s $10 a day saved by sharing the trip.

A model to save newspapers: Where paywalls actually work

Media paywalls are proving difficult to implement around the world. Here are two places they are working.

Syrian general gunned down in Damascus

The state news agency reports the high-ranking officer was killed by gunmen as he left his home, a sign that violence is reaching the Syrian capital.

Ode to conservatism at CPAC, Romney-style

For Mitt Romney, the Conservative Political Action Conference was a bit of a lion's den. Romney is seen as the moderate in the presidential race, which is why he stressed his conservative credentials.

Myanmar's former political prisoners weigh next steps ahead of polls

As Myanmar prepares for April 1 parliamentary elections, many former political prisoners are deciding how to continue their activism.

Can birth-control flap rekindle 'repeal ObamaCare' crusade?

Republicans see the surge in support for religious freedom as an opening to overturn President Obama’s signature health-care reform. Conservatives are not likely to let the issue go lightly.

Abraham Lincoln: 15 favorite quotes on his birthday

We know from Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" that he had a way with words. Lincoln surprised his audience at Gettysburg by speaking for just a few minutes, but he packed a lot of meaning into his short turns of phrase. Here are some great quotes from the 16th President of the United States, 203 years after his February 12th birthday.

Miramonte sex abuse: Schools facing Catholic Church-like wave of scandal?

The Miramonte School scandal could be a wakeup call about the prevalence of sexual abuse in schools nationwide, experts say – adding that scandals could sweep though education world the way they did though the Catholic Church.

Red Planet meets red ink: budget ax could chop two NASA Mars missions

The budget to be released by President Obama Monday is expected to include a one-third cut in NASA's Mars program, in part to pay for other cost overruns within the agency.

Jerry Sandusky case: Should court let suspected pedophile see grandkids?

Trial is set for May 14 for Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State football coach charged with sexual abuse of 10 boys. His bail conditions bar interaction with minors, but he wants the court to let him talk with and see his grandchildren.

Stocks endure worst drop of 2012

Stocks fall on worries over roadblock to an agreement on Greece's sovereign debt, marking the first losing week for stocks in 2012. Dow falls 89 points, S&P falls 9 points.

Should states use tax breaks to woo seniors?

State competition to provide tax breaks to older residents, especially wealthy seniors, is similar to the way states use tax subsidies to woo businesses. It may not make much sense, but it sure is trendy.

The Monitor's Weekly News Quiz, Feb. 3-10, 2012

Wait, wait – don't tell me you haven't taken our news quiz?!

Bullish on jobs? These 10 cities are.

Nationally, the employment outlook is starting to brighten with a 1.5 percent rise in the number of jobs in the past year. But some metropolitan areas have seen triple that rate of job growth. No, it's not Boston or Silicon Valley. The Top 10 job-growth metros in 2011 were midsize places. Who's No. 1? Here's a hint: Even if you've heard of it, you've probably confused it with a much larger college town in an adjacent state. Here's the countdown of Top 10 metro areas for job growth in 2011:

Michelle Obama marks 'Let's Move' milestone with arugula, 'Interlude Dance' (+video)

Michelle Obama started Let's Move to tackle childhood obesity two years ago. Now, she's finishing up a four-state tour to promote the effort – all with a dash of fun thrown in.

Wagging tails replace sad eyes in Westminster ads

Happy dogs will rule the air waves this year, thanks to a new sponsor for America's most prestigious dogcompetition and a decision to air ads that shift the focus away from sad-eyed animals in need of adoption.

How well do you know your dog breeds? Take our quiz!

The annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show starts Feb. 13. This year, there are six new breeds included in the show, along with all the other breeds you've come to know and love. In honor of the event, we offer this quiz to find out how well you know your dog breeds.

Nazi flag incident puts culture of Marine snipers in spotlight

The photo of Marine snipers in Afghanistan posing in front of a Nazi flag has prompted the top Marine officer to start a review of sniper protocol and training.

Blue ribbon apple pie

A flaky, buttery crust hugs a warm apple filling.

Mitt Romney rips Obama, but did he get CPAC seal of approval?

Mitt Romney made his bid for conservative voters at CPAC Friday. But some CPAC attendees said Romney's speech lacked 'emotion' and didn't squarely address his health-care record.

The Greek debt conundrum, explained

The Greek parliament will vote on further austerity measures Sunday – the latest effort to alleviate a crisis that has careened between an EU bent on austerity and a resistant Greek public.

Debt outpacing growth and the case of Japan

Japan couldn't trick its way out of an economic meltdown, and neither can the US.

No credit, no problem: Nicaragua's Ortega pitches 'socialist' bank

Ortega says the Bank of ALBA will give loans to members without conditions to pay for development or social projects.

Reasons for Obama to aid Syria – other than moral ones

Obama intervened in Libya for humanitarian reasons – to prevent a slaughter. Why not in Syria – to end actual killing? Perhaps he needs the reasons of a realist.

Ali Wentworth: 8 stories from an inside-the-Beltway childhood

Daughter of former Ronald Reagan social secretary Muffie Wentworth, Ali Wentworth grew up in Washington D.C. among the politicians, then decided she wanted to be an actress and headed to Hollywood. But before Hollywood there was her Beltway childhood and teenage years abroad. From that era, here are eight stories Wentworth shares in her new memoir 'Ali in Wonderland.'

Woody Harrelson plays effectively in 'Rampart': movie review

A dirty cop movie, 'Rampart' gets inside the head of the paranoid Dave Brown, played by Woody Harrelson, as investigative units start to close in on him.

Return: movie review

Linda Cardellini's nuanced take on a mother searching for her place is finely observed.

The Vow: movie review

With its long climb out of amnesia, 'The Vow' plays with viewers' patience.

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island: movie review

Michael Caine and Dwayne Johnson bring charm and levity to a predictable and somewhat juvenile 'Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.'

Tesla Model X: Era of the all-electric SUV is arriving (+video)

Tesla Model X marks an expansion of all-electric offerings beyond coupes and sedans. Tesla Motors says the AWD version of the Tesla Model X has more zip than many sports cars.

Could talks over Iran nuclear crisis work? Turkish diplomat offers hints.

Turkey's foreign minister, in the US to discuss Syria and the Iran nuclear program, insists that the time for negotiations with Iran is not passed – and says Iran is willing to talk.

A cricket game to end all war? Afghanistan takes on Pakistan.

Maybe not, but as Afghanistan played its first major international cricket match today against rival Pakistan, some hoped the goodwill between the players on the field would translate into better relations off it.

'Safe House' trailer shows tense action and a strong ensemble (+video)

'Safe House' stars Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds are a good onscreen team as unlikely partners

Valentine's Day: Three new love stories

Just in time for Valentine's Day, three couples risk it all on a chance for a new life in this week's fiction roundup.