Politics
Will Payroll Tax Cut Survive Fiscal Talks?
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Palestinians in Ramallah celebrated in advance of the U.N. vote.
U.N. Votes To Give Palestinians 'Non-Member Observer State' Status
()The move gives the area the same status as the Vatican, but more importantly, it gives it access to other U.N. bodies like the International Criminal Court. This is a victory for the Palestinian Authority and a diplomatic setback for Israel and the United States.
Would Raising Taxes On Investment Income Hurt The Economy?
The rates on capital gains and dividends are on the table in the negotiations over the fiscal cliff.
()Why Dividends, Capital Gains Are Big Part Of Fiscal Cliff Talks
Today's rates on investment income are low by historical standards — and one White House target.
()All Tech Considered
Yet Another Shift In Facebook Policies Raises Privacy Concerns ()
Facebook has a long history of upsetting its users by suddenly announcing a change to its privacy settings. In 2009, as a way to quiet the critics, Facebook set up a system for its customers to vote on changes. If enough of them were unhappy, the company would back down. Now, Facebook wants to get rid of the voting.
U.S.
In Wake Of Recession, Immigrant Births Plunge()
The Pew Research Center reports that the U.S. birth rate has hit its lowest level ever, led by a dramatic decline among the foreign-born. The birth rate for Mexican women fell the most, down a stunning 23 percent since the recent recession began in 2007.
The Two-Way
WikiLeaks Suspect Bradley Manning: 'I Thought I Was Going To Die In That Cage'()
Manning, who has offered to plead guilty to lesser charges, is asking for case to be dismissed, because he says his pre-trial punishment was so severe.
Space
Space Probe Finds Ice In Mercury's Craters()
On the poles of our solar system's innermost planet, where temperatures can drop to -100 degrees Fahrenheit, researchers have identified water ice and organic "goo," most likely deposited there by comets that crashed into the planet.
Science
Greenland, Antarctic Ice Is Melting Faster()
The good news: Sea level has risen by just a half-inch in the past 20 years as a result of shrinking ice. The bad news: The melting is now speeding up. Over the next century, this could contribute to another 2- to 3-foot rise in sea level — enough to flood New York City every few years.
The Two-Way
In Syria: Battle Rages Outside Damascus Airport, Internet Goes Down()
The Assad regime and its opponents are blaming each other for the Web outage. The fighting around the airport has led carriers to suspend service to Damascus.
Business
A Bet Or A Prediction? Intrade's Purpose Is Debated()
The "prediction market" site Intrade's decision to close in the U.S. highlights how the company exists in a regulatory gray area, somewhere between trading and betting. Intrade says it hopes to operate legally in the U.S. eventually. In the meantime, American users must close their accounts by year's end.
Asia
Facebook Arrests Ignite Free-Speech Debate In India()
A 21-year-old was arrested after she questioned the shutdown of Mumbai for the funeral of a controversial political leader; her friend was arrested for simply "liking" the post. The comment angered the politician's supporters, who some say intimidated police into making the arrests.
