1. A NEW STAB AT AVOIDING WASHINGTON'S 'FISCAL CLIFF'

Pelosi says she will try to force a House vote on a Senate-passed bill favored by Democrats to break the deadlock.

2. EGYPT'S JUDGES ABANDON THE BENCH

The Supreme Constitutional Court declares an open-ended strike in response to Morsi's power grab.

3. WHERE THE SYRIA CONFLICT IS FLARING

Assad's warplanes and artillery hit Damascus and its suburbs as rebels try to reach his power base.

4. MURDER-SUICIDE LEAVES PAIN BEHIND FOR NFL'S CHIEFS

"We have so many guys on our team and our coaching staff who are really, really hurting," KC's owner says a day after a linebacker killed girlfriend and himself.

5. A CLIMATE MINISTER'S CALL: FORGET KYOTO

New Zealand's Tim Groser defends dropping out of the emissions pact, saying it's not enough.

6. WHY GLOBAL WARMING LIMITS LOOK TO BE OUT OF REACH

The world spewed 3 percent more heat-trapping pollution last year, endangering an international goal on rising temperatures.

7. TODDLER'S DEATH IN VIRGINIA LEADS TO REVIEW OF OTHER CASES

The deaths of a man's mother and onetime girlfriend are under investigation after his son dies. "Either he's the most unlucky bastard on this planet, or he's a killer," said the boy's mother.

8. THRIFT-STORE ARTWORK IS REAL TREASURE

A print bought for $12.34 in Milwaukee turns out to be a Calder lithograph worth $9,000.

9. WHERE 'STUPID HUMAN TRICKS' CAN GET YOU

David Letterman receives Kennedy Center honors, along with rockers Led Zeppelin, actor Dustin Hoffman, bluesman Buddy Guy and ballerina Natalia Makarova.

10. HOW PRO-POT ADVOCATES BEAT THE DRUG WAR

A cleverly orchestrated campaign, good timing and growing weariness over failed laws help two U.S. states legalize personal use.

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