Israel launches attack on Syrian government forces near Damascus
Israel attacked Syrian government forces near Damascus in what is says is a bid to protect a religious minority there. Clashes between Druze and Sunni Muslim fighters have killed at least 20 people.
U.S.: Diplomats Shouldn't Drink Before Budget Meeting
Joseph Torsella represents the United States on the United Nation's budget committee. He says it's a tough budget process, and it's complicated by diplomats who show up drunk.
National People's Congress Opens, Prepares For Leadership Change
On the opening day Tuesday, Premier Wen Jiabao delivered his version of the State of the Union address. He's due to step down next week. The annual legislative meeting marks the official transition to power of a new leadership team under Xi Jinping.
Obama Announces His Picks For EPA, Other Cabinet Posts
President Obama rounds out his Cabinet for his second term, nominating three new leaders Monday: Walmart Foundation's Sylvia Mathews Burwell for budget chief, MIT scientist Ernest Moniz to head the Energy Department and veteran regulator Gina McCarthy to run the EPA — a post that's likely be a lightning rod during Senate confirmations.
Lock-Picking Class Is Popular In Oakland
Burglary is a big problem in the California city so Mayor Jean Quan opened the door to some criticism when her newsletter of community events advertised a lock-picking class. Learn the art for only $40. Some residents were unhinged but organizers say the course is for lock-picking hobbyists, not criminals.
Mom Saves Baby From Deadly Drop Out Of Window
A woman in Spokane, Wash., stepped out of the shower to see her 14-month-old boy bouncing on the bed, and out a half-open second-story window. She dove after the boy, smashed through the window, grabbed his foot as he was tumbling down the porch roof and lowered him safely to his grandma, who was smoking on the porch.
Hard-Hit Boise Subdivision Lacks Owner-Occupied Homes
The housing crisis has taken a toll in Idaho. Home prices dropped by 46 percent in the Boise area and many people lost homes to foreclosure. Before the bubble burst, Charter Pointe became less a neighborhood of neighbors, and more about investor-buyers looking to make money.
No Action Yet To Repeal Sequestration Cuts
President Obama spent part of the weekend reaching out to members of Congress. He's still looking for some alternative to the budget cuts that he ordered on Friday.
Ethnic Violence Haunts Kenya's Presidential Election
In the East African nation of Kenya, voters are choosing the next president. Of greatest concern is whether these polls will provoke the same amount of deadly ethnic violence as the elections five years ago. More than 1,000 people were killed during voting in that election.