Econ 101: The US economy contracted slightly toward the end of 2012. It’s attributed to a drop in military spending and jitters over the “Fiscal Cliff”. The stock market shook it off. World: President Obama announced he’s sending $155 million …

World: Reports are coming out of Aleppo, Syria that scores of bodies of men executed with their hands tied have been found. An activist organization based in Britain said it’s at least 65 men, many of them left along the …

World:  Disturbances continued in Egypt today despite the declaration of a state of emergency in three major Egyptian cities following days of civil and political unrest. President Mohamed Morsi took the action after four days of rioting in which police …

World: An indoor pyrotechnic display ran out of control, setting off a fire in a Brazilian nightclub that has killed at least 245 people, many of them university students. A similar fire in Rhode Island in 2003 killed 100. As …

World: As many as 25 Egyptians in Port Said died in riots and an attempted jail break after a court sentenced 21 defendants to death for taking part in soccer violence last February that took the lives of 75. More …

Guns: Sen. Diane Feinstein of California says that today she will introduce a bill to ban 157 types of semi-automatic weapons and bullet magazines that hold more than ten rounds. Existing weapons would be grandfathered, although they would have to …

Women to the Front: Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is expected to announce today that he is lifting the ban on women in combat. It may take until 2016 to integrate women into all aspects of the military, including front …

National: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton became somewhat emotional this morning testifying about the attack on the Benghazi consulate. “For me, this is not just a matter of policy, it’s personal,” she said.  So far there have been no revelations …

Put on Your Red Dress: Michelle Obama once again exercised her right to bare arms, appearing at the inaugural balls in a sleeveless ruby red dress designed by Taiwan-born Jason Wu. The Obamas danced to songs sung by Jennifer Hudson …

Inauguration Day, Martin Luther King Day 2nd Term, Day 1: President Obama was given a ceremonial swearing in at the Capitol this morning … he was officially sworn yesterday.  The President gave a speech edged with political content, speaking up …