Fiscal cliff crises averted, but more fights loom

STORY HIGHLIGHTSRise in rates is first for any Americans since '93, according to Tax Foundation The vote prevents tax increases for more than 98% of AmericansIt also wards off $110 billion in automatic cuts to domestic and military spendingReid accused Boehner of "dictatorship" Friday; Boehner responded with profanity(CNN) -- After exhaustive negotiations that strained the country's patience, the...

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Sandy Hook survivors welcomed at new school

A man waves to a child on a bus on the first day of classes after the holiday break, in Newtown, Conn.,Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013. / AP Photo/Jessica Hill Updated 1:21 p.m. ETMONROE, Conn. The children who escaped last month's shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown were welcomed Wednesday to a school in a neighboring town that was overhauled specially for them. Play VideoOrientation...

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Lawmakers Furious at Boehner Over Sandy 'Betrayal'

Republican lawmakers from New York and New Jersey whose storm-ravaged residents are desperate for federal aid are fuming at their party's leaders for refusing to hold a vote on a $60 billion disaster relief package despite promises that help was on the way."This was a betrayal," Rep. Michael Grimm, R-N.Y., told ABC News.com. "It's just reprehensible. It's an indefensible error...

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Humble coin toss thrust to heart of multiverse debate

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After Newtown, Colombia firm makes bullet-proof kid clothes

BOGOTA: Miguel Caballero has been making bullet-proof clothes for politicians and other bigwigs for 20 years, but not for kids. The latest US school massacre has changed that.This year he plans a line for children -- T-shirts, vests, and combination backpack-vests -- and geared toward the US market.Caballero has made good money in his 22-year-old business with a factory on the outskirts...

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It's all up to the House

STORY HIGHLIGHTSIf it's not done by noon Thursday, a new Congress will have to start from scratch A statement from House leadership made no promises, members meet to review proposalUnder the Senate package, taxes would stay the same for all but a sliver of the U.S. populationIt leaves a range of big issues unaddressedWith the fiscal cliff deal in limbo, what's your New Year's message to Washington?...

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The art of the "fiscal cliff" deal

Nobody said it would be easy. Senators voted in the pre-dawn hours of New Year's Day to pass the long-sought agreement on the "fiscal cliff" and the House readies for its turn as soon as today, which, if the House passes it, would officially avert the tax hikes and spending cuts that technically took effect at midnight (the deal, when signed by the president, will make the new tax rates and spending...

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New School for Sandy Hook Duplicated to the Crayons

The students and staff of Sandy Hook Elementary School will return to school on Thursday for the first time since the shooting rampage that left 20 young students and six adults dead. The students will be in a new building where their old classrooms have been completely recreated.Instead of returning to the halls of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., they will be...

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In-depth 2012: The best long reads of the year

Read more: "2013 Smart Guide: 10 ideas that will shape the year" Dig deeper, look closer and think harder – these are the goals of New Scientist's in-depth articles. Each one is perfect for saving in your favourite read-it-later...

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60 dead in New Year's stampede in Ivory Coast

ABIDJAN: At least 60 people died and dozens more were injured in Abidjan as crowds that had gathered for celebratory New Year's fireworks stampeded overnight, Ivory Coast rescue workers said on Tuesday.An AFP journalist saw many injured children, while images broadcast by RTI television showed bodies stretched lifeless on the ground outside the city's main stadium.Piles of abandoned shoes...

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Obama: Fiscal cliff deal 'within sight'

STORY HIGHLIGHTSNEW: House GOP sources say they're unlikely to vote on any deal until TuesdayDeal to avert "fiscal cliff" is "within sight," President Barack Obama saysPossible agreement calls for increase in income, estate taxesThe fiscal cliff triggers broad tax increases and an automatic $110 billion in spending cutsAs the fiscal cliff looms, what's your New Year's message to Washington? Go to...

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Lovie Smith fired as Bears coach after 9 seasons

LAKE FOREST, Ill. The Chicago Bears fired coach Lovie Smith on Monday after the team missed the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons. Smith was informed of the decision by general manager Phil Emery on the day after the Bears beat Detroit to finish 10-6 but still didn't make the playoffs. 10 PhotosNFL coaches, GMs sacked in firing frenzy Smith led the Bears to a Super Bowl, but also saw...

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Time's Up: Sides Closing In on 'Fiscal Cliff' Deal

President Obama said an 11th-hour agreement to avert year-end tax hikes on 98 percent of Americans is "within sight" but not yet complete with just hours to go before the nation reaches the so-called fiscal cliff."There are still issues left to resolve but we're hopeful Congress can get it done," Obama said at a midday White House news conference. "But it's not done."Congressional...

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2012 review: The year in health science

Read more: "2013 Smart Guide: 10 ideas that will shape the year" The first half of 2012 will be remembered for the saga over whether or not to publish controversial research involving versions of the H5N1 bird flu virus engineered to spread...

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President Obama says deal in sight to avert fiscal cliff

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama said on Monday a deal to avert the fiscal cliff budget crisis was in sight, as dramatic New Year's Eve negotiations went down to the wire ahead of a midnight deadline."It appears that an agreement to prevent this New Year's tax hike is within sight. It's not done. There are still issues left to resolve, but we're hopeful that Congress can get it done,"...

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13 things to watch in 2013

Among the few virtual certainties of 2013 is the ongoing anguish of Syria and the decline of its president, Bashar al-Assad.STORY HIGHLIGHTSLook for more unrest amid power transitions in the Middle EastDisputes and economic worries will keep China, Japan, North Korea in the newsEurope's economy will stay on a rough road, but the outlook for it is brighterEvents are likely to draw attention to cyber...

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