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The framers of the Constitution didn't spell out all the responsibilities of the speaker of the House. In practice, one of those duties has been engaging in one-on-one negotiations with a president on important policy issues. But John Boehner says no more — even with new fiscal fights looming.

President Obama handily won re-election, but Congress remains fairly unchanged. Will the status quo prevail during his second term? Or will he follow through on promises that got progressives excited about him in 2008?

The president outlined a plan that includes a new constitution, but said it could only take place once other countries stop funding the opposition. He maintained his assertions that the violence is fueled by terrorists and gave no hint he would step down.

Mourners left flowers and plants after the 2011 Tucson shooting rampage that killed six people and wounded 13. Instead of sending the shrines to a landfill after they were taken down, volunteers sorted through everything, replanted what they could and composted the rest.

The so-called "Bridge to Nowhere" came to symbolize all that's wrong with earmarks in Congress. But during the past few weeks, as Speaker John Boehner struggled to rally support for his alternate tax plan, some said earmarks could have helped him convince fellow Republicans to push legislation through the House.

Brazil is now a world power when it comes to food production. And a leading symbol of that might is Katia Abreu, a senator, landowner and head of the country's most powerful Big Agro association. But environmentalists say limits need to be placed on the farming industry in order to protect the forests of the Amazon.

The coffee giant recently partnered with the Rodarte fashion house to offer a holiday collection. It's the latest example of high-end designers teaming up with mass-market retailers to make money while showing their work to a broader audience.

John Brennan is one of the president's top national security aides. A veteran of the CIA, he was the agency's deputy executive director during President George W. Bush's administration. Brennan has said he opposed many of the Bush administration's policies, including the use of waterboarding.

Investigators say the homeowner is a police sergeant in Newton, Mass. He's the superior officer of the guy who was tossing the eggs at the house. The MetroWest Daily News reports that both men were off duty at the time, and both insist it was just a joke between friends.

Also: Bank of America agrees to pay billions to Fannie Mae; oil rig that ran aground off Alaska is refloated; Syrian opposition rejects Assad's "peace plan;" NHL players and owners reach tentative deal, season may start soon; NFL playoffs get underway.