Kraft: Putin stole Bowl ring  —  New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft revealed the real story behind a 2005 meeting with Vladimir Putin, during which the Russian president pocketed his Super Bowl ring, worth more than $25,000.  Kraft, at the time, claimed the diamond-encrusted bauble was a gift …

Facebook Releases Data, Including All National Security Requests  —  Over the last week, in press statements as well as Mark's post last Friday, we've repeatedly called for governments worldwide to be willing to provide more details about programs aimed at keeping the public safe.

Palin slams military intervention in Syria: ‘Let Allah sort it out’  —  Former GOP vice presidential candidate and Alaska governor Sarah Palin told a Washington audience Saturday that the U.S. should not get involved in the Syrian civil war.  —  Palin argued that the U.S. should not intervene …

Senators skip classified briefing on NSA snooping to catch flights home  —  A recent briefing by senior intelligence officials on surveillance programs failed to attract even half of the Senate, showing the lack of enthusiasm in Congress for learning about classified security programs.

Moderate Rohani looks on road to winning Iran presidential vote  —  (Reuters) - Moderate cleric Hassan Rohani took a solid lead over conservative rivals on Saturday in preliminary vote counting in Iran's presidential election in what could be the makings of a surprise victory over favored hardliners.

FBI knew earlier of Boston bombing suspect  —  Deceased Boston Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev came to the attention of the FBI on at least two occasions prior to a Russian government warning in March 2011 that said he appeared to be radicalizing, FBI Director Robert Mueller said in Congressional testimony this week.

Law School Tries To Pressure Students Into Snap Decision With ‘Buy Now’ Sales Tactic  —  It really bothers me when law schools resort to used car salesmen tactics to try to induce law students to sign up for school.  Say what you will about the value of legal education, but it's not like buying a Sham-Wow.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry signs ‘Merry Christmas bill’ into law  —  Schools will now be able to display religious symbols as long as at least one secular or other religion's symbol is also displayed.  At the signing ceremony high-school cheerleaders wore t-shirts that read ‘I cheer for Christ.’

Obama exerted ‘unlawful command influence’ in speaking on military sexual assault, judge says  —  President Obama's comments condemning military sexual assault and suggesting that those convicted be punished with, among other things, a dishonorable discharge may be backfiring on his efforts to root out the growing problem.

Threats made to figures at center of IRS controversy: sources  —  (Reuters) - A current and a former top tax official have been physically threatened in recent weeks as the scandal over Internal Revenue Service targeting of Tea Party and other conservative groups has gathered steam, people familiar with their situation say.

Heavy Pressure Led to Decision by Obama on Syrian Arms  —  WASHINGTON — For two years, President Obama has resisted being drawn deeper into the civil war in Syria.  It was a miserable problem, he told aides, and not one he thought he could solve.  At most, it could be managed.

GOP to constituents: Questions on ObamaCare?  Call Obama.  —  Republican lawmakers say they anticipate a flood of questions in the coming months from constituents on the implementation of ObamaCare, which will pose a dilemma for the GOP.  [WATCH VIDEO]  —  People regularly call …