Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid icon and father of modern South Africa, dies  —  Revolutionary and politician Nelson Mandela  —  (CNN) — Nelson Mandela, the revered statesman who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead South Africa out of decades of apartheid, has died, South African President Jacob Zuma announced late Thursday.

GOP men told how to talk to women  —  The National Republican Congressional Committee wants to make sure there are no Todd Akin-style gaffes next year, so it's meeting with top aides of sitting Republicans to teach them what to say — or not to say — on the trail, especially when their boss is running against a woman.

President Clinton Doodled Male Genitalia (We Think) and It Was Glorious  —  The image above comes from the hacker Guccifer, who reportedly got access to the Clinton Library and allegedly obtained unreleased doodles.  Guccifer famously broke into George W. Bush's emails and revealed that the former preisdent paints dogs.

Obama Approval Down Most Among Hispanics in Past Year  —  Hispanics' approval has fallen from 75% in December 2012 to 52% in November  —  PRINCETON, NJ — President Barack Obama's job approval rating averaged 41% in November, down 12 percentage points from 53% last December, his high-water mark since his first year in office.

Budget Deal?  Big Obstacles, New Year's Deadline  —  With hopes of a “grand bargain” long gone, congressional negotiators now are seeking a more modest deal before year-end to ease the automatic spending cuts that are squeezing both the Pentagon and domestic federal programs.  But the going is getting rougher.

President Obama acknowledges having lived with his uncle  —  President Obama acknowledged on Thursday that he lived with his Kenyan uncle for a brief period in the 1980s while preparing to attend Harvard Law School, contradicting a statement more than a year ago that the White House had no record of the two ever meeting.

Stolen cobalt-60 found in Mexico; curious thieves likely doomed  —  MEXICO CITY — The day after a load of stolen radioactive material was found in a field, Mexican authorities had formed a perimeter around the area and were measuring for contamination as they planned the recovery process Thursday, according to Mexican news reports.

Cruz refers to controversial law as advice to conservative group  —  Washington (CNN) - Republican Sen. Ted Cruz's advice for a conservative group facing criticism and hardship: “Stand your ground.”  —  The choice of words appeared to be a reference to a string of negative press …

Polis melts down on House floor  —  Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) on Wednesday night lost his cool on the House floor over the issue of immigration, after the presiding officer warned another Democrat not to refer to people sitting in the House gallery.  —  Democrats were calling for House passage …

A Roll of the Dice  —  President Obama is back selling his health-care law with the manic intensity of a late-night-infomercial pitchman who knows that if he doesn't move the product, it could be discontinued.  —  Here's Obama aiming his comments at young people this Wednesday: “The product is good.

Opinion: Hospitals close as GOP balks at Obamacare  —  Editor's note: Sally Kohn is a progressive activist, columnist and television commentator.  Follow her on Twitter at @sallykohn.  —  (CNN) — The Obamacare website is open for business.  But the Charlton Memorial Hospital in Folkston, Georgia, is closed.

Obamacare's architects plugged their ears and misled public  —  BARACK OBAMA OBAMACARE SUPREME COURT MEDICARE AND MEDICAID  —  In 1970 the eccentric but insightful economist Albert Hirschman published a book called Exit, Voice and Loyalty.  It explored how people respond when a private firm's …

ABC brass nixed Barbara Walters' pick of Edward Snowden as year's most fascinating person  —  Michael Bolton's happy to be backup at charity gala; Will Ferrell keeps Ron Burgundy at a distance  —  Barbara Walters wanted Edward Snowden to be at the top of her list of 10 most fascinating people of 2013.

Jameis Winston not charged  —  TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Nearly one year after Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston was accused of rape by a female FSU student, the state attorney has decided not to charge the Heisman Trophy favorite.  —  Thursday's decision clears the way for him to finish the season with the No. 1 Seminoles.

De Blasio to Name Bratton as New York Police Commissioner  —  Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio was expected on Thursday morning to name William J. Bratton to lead the New York Police Department, according to two people with knowledge of Mr. de Blasio's decision.  —  The move will return Mr. Bratton …