US troops scramble to hand off last-minute security 'details' to Iraqis

Sarah Palin speaks, but are Americans heeding her anymore?

6:21 pm ET - Sarah Palin is speaking out about alleged insider trading by members of Congress and is shopping a new reality TV series. But networks aren't biting, and some analysts doubt her star can rise again. 

Mitt Romney: why the primary calendar is against him, too

5:10 pm ET - The presidential primary schedule is front-loaded with states that highlight Mitt Romney's weaknesses. The rest of the calendar looks more favorable, but he's got to make it that far.

• The Vote: Donald Trump withdraws as debate moderator. Did he just fire himself?
• The Vote: New Ron Paul attack ad: Will it slow Newt Gingrich's momentum?

Why 'temporary' tax cuts never die: Payroll tax and 3 other examples

One last bit of business for Congress in 2011 is to extend the tax breaks or tax fixes that, though designated “temporary,” get renewed year after year. Sixty-seven tax provisions set to expire Dec. 31. About half are typically extended retroactively. 

Liege attack: Gunman in Belgium targeted crowds with grenades, firearms

3:43 pm ET - Liege attack in Belgium appears to have been carried out by a lone gunman using grenades and automatic weapons.

UN chief visits a safer Somali capital

3:20 pm ET - In the first visit of a UN Secretary General since 1993, Ban Ki-moon promised aid and military support, but warned Somali leaders they must stick to reform pledges.

Joe Lieberman contradicts Sarah Palin: Where's evidence of insider trading? (VIDEO)

2:16 pm ET - In a USA Today op-ed Tuesday, Sarah Palin charged that Congress is guilty of insider trading. Sen. Joseph Lieberman told reporters at a Monitor breakfast he's seen no evidence.

• Palestinians 'an invented' people? Lieberman rejects Gingrich view (video)

Religious freedom no match for Washington gridlock?

2:12 pm ET - US Commission for International Religious Freedom, created in 1998, will cease to exist Friday unless lawmakers renew funding. Its aim: make religious freedom a priority of US foreign policy.

My teacher, the billionaire? Russians see a teachable moment.

1:55 pm ET - What values should shape the next generation? Russia's President Medvedev kicked up a storm by suggesting that billionaires should share the secrets of their success in the classroom.

Burqa ban: Canada prohibits Muslim veil in citizenship ceremonies (VIDEO)

1:23 pm ET - Canada's ban follows those of France, Tunisia, Turkey, and Syria, and is meant to ensure that those taking the oath of citizenship are actually reciting the oath.

Homeless children at record high in US. Can the trend be reversed?

1:12 pm ET - One out of every 45 children – some 1.6 million – is homeless, according to a report released Tuesday. That number surpasses the one set after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Confusion reigns over medical marijuana as states and Feds clash

12:54 pm ET - Sixteen states allow medical marijuana for patients with prescriptions. But the Feds have lately cracked down on what they say are abuses by the burgeoning industry. Will 'pot wars' ensue? 

Higgs boson: Physicists close in on the 'God particle'

12:27 pm ET - At a seminar at CERN in Geneva Tuesday, two groups using independent means for seeking the Higgs boson reported seeing tantalizing hints of the presence of the 'God particle.'

Why Venezuela is key to quashing the FARC

12:48 pm ET - Colombia is worried that FARC fighters are looking to acquire missiles in Venezuela, which would diminish Colombia's air-power advantage against the rebels.

Iran's keeping the US drone. But can they figure it out? (VIDEO)

8:13 am ET - Many commentators argue that the RQ-170 'Beast of Kandahar' drone is too advanced for Iran to reverse-engineer.