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Leaked internal documents reveal new insights into the goals and finances of the American Legislative Exchange Council. ALEC brings together state legislators and representatives of corporations to develop model bills that lawmakers try to pass in their state legislatures.

The latest installment in the Hobbit movie trilogy opens this week. And some hard-core fans plan to celebrate not just with a marathon screening of the Lord of The Ring films that came before it, but with a full day of feasting — seven meals, hobbit-style. We offer up a sample menu.

In the male-dominated world of cars and trucks, Mary Barra put herself into the driver's seat. On Tuesday, General Motors chose Barra, the daughter of a Pontiac plant worker, to become its new chief executive. Analysts say she may bring fresh ideas about how to sell autos to women.

President Obama shook hands Tuesday with Cuban leader Raul Castro, a move that led to speculation about the future of ties between the two Cold War-era foes. But one expert says none of the issues separating the U.S. and Cuba will be resolved by a handshake alone.

All medications come with risks, and one of the risks with popular heartburn medicines seems to be that they interfere with the absorption of vitamin B-12. That can cause troubling symptoms, from anemia and depression to dementia.

House and Senate negotiators said late Thursday that they reached a budget deal. The agreement would restore some of the automatic spending cuts known as sequestration, and includes some relatively small deficit reduction over the next two years. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., hammered out the deal, which they characterized as a step in the right direction that would avoid another government shutdown in mid-January if both the House and Senate approve the budget.

As of Nov. 30, more than 137,000 people had obtained health insurance through the federal website. Another 227,000 got coverage through the state exchanges. Users have until Dec. 23 to sign up if they want the health insurance coverage to start Jan. 1.

Governments at all levels are trying to save money by scaling back retirement benefits. Public employees may still end up with more generous plans than their private sector counterparts, but the days of feeling totally secure about their pension income may be numbered.

The U.S. is suspending non-lethal aid because of infighting among the various factions opposed to President Bashar Assad. The rebel Free Syrian Army, which has lost ground in recent days to an Islamist group, criticized the decision. the U.K. also has reportedly decided to halt aid.

Durable and imagination-inspiring, blocks can provide a solid foundation for learning and creativity.