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The "prediction market" site Intrade's decision to close in the U.S. highlights how the company exists in a regulatory gray area, somewhere between trading and betting. Intrade says it hopes to operate legally in the U.S. eventually. In the meantime, American users must close their accounts by year's end.

The Pew Research Center reports that the U.S. birth rate has hit its lowest level ever, led by a dramatic decline among the foreign-born. The birth rate for Mexican women fell the most, down a stunning 23 percent since the recent recession began in 2007.

For more than 20 years, the Rev. Eric Williams has devoted himself to educating people about AIDS and helping those who suffer from the disease. As he recalls, one funeral — and a "favor" — led him to the undertaking. World AIDS Day is Saturday.

Peony Pavilion is one of China's most famous operas, but uncut performances of this romantic 16th century work can take more than 22 hours. An adapted version of the dream-like opera will take place at the Metropolitan Museum.

As political leaders try to reach a deal to avoid automatic spending cuts and tax increases at the year's end, income tax rates are a major sticking point. President Obama wants to raise taxes for some; Republicans don't want any hikes. But if nothing is done, rates could go up across the board.

Federal officials are working to send out $1,000 checks in the next few weeks to hundreds of thousands of Native Americans. The money stems from a settlement of the Cobell case, a landmark $3.4 billion settlement over mismanagement of federal lands held in trust for Native American people.

Renee Montagne talks with Rep. Raul Labrador, Republican from Idaho and one of the congressmen who introduced the bill that's set for a vote Friday. The STEM Jobs Act allows people who are in the U.S. legally who are getting advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and math to stay and get their green cards, he says.

Scotland's St. Andrews is sacred ground for golfers, often referred to as the "birthplace of golf." Renee Montagne and David Greene tell us about a major announcement — the first changes to the club's "Old Course" in about 70 years. The goal is to make it more challenging before the next British Open at St. Andrews in 2015.

Just when you thought you never had to look at another political ad, they're back — this time focused on the big debate in Washington about taxes and spending. Unions, business groups and other special interests have taken their arguments to the nation's living rooms and computer screens.

Fast-food workers staged protests Thursday at restaurants in New York. The workers said their low wages need to be raised. But with the economy still slow, restaurant managers are determined to hold down labor costs so they can offer dollar foods.

There's more to Mexico than drug-related violence. The country's economy is actually doing well, due in part to solid exports to the U.S.

Palestinians are reveling Friday, following the U.N. General Assembly's elevation of their status from nonmember "entity" to nonmember "state." But what that change means depends on whom you ask.

The floppy brown hat belonged to Bridget Hughes' late mother, who wore it during cancer treatment. Hughes lost it at the Phoenix airport this week, and asked friends on Facebook to help her find it. Her post has been shared over 100,000 times.

The holidays bring out the spirit of giving, and giving back ... what you've pilfered. Like the recent story about a 1930s silver-trimmed teapot returned to the Waldorf-Astoria, this morning brings a tale of toilet paper. Eastern New Mexico University received a gift box filled with 80 rolls of toilet paper, and a Christmas card apologizing for stealing rolls from a dorm years ago.

Many in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic couldn't get to stores and were out of work for at least a short time because of the destruction Sandy wrought. That dampened spending and cut into incomes.

The White House and congressional leaders continue to talk about taxes, spending cuts and how to avoid an end-of-year deadline — when Bush-era tax cuts are set to expire and automatic spending cuts are set to go into effect.

A bridge collapse sent at least four tank cars into a creek. They reportedly contain vinyl chloride and at least one of the cars is reportedly leaking. Residents have been told to stay inside and roads to the area have been closed.

For many albinos — born with a partial or total lack of pigment in their skin, hair and eyes — life is difficult, and that is particularly true in Tanzania, where they are attacked for their flesh, the result of superstitious beliefs. More than 100 albinos have been assaulted since 2006.

A major move for the NY Phil, back-and-forthing in Minnesota and the ROI on Dudamel: our weekly guide to what you absolutely need to know. There's also been something of crime wave, with embezzlement in Atlanta, suspected collusion in Switzerland and students in Ohio trying to crack the drug biz.

Maisie Kate Miller regularly wore pigtails to her Massachusetts high school, but her hairstyle made her a target for a bully. Miller asked friends on Facebook to wear pigtails in solidarity. When word got out, she turned into a national anti-bullying crusader. Maisie Kate Miller talks about her "Pigtails 4 Peace" protest with host Michel Martin.