Democrats and Republicans both have problems with the package, but passage is expected in the House on Thursday. The Senate is likely to do the same next week. Rep. Paul Ryan says the deal brings "some semblance of bipartisanship."

Jang Song Thaek, who had been a key figure in helping his nephew consolidate power after his father's death, was executed after being found guilty of treason.

Aviation Week says the classified surveillance drone, which is meant to replace the Cold War-era SR-71 Blackbird, has begun test flights at Area 51.

The two-year deal passed despite opposition from Republicans who are part of the Tea Party faction. It was announced earlier this week, after being pounded out by Rep. Paul Ryan R-Wis., and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.

"The launch of HealthCare.gov was flawed and simply unacceptable." Those are the words of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, published today, just before she spent time with people who share that view: members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Twenty-four items sold for $530,000 this week in Paris. The Los Angeles-based Annenberg Foundation turned out to be the buyer, and says it stepped in after a French court rejected efforts to halt the auction.

After a few moments of review, the top life events people reported in 2013 can read like a 10-sentence short story — perhaps a fable, or a coming-of-age tale. In the U.S., hot topics included the Super Bowl, Pope Francis, and the Harlem Shake.

The bureau, which says it's been hard-hit by sequestration cuts, hopes the compromise plan will forestall furloughs and bring it back to full capacity.

A congressional vote to renew extended unemployment benefits may have to wait until the new year. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will push for it in January if a last-minute extension fails to come together.

The chief's resignation comes after a store owner and residents filed a lawsuit against the city. Charges of racial profiling and civil rights abuses were bolstered by videos that showed police frisking and arresting people.