2. There's no slowdown to the fighting in Syria. Plumes of black smoke rose over the city of Homs as government forces continued to shell the area. Meanwhile activists say food, water and medical supplies are running dangerously low.

 

 

 

3. President Barack Obama is assailing Republicans for what he describes as a flawed and dishonest strategy for reducing gas prices. Prices have been rising over the past month but he says more drilling won't solve the problem.

 

 

 

4. The calendar may say February but it feels like the middle of spring in Washington and New York. Temperatures are in the mid to high 60s, much warmer than usual, not that anyone is complaining.