2. President Barack Obama has resumed discussions with House Speaker John Boehner over ways to avoid the fiscal cliff. Treasury secretary Tim Geithner says he will allow across-the-board spending cuts and tax increases to kick in as scheduled, if Republicans refuse to budge on tax hikes for the wealthy.

 

 

 

3. The Egyptian army deployed tanks outside the presidential palace in Cairo on Thursday, after overnight clashes between supporters and opponents of President Mohammed Morsi claimed lives.

 

 

 

4. Marijuana is officially legal in Washington State starting on Thursday. The new law allows adults to have up to an ounce of pot for a private recreational use.