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Also: Russia walks back talk of shift in stance on Syria; UBS reported to be in talks about penalty; no deal yet on avoiding "fiscal cliff;" Ambassador Susan Rice explains why she said no.

The U.N. ambassador, who withdrew herself from consideration to be the next secretary of state, gives her side of the story in today's Washington Post.

"It would not make sense" for the federal government to make prosecuting recreational users in states that have decriminalized marijuana a top priority, the president tells ABC News.

"Our hearts are broken," President Obama told the nation today as the awful news emerged. Police say they found 18 children and six adults dead at the scene. Two other children died later. The gunman's body was also found at the school.

Five stories that have North Texas talking: Sky-high piles of unused drink tickets, anti-cheer from the KERA newsroom, bids for Hostess and more. Did you…

Dec. 21 marks the end of the Mayan calendar — a time of celebration for the ancient people, scientists say, although some modern day folks worry it's a sign of the apocalypse. It may not be the end of the world as we know it, but beer masters inspired by the end of days feel fine.

Wanted for questioning in Belize, the anti-virus software pioneer is now in Miami after being released by authorities in Guatemala, which had entered illegally.

In a 1999 interview, Ravi Shankar, who died Tuesday, talked to Fresh Air about hippies, psychedelic drugs, "Norwegian Wood," George Harrison, his fond memories of the Monterey Pop Festival of 1967 and his less-fond memories of Woodstock.

A new documentary on PBS about the making of the Beatles' 1967 film Magical Mystery Tour features outtakes from the original and new interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. TV critic David Bianculli calls the film "wonderfully thorough."

Details surrounding the elementary school shooting in Newton, Connecticut are still unfolding. The Associated Press cites a police source reporting 27 dead, including 18 children. You can follow updates in a live blog from NPR, and get real time coverage from Google News. Elected officials in Texas are beginning to issue statements about the shooting. KUT News has compiled them below; we will update this post as more come in. Texas Gov. Rick Perry: “The horrific event that transpired at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut is as profoundly disturbing as it is impossible to fully understand. The fact that so many victims were children weighs heavily upon the hearts and souls of each Texan and every American. Anita and I send our personal condolences to everyone touched by this senseless tragedy, pray for the quick healing of those injured, and extend our hopes that time will help ease the suffering of those who lost loved ones.” Texas Attorney Gen. Greg Abbott: "The senseless and cowardly shooting in Connecticut reminds us all of the vigilance we must maintain to protect our children in their schools. I pray for the victims, their families and the Newtown community as they deal with this horrendous tragedy. As a board member of the Texas School Safety Center, I am committed to making sure educators, students and law enforcement are working together to prepare Texas schools for the unthinkable. We must not wait until it's too late to act. We remind all schools to review their school safety plan to ensure they have proper procedures to keep students and campuses safe." Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson (in remarks to Houston Chronicle, “ Texas Land Commissioner: Schools should have armed personnel”): "The common denominator for the school shootings in Aurora, Columbine and Virginia Tech is that we have a target-rich environment … You have a shooter that is completely free to go about his sick fantasy. We need to do what it takes to change that." "Had there been (armed security guard and citizens) in Colorado, at Virginia Tech or now in Connecticut – someone that could have changed the dynamic and to do so by having a firearm – there would be fewer lives lost." Texas Comptroller Susan Combs ( via Twitter) "Our thoughts & prayers are with all those affected by the horrible tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut." U.S. Sen. John Cornyn( via Twitter) "Thoughts & prayers with the families, teachers, and entire community of Newtown, CT on this tragic day" U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison ( via Twitter) “Please keep your thoughts and prayers with those affected by the school shooting in Connecticut today” U.S Representative-Elect Pete Gallego( via Twitter): "Can't imagine the pain of losing a child - so innocent & young. What a senseless act! My heart & prayers are w/ victims & their families. Hug you children as soon as they get home from school-& say a prayer for those parents who won't get to do that today. How horrific." Texas State Sen. Leticia Van De Putte( via Twitter) "My prayers go out to the parents and children in Connecticut."