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The rates on capital gains and dividends are on the table in the negotiations over the fiscal cliff. Some complain that it would hurt companies' stock prices, giving them less money to invest. But other economists say it's unlikely to have strong effects.

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.

Facebook has a long history of upsetting its users by suddenly announcing a change to its privacy settings. In 2009, as a way to quiet the critics, Facebook set up a system for its customers to vote on changes. If enough of them were unhappy, the company would back down. Now, Facebook wants to get rid of the voting.

Mohammed Morsi was dismissed by many Egyptians when he stood in the country's first free election after the ouster of the Mubarak regime. Morsi was seen as lacking charisma and was referred to as the Muslim Brotherhood's spare tire, since he wasn't the group's first choice for president. But Morsi has been able to rock the system. He ousted Egypt's top generals, reshuffled the military ranks and now picked what appears to be the perfect time to override the courts and push through a constitution.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted Thursday to make it a little harder for police to read people's old emails. It's something privacy groups and tech companies have wanted for years, but law enforcement groups are less pleased.

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.

For a second day, the Syrian capital, Damascus is cut off from the outside world, with the international airport shut, the Internet down and mobile phone lines working sporadically. There are reports of fierce clashes around the capital and heavy airstrikes in the capital's suburbs and in the northern city of Aleppo.

Enrique Pena Nieto takes over as Mexico's president on Saturday, marking a return to power of the PRI, which dominated politics in Mexico for much of the 20th century. His inauguration follows his visit this week to Washington and talks with President Obama. Washington is keen to know more about what Pena Nieto plans in Mexico's war on narco-traffickers.

Early Friday, Islamists approved a draft that critics are calling the "Muslim Brotherhood constitution." Protesters are also rallying against President Mohammed Morsi's decree giving him sweeping new powers.

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.