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The 2012 election shined a spotlight on the previously little-known religion of Mormonism. Many Americans have heard about the missionaries or baptism for the dead. But on the whole, the theology is shrouded in mystery. Mormons say their religion is often misunderstood because, unlike other faiths, it changes with time.

By delaying the age at which people can join Medicare, the federal government could save millions of dollars. But if 65- and 66-year-olds have to find health insurance on the open market, states, employers and individuals of all ages will end up paying a lot more.

On Thursday, Lord Justice Leveson is expected to release his report on regulating the British press, following phone hacking and other abuses by the tabloids. The report, and Prime Minister David Cameron's response to it, will likely be controversial.

BP has been banned from seeking new contracts with the federal government. It's the latest blow, with the company set to appear in a New Orleans federal court next month to work out its guilty pleas to criminal charges in connection with the Deepwater Horizon explosion. The oil giant has agreed to pay a record $4.5 billion in a criminal settlement with the U.S. Justice Department. But far more money could be at stake in civil litigation stemming from the oil disaster.

A couple of bright moments in a city still recovering from a dark storm: On Staten Island, people were startled by the dreamlike spectacle of two men chasing an escaped zebra and pony down the street — with lassos. And in Manhattan, Rockefeller Center lit up with 45,000 lights — on an 80-foot Christmas tree.

HIV has been declining in many parts of the world over the past decade. Today the U.S. unveiled an ambitious plan to stop most new HIV infections around the world. But some health leaders question whether their goals are realistic, especially with impending budget cuts.

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.

The move gives the area the same status as the Vatican, but more importantly, it gives it access to other U.N. bodies like the International Criminal Court. This is a victory for the Palestinian Authority and a diplomatic setback for Israel and the United States.

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.

For more than 20 years, the Rev. Eric Williams has devoted himself to educating people about AIDS and helping those who suffer from the disease. As he recalls, one funeral — and a "favor" — led him to the undertaking. World AIDS Day is Saturday.