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Two members of the Russian activist band Pussy Riot and billionaire Mikhail Khordorkovsky are expected to be released from prison by Russian President Vladimir Putin. David Greene talks to reporter Masha Gessen about whether this move signals a liberalizing trend, or is simply a calculation ahead of the 2014 Olympics.

United Methodist church officials have defrocked the Rev. Frank Schaefer, who presided over his son's gay wedding.

The budget bill awaiting President Obama's signature would trim a lot of programs including the pensions of military officers. The pension cuts would save the government more than $6 million over a decade. Steve Inskeep talks to Politico reporter Juana Summers about how much the country spends on military personnel.

Santa's elves will be working overtime starting Friday. Stores like Toys R US and Kohl's are hoping to capitalize on last-minute shoppers, and those who like to avoid the crowds by staying open 24/7.

The National Iranian American Council is out with a report that examines what the West can do to cultivate the resurgence of moderate forces in Iran. Steve Inskeep talks to President Trita Parsi about the council's conclusions and recommendations.

On Thursday, President Obama warned the country is "on the precipice." Forces opposed to the nation's president have taken control of a major town, and killed at least three U.N. peacekeepers in the process.

I'm thinking of a man and his cat. A real man. His real cat. Then I'm imagining a bunch of world-famous cartoonists, Calvin & Hobbes' Bill Watterson, Wile E. Coyote's Chuck Jones, Gary Larson, Maurice Sendak — all of them drawing this same man and his cat. Then I'm staring at very different men and very different cats. Then I'm giggling.

The military has come under fire for how it investigates and handles cases of unwanted sexual contact among its personnel. Under new rules, commanders won't be able to dismiss court-martial findings and victims will have more protections.

Millions of Americans facing canceled health insurance policies under the Affordable Care Act will no longer be fined for being uninsured in the new year. Instead, they can enroll in basic coverage — previously available only to those with a hardship exemption.

An interstate ramp outside of Atlanta was tied up on Thursday — not with cars but with 40,000 pounds of ham. The driver wasn't hurt but ham and diesel fuel were everywhere.