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Dmitry Medvedev, whom Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed as his successor, says he would appoint Putin prime minister if elected. That could allow Putin to hold on to power, but some analysts say it's unclear if that is Putin's plan.

NPR Music's Stephen Thompson reports on how halftime shows significantly influence listening habits.

Ecuadorians have decisively rejected a series of referendum measures, including plans for U.S. military bases and constitutional changes, handing President Daniel Noboa a major political setback amid rising gang violence.

Big banks announced around 60,000 job cuts in 2011. With businesses and consumers still focused on reducing debt, there isn't the same need for financial services as there was before, says one banking analyst. The outlook in the years ahead is for a smaller, more stable and less profitable industry.

France was among nine European countries that saw their sovereign debt ratings cut Friday. The move could boost borrowing costs in Paris and undermine a plan to contain the European debt crisis. But the loss of France's AAA rating is also likely to play a role in President Nicolas Sarkozy's re-election bid.

Kinsey Wilson, an NPR senior vice president and general manager of NPR Digital Media, is becoming executive vice president and chief content officer. Margaret Low Smith, who has been acting senior vice president for news, is continuing in that role.

Sock monkeys, the red-mouthed, yarn-topped toys with a wide smile, were born during the Great Depression and handcrafted for the working class. Devotees of the little critters are still cherishing them at the annual festival dedicated to the Sock Monkey in Rockford, Ill.

Much has been made of the unusual volatility of the GOP race this year, with candidates taking turns in the front-runner spot in Iowa. But with more outside money and a reliance on social media, the run-up to this election season's Iowa caucuses has been different in other ways as well.

In fraud charges filed Friday, the agency accused six former top executives of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac of lying about the number of subprime loans on their books. The SEC said the executives knew what was happening and even encouraged the deception.

Rick Santorum racked up two wins in the South, Newt Gingrich vowed to stay in the race until Tampa, and Mitt Romney failed to put doubts about his candidacy to rest.