Today in the news: Fight breaks out in Ukrainian parliament

Hot video: Melee in Ukrainian parliament

Quote of note

"I've done this job pretty well, and I think people watched me for the last number of weeks in Hurricane Sandy doing 18-hour days and getting right back up the next day and still being just as effective in the job, so I don't really think that would be a problem." -- New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, in response to Barbara Walters' question about those who said he was too overweight to someday become president. Christie was one of Walters' "Ten Most Fascinating People of 2012."

News to know

Russian foreign policy officials announced today that the Syrian government is "losing more and more control and territory" to rebel forces. While Russia is one of Syria's stronger allies, plans have been made to evacuate thousands of Russian citizens living in Syria if the need arises.

This is the first time the Russian government has recognized the possibility of government upset, with Russian deputy foreign minister stating "Unfortunately, we cannot rule out the victory of the Syrian opposition."

Western nations have recently become concerned that the Syrian government plans to use chemical weapons against their own people.  Russia and China, another ally of Syria, have vetoed UN resolutions condemning use of violence by the Syrian government.

GateHouse News Service