U.S. closes embassy in Syria; diplomats leave

Obama administration makes most dramatic move since President Bashar Assad’s regime began violent crackdown against dissenters 11 months ago. U.S. cites concerns about safety of personnel and car bombs.

States have until today to accept nationwide foreclosure settlement

States have until today to accept nationwide foreclosure settlement

The deal with banks could grow to $25B if California agrees to sign on.

When it comes to online dating, you can click and click without clicking

When it comes to online dating, you can click and click without clicking

A new analysis of 400 academic studies shows that romantic chemistry isn’t an exact science.

Jane Ladsen, center, with her partner Pat Body. (The Post)

Jane Ladsen, center, with her partner Pat Body. (The Post)

Bearing a heavy burden for family

BLACK WOMEN IN AMERICA | They may be pillars of their communities, but the recession has left behind a cracked foundation for many black women.

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In an undated handout picture released by TMC – NBC Universal on December 8, 2011 British actress Michelle Dockery (R) playing Lady Mary Crawley and actor Dan Stevens (L) in his role as Matthew Crawley pose on the set of hit British television series Downton Abbey. The popular period-drama series Downton Abbey, that centers on the Crawley family and their servants in the years leading up to the start of World War I, will hit screens in France on December 10, underlining the popularity of this 'Made in Britain' show. AFP PHOTO / TMC - NBC UNIVERSAL RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT ' AFP PHOTO / TMC - NBC UNIVERSAL ' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - NO ARCHIVE (Photo credit should read -/AFP/Getty Images)

‘Downton Abbey’ fashion

PHOTOS | Popular period drama reintroduces WWI-era style to audiences and fuels fashion trends.

Extra host Maria Menounos, left, and AJ Calloway, right, look on before the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

Celebrities at the Super Bowl

PHOTOS | Musicians, actors and athletes that made appearances in days leading up to the game.

Romney cleans up

Romney cleans up

While the front-runner won big in Florida, Newt Gingrich had a meltdown.

Featured Photo Galleries

Halftime at the Super Bowl

Elaborate musical shows by top performers highlight the NFL's biggest game.

The Puppy Bowl

Animal Planet offers up its eighth year of Super Bowl counter-programming.

Annual Ford Black College Quiz Game Show

"Jeopardy!"-style televised game show at Howard University.

Day in photos

Super Bowl Fan Jam, Arctic weather in Europe, D.C. groundhog and more in the day in photos

The Giants win Super Bowl XLVI

The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the NFL championship game.

A willingness to help

Some black women feel a responsibility to help family members in need.

Occupy Wall Street in D.C.

U.S. Park Police check protesters at Freedom Plaza, resulting in one arrest.

Eye on entertainment

Carrie Underwood Madonna, Snoop Dogg, Donald Sutherland and other celebrities.

Featured Videos

Giants beat Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI (1:18)

Giants beat Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI (1:18)

The Giants have their fourth Super Bowl title following Sunday's 21-17 win over the Patriots. Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning engineered a game-winning 88-yard drive that ended with Ahmad Bradshaw's six-yard touchdown run with :57 remaining. (Feb. 5)
Eli Manning named Super Bowl M.V.P. (1:40)

Eli Manning named Super Bowl M.V.P. (1:40)

Eli Manning won his second Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award Sunday night after guiding the New York Giants to a 21-17 comeback victory over the New England Patriots. The AP's Ted Shaffrey reports from Indianapolis. (Feb. 6)
Rick Santorum visits sweater vest factory (1:03)

Rick Santorum visits sweater vest factory (1:03)

Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum toured a clothing manufacturer in Minnesota that makes his trademark sweater vests. (Feb. 5)
Pepsi Super Bowl ad sneak peek: 'Fit for a King' (2:56)

Pepsi Super Bowl ad sneak peek: 'Fit for a King' (2:56)

Pepsi's Super Bowl ad preview features Sir Elton John and X-Factor winner Melanie Amaro.
Romney addresses supporters after Nevada win (1:59)

Romney addresses supporters after Nevada win (1:59)

Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney cruised to victory in the Nevada caucuses Saturday night, notching a second straight victory. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Rep. Ron Paul vied for a distant second. (Feb. 4)
After Syria's deadliest day, U.N. fails to stop Assad (2:11)

After Syria's deadliest day, U.N. fails to stop Assad (2:11)

In an emergency session, the U.N. Security Council failed to approve a resolution calling for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step aside, following the deadliest one-day crackdown in Syria's 11-month uprising. (Feb. 5)
Newt Gingrich vows to campaign until convention (1:32)

Newt Gingrich vows to campaign until convention (1:32)

Despite an easy victory by GOP front-runner Mitt Romney, former House speaker Newt Gingrich swatted aside any talk of a withdrawal after the Nevada caucuses Saturday. Gingrich says he'll campaign until the party convention this summer. (Feb. 4)

Featured Discussions

Live Q&A

Best and Worst Super Bowl Ads

Best and Worst Super Bowl Ads

Chat at noon ET | What was the best commercial from Sunday night? It’s up for debate with the creators of Volkswagen’s ‘Dog Strikes Back’ ad.

Full chat schedule

Hax-Philes

Incubation etiquette?

Incubation etiquette?

What’s the proper way to ask a friend to be a surrogate mother?

More conversations

Politics

For Gingrich, math is key to his delegate fight

Complex strategy hinges on the South, but some doubt whether Republican presidential candidate has the discipline or resources to carry it out.

(Evan Vucci / AP)

Diversions

Entertainment News

NBC and NFL apologize for M.I.A.

NBC and NFL apologize for M.I.A.

Delay failed, league saw no sign in rehearsals singer would make obscene gesture and curse.

Troupe steps from past to present

Troupe steps from past to present

Step Afrika committed to preserving traditions of art form while also working to propel genre forward.

Lifestyle

K Street: The route of all evil?

K Street: The route of all evil?

Its reputation as influence-peddling central is out of date, but it’s still Washington’s main drag.

Murder interrupts idyllic family life

Murder interrupts idyllic family life

REVIEW | A prosecutor and his wife struggle with their son’s possible guilt in Landay’s ”Defending Jacob.”