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From inside Homs, where activists say several hundred people have been killed by government forces in the past week and troops are preparing for what could be a "ground offensive" in coming days, the reports continue to be grim.

The chairman of the House Financial Services Committee has previously denied any wrongdoing. Now, he says he welcomes the chance to clear his name.

In an interview with NPR's Steve Inskeep, Santorum strategist John Brabender said the candidate's victories this week show he has broadened his base.

Also: Clashes in the streets of Athens over latest Greek austerity measures; Rep. Bachus being investigated over alleged insider trading; trade deficit widens; Jerry Sandusky due in court.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan talks with host Michel Martin about the settlement reached yesterday between federal and state officials and major banks. It was an effort to address unfair banking practices that led to the mortgage crisis. President Obama praised the deal, but critics say the settlement is inadequate.

There's been some skepticism about how much help the $25 billion package will give hard-hit homeowners. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan says there are other remedies for those who were devastated.

The Obama administration generated intense opposition with a ruling that says employers must fully cover birth control in workers' health plans. There's an exception for churches that oppose contraception but no exception for large institutions like universities that are church-affiliated. Now the White House is offering "an accommodation" to the Catholic Church and other critics.

Judge John Cleland also said he would rule later on whether to give Sandusky, who is under house arrest, more freedom and allow visits by his young grandchildren.

Australia's Northern Territory is home to the cunning, powerful and deadly saltwater crocodile — the world's largest. And in the territory's capital, Darwin, the crocodile is both feared and beloved.

Tensions are growing in the tiny Persian Gulf kingdom of Bahrain. Protests by Shiites in outlying areas are growing ahead of next week's anniversary of the uprising. There are daily clashes between protesters and police and some fear that the violence will escalate as the anniversary approaches on Feb. 14, perhaps spreading to the streets of the capital, Manama.