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Most people don't realize that they don't pay taxes on the value of health benefits from their job. If employer-provided health insurance was taxed in the same way as wages, the federal government could gain $250 billion a year. But it would mean higher taxes for many people.

It's finals week for many college students. And to help keep students' blood pressure down, one Canadian university opened a puppy room for students. It's full of borrowed therapy dogs to cuddle.

In the small town near Paris, anyone who fails to say hello or thank you to staff at the town hall will be asked to leave. A recent poll did find that 60 percent of French people list bad manners as their No. 1 cause of stress.

Also: "Fiscal cliff" talks continue; Obama warns Syria about using chemical weapons; judge removed in Fort Hood shooting rampage case; and the world watches as pregnant Kate rests.

President Obama has another four years to pursue his goals. Now, some of the groups who elected him are asking what's in it for them. Host Michel Martin discusses whether the president should pursue a 'black agenda' with The Root's Keli Goff and former Cincinnati Mayor Kenneth Blackwell.

Caregivers have been prosecuted and jailed for harming children by shaking them. Now, some researchers are saying shaken baby syndrome is a more complicated diagnosis than previously thought. Host Michel Martin speaks with Victor Zapana, whose mother was convicted of shaking a baby, and NPR Investigative Correspondent Joe Shapiro.

Data from a soil sample on Mars have NASA scientists buzzing with excitement over a finding that could be "one for the history books." But they're not spilling the beans about their discovery yet.

The producer of an upcoming Nina Simone biopic has cast Afro-Latina actress Zoe Saldana in the lead role — a move that's proved controversial. Critics say that while Saldana is a talented actress, she's too close to traditional light-skinned Hollywood beauty standards.

With stores opening earlier and earlier, it's not just Black Friday anymore. Then it's on to Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Mobile Tuesday.

President Obama is winging his way home from Asia Tuesday. The White House insists domestic budget concerns won't affect U.S. investment in Asia, which was the point of the president's three-nation tour this week. But some in the region are not so sure.