Seattle Times Special Report: "Washington's civil-commitment program that shields society from the worst sex offenders is burdened with unchecked legal costs and secrecy." That can't be good.

Loose Seal! "A furry surprise straight from the arctic recently showed up in a South Seattle woman’s yard about a mile near the mouth of the Duwamish River." What was this furry surprise? A ribbon seal!

Joe Paterno Died: The Penn State football coach was diagnosed with lung cancer in December. He was 85.

South Carolina: In the words of Paul Constant, "Winner: Newt Gingrich. Loser: Everyone Else."

Mitt Romney Changed His Mind?! Romney announced that he will release his tax returns on Tuesday. He admitted that refusing to release them was a "mistake" and a "distraction."

Is Now Really the Best Time to Join the EU? Croatians are voting in a referendum on EU membership today.

In Yemen: Thousands gathered to protest the new law granting amnesty to President Saleh. Parliament granted him amnesty for crimes committed during his entire 33-year rule in exchange for his resignation.

In Syria: The Arab League agreed to extend its mission by another month. According to the BBC, "Syrian officials are likely to be pleased with the league's decision because they are not afraid of the monitors."