Good morning.

Our early headlines:

— U.S., Other 'Friends Of Syria,' To Call On Syria's Assad To Step Aside.

— Obama's Tax Plan Is 'Step Forward,' But Not Enough, Key Republican Says.

— From Palin's Emails: 'Are You Flipping Kidding???'

— NPR Promotes Two Executives To Key Posts.

Other stories making headlines:

— "Twelve Killed In Protests Across Afghanistan;" Unrest Continues Over Burning Of Qurans. (Reuters)

— After Maryland Legislature's OK Of Gay Marriage Law, Both Sides "Gear Up For Referendum." (Baltimore Sun)

— "Winter Storm Slams Midwest; New York, New England Up Next." (MSNBC)

— "Federal Authorities Are Conducting Separate Investigation Involving Jerry Sandusky, Penn State, The Second Mile." (The Patriot-News)