In a discussion described as “very candid and constructive,” Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and the Joint Special Envoy for the United Nations and the League of Arab States for the Syrian Crisis, Kofi Annan, agreed on an approach to ending the violence in the Middle Eastern country.

EGYPT'S LEGISLATURE IGNORES COURT. Parliament Meets Despite Supreme Court Ruling.
The Islamist-dominated parliament meets in defiance of a ruling by the country's highest court dissolving the legislature.

SPAIN BAILOUT. European Finance Ministers Offer Economic Lifeline.
The deal which is expected to be finalized soon, says 37 billion euros can be ready by the end of the month.

VULNERABLE HOMEOWNERS. Losing Out Over $400
A National Consumer Law Center report says outdated state laws and misinformation allow big banks to buy houses for a pittance and resell them.

Happy BIRTHDAY, 14th Amendment. Amendment XIV to the United States Constitution was adopted on July 9, 1868, as one of the Reconstruction Amendments.

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. today announced that his office has provided more than $22 million in capital funding to worthy Bronx organizations as part of his FY2013 budget.

In total, Borough President Diaz has provided $22,971,000 in capital funding to organizations from every corner of the Bronx, focusing on areas of economic development, housing, education and parks, among other areas.