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Ben Winters' mystery novels are set in the capital of New Hampshire, a community hardly known for its crime or intrigue. The twist? In his books, the planet is about to be hit by an asteroid, and everyone knows they're soon going to die. Amid the chaos, one Concord cop fights for law and order.

Thursday's vote comes just weeks after a federal judge ruled the NYPD violated the civil rights of minorities. But Mayor Michael Bloomberg refuses to back down. He's appealing the judge's ruling, and working to block the council bills as well.

The National Security Agency illegally collected emails of tens of thousands of Americans. The numbers are revealed in a newly declassified secret court opinion. The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court found the collection of those emails unconstitutional and ordered the NSA to fix the problem.

The sentencing hearing for Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales continues near Tacoma, Wash. He's pleaded guilty to attacking two Afghan villages last year, massacring 16 men, women and children. Because of the guilty plea, Bales is guaranteed a life sentence. The only question is whether he'll have a chance at parole.

In downtown Madrid, music floats through the air — amateur musicians playing for money. But many are not that good. To shield residents from mediocre musicianship, the city created an "acoustic protection zone." Buskers who wish to perform will be talent tested.

If you board a plane excited for your trip but dreading the possibility of a baby crying, this news is for you. The budget arm of Singapore Airlines — called Scoot — is offering a $14 upgrade to sit in a child-free zone — no one under 12 allowed.

Opposition forces say chemical weapons deployed by the Assad regime killed scores of people on Wednesday. The regime rejects that charge. The claim has some diplomats warning that it may be time for other nations to step in militarily.

Bank of America says too few people are using drive-through teller windows. So, the bank is cutting that service at some branches. Teller lanes from Georgia to Texas have already closed.

Democratic Mayor Bob Filner has reached a tentative deal to settle a suit brought by one of the women who accuses him of sexual harassment. Details of the deal, which must be approved by the city council, have not been released. The Union-Tribune, though, says it sets the stage for his departure.

Also: Quebec mulls setting the prices of books; Junot Diaz on his writing habits.