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The Michigan House approved two measures that would make the state the 24th in the nation to enact right-to-work legislation. Protesters continue to gather at the State Capitol in opposition to legislation that will likely weaken unions in the home of the United Auto Workers.

The Supreme Court has chosen to hear two cases relating to same-sex marriage that would judge the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act and California's Proposition 8. Washington Post opinion writer Jonathan Capehart argues that this is not the best time for a marriage equality ruling.

President Obama is on the road, promoting his solution to the so-called "fiscal cliff." He's also in negotiations over the issue with House Speaker John Boehner. But can they come to an agreement in time? Host Michel Martin talks with Ron Christie, a Republican strategist, and Michael Fauntroy, an associate professor at George Mason University.

The GOP-backed measures, passed earlier in the day by Michigan's state House, were signed into law by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder in the afternoon.

The bill would bar contracts requiring employees to pay union dues as a condition of employment. The proposed right-to-work law has infuriated union leaders in a state considered the heart of the union movement. Michigan's Legislature is expected to pass the bill Tuesday.

In the Supreme Court's Affordable Care Act ruling this summer, it decided that states' plans for expansion of the Medicaid program should be optional. That led governors to ask if they could expand the program in part but still receive federal funding. The administration has said no.

President Vladimir Putin's decision to sack his defense minister has created widespread speculation about his motives. The defense minister was embroiled in a scandal, but analysts say Putin's decision may point to a larger battle over the future of Russia's military.

In an effort to be more precise, accurate and neutral, the Associated Press decided to remove several words, including "Islamophobia" and "homophobia", from the 2013 edition of the AP Stylebook. Chicago Tribune columnist Clarence Page calls the move "a linguistic blow for blandness."

Not long ago, it seemed that the House of Representatives was a case of the tail wagging the dog, with Speaker John Boehner unable to keep in line many fellow Republicans, especially freshmen who came to Congress riding the 2010 Tea Party wave. Now, however, the big dog seems back in control.

The Michigan House and Senate have passed the legislation in different versions, and may take final action on the bills next week. Michigan could become the 24th state to say workers cannot be forced to pay union dues even if they work for a business or government employer with union representation.