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• Obama was kicking off a series of meetings this week with labor officials, business executives and congressional leaders aimed at pushing Congress to avert the so-called "fiscal cliff" and find consensus on a plan to prevent more financial hardships next year. The week will include a tone-setting news conference Wednesday that will give the president the chance to frame his outlook on the year-ending lame duck session.
• The president views his re-election as an affirmation of his belief that raising taxes on families earning more than $250,000 a year is what voters want. Republican House Speaker John Boehner has expressed a willingness to raise revenues but remains opposed to boosting tax rates, pointing instead to closing tax loopholes, lowering rates and fixing entitlement programs.
• Both sides have voiced the potential for cooperation, but face a post-election confrontation over a series of expiring tax cuts approved during the George W. Bush presidency and tough, across-the-board spending cuts set to take place because lawmakers failed to reach a deal to reduce the federal debt.
• Economists have warned the combination of the expiring tax cuts and reduced spending could hinder the economic recovery.
• ___
Steelers edge hapless Chiefs 16-13 but lose QB Ben Roethlisberger to shoulder injury
• PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Their franchise quarterback on his way to the hospital, the momentum firmly on the other side of the field after a stunning last-minute rally by one the NFL's worst teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers appeared lost.
• Then linebacker Lawrence Timmons provided a reminder that -- Ben Roethlisberger or no Ben Roethlisberger -- Pittsburgh's identity begins and ends with defense.
• Timmons intercepted Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel on the second snap of overtime and Shaun Suisham drilled a 23-yard field goal one play later to lift the Steelers to a 16-13 victory over the hapless Chiefs.
• "We just stayed positive," Timmons said. "It's easy to get down on yourself, but we are not like that. We stand up, face adversity."
• Good thing, because there's plenty to go around.
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