Monday's Daily Brief

Monday, February 27, 2012 'The Artist' Takes Best Picture NEW YORK White House Helped Pay For Surveillance Of Muslim Neighborhoods In NYC WORLD Wikileaks Publishes Millions Of Confidential Emails From Security Firm POLITICS Santorum Requests Secret Service Security WORLD Plot To Assassinate Vladimir Putin Reportedly Foiled STYLE PHOTOS: The Oscars 2012 Red Carpet Roundup! BLOG POSTS Michael Smerconish: The Unfaithful Candidate What separates us from Iran or al-Qaeda if we are going to pick our presidents according to religious litmus tests? Perhaps Romney could have quoted the First Amendment and reminded people that it ensures every American's ability to exercise his faith. But he remained silent. Mohamed A. El-Erian: The World Wishes Mandela Well and Needs Him Mr. Mandela, we wish you a quick and full recovery. You have materially improved the well-being of millions and you continue to be a beacon for the many who struggle daily for a better and more just world. Bill Moyers: Contagion and the Conflict Between Religious Beliefs and Immunization Now seven states are considering legislation to make it even easier for mothers and fathers to spare their children from vaccinations, especially on religious grounds. Sen. Mark Warner: A Billion+Change: Supporting Nonprofits Through Skills-Based Pro Bono Service In tough times, we need to find more creative ways to help. Many American businesses have agreed to partner with their employees to donate pro bono services, leveraging the extraordinary talents of their workforce to help support community needs. Nancy Doyle Palmer: Elizabeth Reaser on Broadway, Breasts and Playing Opposite the Big Boys -- Brave and True Elizabeth Reaser talks a little about the sexuality of this role and the physical challenge of the playing both a young teen and a grown woman who is particularly well-endowed.

MOST POPULAR ON HUFFINGTONPOST.COM PHOTOS Our Picks For Oscars Worst-Dressed PHOTOS: The Oscars 2012 Red Carpet Roundup! Oscars 2012: Red Carpet Arrivals ON TWITTER WikiLeaks Reportedly Publishing Millions Of Emails From Security Think Tank Oscar Preview: Your Winning Ballot (Plus the Best Movies Of 2011) HOLY HARVEY: Indie Spirit Awards Dominated By Weinstein's Presence ON FACEBOOK Oscars Best And Worst Dressed Sacha Baron Cohen's Admiral General Aladeen Pranks Ryan Seacrest At The Oscars Banker Leaves 1% Tip In Defiance Of 'The 99%'