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When the funny business stopped paying, comedy writer Andrew Borakove needed to find a better future. Broke with another kid on the way, he was desperate to reinvent himself. That's when the gong appeared.

Sock monkeys, the red-mouthed, yarn-topped toys with a wide smile, were born during the Great Depression and handcrafted for the working class. Devotees of the little critters are still cherishing them at the annual festival dedicated to the Sock Monkey in Rockford, Ill.

When politicians need to know every damning detail about their opponent, they call people like Alan Huffman and Michael Rejebian. The two former investigative journalists say they aren't looking to fuel smear campaigns — just to uncover all the dirt they can.

The White House says restoring the U.S. manufacturing sector is an essential part of getting the economy back on track. GOP candidate Rick Santorum also wants to see tax breaks for manufacturing companies. But economists say tax breaks may not be the best way to help manufacturers.

New York is one of the last remaining states in the country that has yet to redraw its congressional boundaries based on the 2010 census. Lawmakers have tried, and failed, to agree on two seats to eliminate. Meanwhile, a federal judge prepares to release her own political map later this month.

Dogs, cats, birds, fish and even horses are increasingly being used in settings ranging from hospitals and nursing homes to schools, jails and mental institutions. A growing body of scientific research suggests interacting with animals can make us healthier — and benefits them, too.

In Russia, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin scored a decisive victory in Sunday's presidential election. He'll return to the Kremlin and extend his hold on power for six more years. Exit polling showed Putin winning nearly 60 percent of the vote, but independent observers claimed that the election was riddled with violations.

In Ireland, someone broke into Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin. They cut an iron cage and stole the church's most precious relic. It's the preserved heart of St. Laurence O'Toole, Dublin's archbishop from 1162 to 1180. The dean of the cathedral says he's devastated.

It's no surprise that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin won Sunday's election to return to the more powerful post he previously held — president. Also not surprising: Reports of many voting violations, perhaps to ensure his victory.

In Monday's March 5, 2012 political grab bag, President Obama warned U.S. and Israeli politicians that bellicose talk towards Iran only helped that rogue nation by increasing oil prices. Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum appeared tied in Ohio heading into Super Tuesday. Rush Limbaugh's "apology" did little to stem still the outrage over his "slut" remark.