Welcome to the first Monday of 2013, the day college football will crown a national champion. But before Alabama v. Notre Dame, here are a few news items to get your week started.

– Bank of America reaches $10 billion settlement over troubled mortgages.

– A former gang member now helps San Francisco prosecutors decide whom to lock up.

– Is this Minnesotan blowing the whistle or violating patients’ rights?

– Will China close its labor camps?