World - WASPS – Women Airforce Service Pilots – received the Congressional Gold Medal for the missions they flew during World War II.
World - Advocates of legislation to create a national insurance program say it's better to plan ahead than do a bailout after a natural disaster. Critics say it would amount to a subsidy for owners of coastal mansions and encourage people to live in places they shouldn't.
World - The bill gained bipartisan support and passed Wednesday 62 to 36. Among other things, the measure extends popular tax breaks for companies that take part in high-tech job creation.
World - The murder of Chelsea King this month has prompted California to change how it handles the records of convicted sex offenders, following an order by Governor Schwarzenegger.
World - Tolerant European societies are prosecuting 'blasphemers' of Islam. Does this leave artists like Lars Vilks more vulnerable to terror plots and attacks like the one allegedly planned by American ‘Jihad Jane’?
World - Chief Justice John Roberts said Tuesday, in response to an audience question, he was troubled that President Obama used the occasion of his State of the Union address to criticize a Supreme Court ruling. The Obama White House, in turn, reiterated its objection to the court's decision.
World - Academics and education officials have drafted a broad outline of academic standards in English and math. The standards could eventually replace the current patchwork of state standards.
World - Gun owners have been meeting in coffee shops, parks, and restaurants wearing holstered weapons. California Assembly Member Lori Saldaña says 'open carry' of guns can create ‘potentially dangerous situations.’
World - The most powerful politicians in Lebanon resumed discussions on national defense, with questions of how to rein in Shiite political party Hezbollah's powerful military wing on the table.
World - Commentators have called Israel's announcement of new settlement construction in East Jerusalem during President Joe Biden's visit a humiliation. But the Palestinian leadership still appears willing to give talks a chance.