The early morning sun rises behind the US Capitol Building in Washington, DC.
- A new pope! Pope Francis, previously Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the first Pope from the New World and the first Jesuit. Click here for the conclave vote breakdown.
- Neither New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) or Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) was invited to speak at the Conservative Political Acton Conference (CPAC) this weekend.
- North Korea engages in artillery exercises. South Korean Prime Minister visits the island attacked by the North in 2010.
- The political risk for Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley in repealing the death penalty.
- In a small victory for gay rights, Sen. Rand Paul endorses “neutral language,” striking marriage from the tax code.
- Republicans are as conservative as ever.
- Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s remarks have put U.S. troops in danger.
- Former President George H.W. Bush gets hit by a flash mob at Texas A&M.