U.S.

"Secure the borders first" has been the cry from Republicans in Congress before they'd agree to comprehensive immigration reform. That stance seems to be changing, as some experts say demanding border security first is backward.

In 2007, Prince William County, Va., voted to step up police checks aimed at driving out illegal immigrants. The move sparked local outcry and national attention, but five years on, supporters and opponents differ on whether the policy has been a success.

Now that marijuana is legal in Washington state, parents and drug counselors face the quandary of what to tell kids about the drug. Counselors, especially, say their job is harder now because of the example of adults who are openly and legally indulging in a substance that, just a few weeks ago, could still be dismissed as illegal.

While some cities push measures that drive immigrants away, some cities are doing exactly the opposite. Dayton, Ohio, adopted a plan to rebuild its battered economy by attracting immigrants — an approach that's influencing the way other cities deal with immigration.

The U.S. military plans to send an Army brigade to Africa next year. Some 4,000 soldiers would deploy — in small units and at different times — to help train and advise African troops. It's part of an Obama administration plan to address the growing challenge posed by terrorism in Africa.

It was a busy year for federal authorities pursuing insider trading cases, such as the one against hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam. Investigators say that success comes largely from their decision to attack insider trading the way they take down the Mafia and drug cartels — with wiretaps, informants and cooperators.

In Newtown, Conn., Christmas is very different this year, a little more than a week after the shooting at an elementary school. Eight families that attend St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church lost children to the tragedy. Parishioners came to Christmas masses there seeking solace, and priests gave a message of hope and comfort.

As the parties wrangle over taxes and the "fiscal cliff," there's been a lot of talk about the golden days of the 1990s — and each party's role in creating it. Yet economists say a lot was happening outside Washington as well.

Undocumented students have played a crucial role in calls for immigration reform. Now, as lawmakers from both parties resume talks of legislation, student leaders have expanded their fight. Sofia Campos, who's at the forefront of the movement, shares her story of unyielding activism.

Maya Thompson's son Ronan died of cancer three days before his fourth birthday. During his illness, she began a raw and sometimes angry blog that drew millions of readers. Thompson has since started a foundation and is funding clinical trials to find a cure for childhood cancer.