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Thousands of women were taken into Magdalene Laundries, run by the Catholic Church, and forced to work without pay. The practice went on for decades after Ireland's independence, with the last one closing in 1996. For the first time, the state has acknowledged and apologized for its role in facilitating the practice.

Pope Benedict XVI leaves the church in the midst of change: American Catholics' social views tend to diverge from the Vatican's, and the church now sees much of its support in South America and Africa. One former member of the College of Cardinals says the next pope will have to be aware of the church's needs in South America.

Playing frozen instruments requires lots of improvisation. Norwegian musician Terje Isungset has a new set for every performance, freshly made to get the most sound out of each instrument before it melts.

Last year, Tea Party favorite and political outsider Rick Scott spent $70 million of his own money to get elected Florida's governor. Faced with a $3.5 billion budget shortfall, the former hospital CEO made unpopular cuts. Now Scott faces another big budget gap — and low approval ratings.

Michael McFaul has been a key figure in the Obama administration's attempt to reset relations with Russia. Now he has become the ambassador, but relations with Moscow are still rocky as the countries differ on several big issues.