INDIANA
Democrats who fled return to CapitolHouse Democrats returned to the Capitol almost five weeks after they fled the state in a political standoff over union rights and school vouchers. Rep. B. Patrick Bauer, the minority leader, said Democrats had been successful in softening the worst parts of the Republicans' agenda. Rep. Brian Bosma, the speaker of the House, welcomed the Democrats' return and argued that the Republicans had conceded little.
WISCONSIN
State won't charge ex-DA in sexting caseThe state won't file criminal charges against a former prosecutor who was accused of sending sexually suggestive text messages to a domestic violence victim. Kenneth R. Kratz resigned as Calumet County district attorney in October after then-Gov. Jim Doyle began the process to remove him from office. Once one woman made a complaint, at least four more women accused Kratz of similar misconduct. Prosecutors concluded they couldn't prove he committed a specific violation.
GERMANY
Merkel's party hints at nuclear shiftChancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Party said that most of Germany's oldest atomic reactors will probably close following safety checks, signaling a shift in energy policy after the anti-nuclear Greens surged in state elections. The future of Germany's 17 nuclear plants took center stage in Sunday's ballots in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. Last year Merkel's government extended the life of the nation's nuclear plants, but after recent events in Japan, she ordered the seven oldest reactors to be shut down during a 90-day review of atomic power.
INDIA
Wild tiger population found to be growingIndia is making progress in saving endangered tigers, with a new nationwide survey estimating a 20 percent increase in their numbers in the wild over the last five years. The survey, released by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, put India's current tiger population at 1,706, compared with 1,411 in 2006. India is home to about half of the world's wild tigers. Their numbers had declined sharply for decades, largely because of poaching and the pressures of development encroaching on their habitat.
AFGHANISTAN
Taliban claims suicide bombing that killed 24The Taliban claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in eastern Paktika Province that killed at least 24 people. The attack appeared aimed at showing the insurgent group's strength as the spring fighting season begins. The Taliban took responsibility a day earlier for kidnapping 50 men in Kunar Province, also in the east. NATO commanders said they anticipated more high-profile Taliban attacks in coming days.
NEWS SERVICES
