New education standards place more emphasis on nonfiction reading and writing over fiction works. Some say this could lead students away from a passionate engagement with literature. Chris Sadowski /iStockphoto hide caption

President Obama gives a speech on Inauguration Day four years ago. Since then, Florida-based Politifact has been tracking his success keeping campaign promises. It released its report card this week. Charles Dharapak/AP hide caption

Tacoma, Wash., tops The Advocate magazine's list of "Gayest Cities in America." It was followed by Springfield, Mass., and Spokane, Wash. Advocate editor Matthew Breen says marriage equality gave the advantage to cities in Washington state this year. USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory hide caption