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Gay spouses of service members have long been denied the substantial benefits available to heterosexual couples. Now, Wednesday's Supreme Court ruling that struck down the Defense of Marriage Act means gay married couples can look forward to more equal treatment from the Pentagon.

In two rulings on Wednesday, the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act and cleared the way for same-sex marriages to begin again in California. There were celebrations after the rulings were announced, but others did not welcome the news.

A pigeon that set out on what was to be a 600 mile race in Japan, lost his way and ended up landing 5,000 miles across the Pacific in Canada. When it was found on Vancouver Island, the bird was exhausted and very skinny.

Makaziwe Mandela said while "anything is imminent," only "God knows when the time to go is."

Proponents of the health law liken the sign-up software to Expedia or Travelocity, where travelers can book flights and hotels. It may be more like TurboTax, escorting you through requirements and choices much more complex than whether you want a flight in the afternoon or the morning.

President Obama also said he would not "scramble jets to get a 29-year-old hacker." Ecuador, meanwhile, said it would not negotiate with its principles.

South Africa is on watch for the fate of the 94-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The ailing Mandela, an international icon known for his fight to end apartheid, has been in the hospital for several days. For the latest on his condition, Renee Montagne speaks with NPR's Ofeibea Quist-Arcton.

The Supreme Court handed down major decisions on voting rights, affirmative action, and gay marriage. But what about some of the lower-profile rulings this term? Host Michel Martin runs through those cases with Robert Barnes of the Washington Post.

The reasons Paula Deen couldn't stay on at Food Network are right there in a show it produces.

Chip Starnes had laid off some workers at his Chinese factory and paid them severance but remaining workers were afraid they'd lose their jobs, too. They were so angry they wouldn't let him leave the facility for six days.