AP - Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid said Tuesday Congress will force executives of American International Group to pay back at least some of the $165 million in bonuses they received after the insurance giant got billions in federal bailout money.

AP - Pope Benedict XVI said on his way to Africa Tuesday that condoms were not the answer in the continent's fight against HIV, his first explicit statement on an issue that has divided even clergy working with AIDS patients.

AP - St. Patrick's Day revelers took a break from worries about the global economy to enjoy a day of shamrock-themed frivolity, dyeing city fountains green, taking icy ocean plunges and crowding sidewalks along parade routes to see and be seen.

AP - Housing construction posted a surprisingly large increase in February, bolstered by strength in all parts of the country except the West.

AP - The family of a woman mauled by a chimpanzee filed a lawsuit seeking $50 million in damages against the primate's owner, saying she was negligent and reckless for lacking the ability to control "a wild animal with violent propensities."

Reuters - Pope Benedict arrived in Africa on Tuesday on his first trip to the continent as pontiff, seeking support for the continent during the world economic crisis and hoping to encourage peace and help tackle corruption.

AFP - Madagascar's beleaguered President Marc Ravalomanana resigned and transferred power to the military on Tuesday after a months-long political crisis which left around 100 people dead.

Reuters - U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the lone woman on the nine-member court, said on Tuesday she would undergo chemotherapy after her surgery for pancreatic cancer.

AP - President Barack Obama on Tuesday selected Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney to be U.S. ambassador to Ireland, turning to a lifelong Republican who provided the Democrat critical campaign support during the White House race.

Reuters - Madagascar's President Marc Ravalomanana handed power to the armed forces Tuesday, paving the way for an opposition takeover after a months-long power struggle on the Indian Ocean island.

AP - President Barack Obama is again asking Congress to pass his $3.6 trillion budget, saying it will "spark the transformation" the country needs to remain economically competitive.

Reuters - Oklahoma politician Mike Reynolds believes the federal government has gone too far this time.