California Governor Jerry Brown announced Tuesday that he has appointed Karen Stapf Walters as the new Executive Director of the California Board of Education.

In light of the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, Congress has requested an additional 1,000 Marine security guards be added to the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group in order to beef up security at America's overseas diplomatic interests, but fulfilling this request could be easier said than done, and it may not be enough to thwart another attack.

The Marine Corps Embassy Security Group

On Monday afternoon, former Senate Republican Leader, Jim Brulte, announced he will be a candidate for chairman of the California Republican Party (CRP).

The question of gun control has fiercely reentered the American dialogue and in 2013 the issue is set to incur an intense battle within Congress.

Republican congressman Rand Paul visited Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing his support for the Israeli state but also his reservations on American foreign aid to the Middle Eastern country. The visit is coming to a close just as Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak arrives in Washington today.

The California Safe and Responsible Driver Act is a proposed bill to give a DMV-issued driver’s license to all illegal immigrants in California who can show proof of tax payment or insurance. Assembly Bill 60 (AB 60) was introduced by Luis Alejo (D- Salinas), following a new California law for 2013 which now grants state driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants who arrived in California as children.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) has been a growing movement in education. It’s part of the public debate regarding school curriculum and reform. The related fields are also a growing economic force, as STEM job opportunities continue to increase and result in higher salaries. STEM education may be the key to closing achievement gaps for low-income students.