The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) kicked off Thursday in its 40th annual rendition. Among its speakers was Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), who insisted the Republican Party needs to shift its platform.

It isn't new ground for the libertarian-minded lawmaker, but his reception at CPAC was indicative of party change:

tea party movement took shape in 2007. Yet, it is hardly a reflection of the anti-war, anti-deficit, pro-civil liberty message that propelled its early popularity.

McCarthy's PhotoWorks / Shutterstock.com

*CORRECTION: The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) is not counsel in the suit of a constitutional challenge to the U.S. government's No Fly List procedures in the federal district court in Oregon. Updated 2/20/13.

On September 11, 2001, it was clear that air-travel could be used to harm innocent people. Congress responded by creating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on November 19, 2001.

Presidents' Day, also celebrated as Washington's Birthday, is a holiday celebrated in honor of the first President of the United States and his successors.

Originally celebrated on February 22, Washington's actual date of birth, it was changed in the 1970's to the third Monday of February to give employees a three day weekend, making the holiday impossible to fall on Washington's birthday.

Ricardo Garza / Shutterstock.com

US Capitol Hill dome detail at night by Orhan Cam via Shutterstock.com