Gay marriage in the Empire State –
Rainbows fly, new freedoms endowed.
But new language that came rather late –
Makes religious exemptions allowed.

Thousands of troops ordered home –
In Afghanistan, a drawdown begins.
But insurgents with violence still roam –
A hospital bombing — will democracy win?

A vague promise Syria’s leader did deliver –
But fights at the border carry on.
Crackdowns certain to make many shiver –
As well as torture and flights to Lebanon.

Up north, agreement for austerity –
But Athens protests — still do not halt.
Greek’s future — when will there be clarity?
Junk bonds — could lead to default.

Wal-Mart — the high court did help –
National class action all of a sudden much harder.
But tobacco companies this week did yelp –
Labels meant — to make decisions smarter.

Planned Parenthood debates sweep the nation –
In Wisconsin — the budget won’t fund.
But in Indiana, a judge’s interpretation –
Says abortion doesn’t mean — public money can be shunned.

A look into an al-Qaeda cell phone –
Shows ties to ally Pakistan.
Some think Osama’s hiding was always known –
Some think it wrong — to accuse yet again.

Congressional debt talks still suffer –
Birdies and bogies weren’t solutions enough.
But at the U.S. Open — could he have been tougher?
For Rory’s competition — eight strokes was rough.

Tunisians made Ali a criminal –
The citizens’ — legal solution.
On Libya — a House decision pivotal –
Looking — to the War Powers Resolution.

LulzSec says its ending its mission –
And toward homes — North Dakota waters still crawl.
But who could forget last Sunday’s tradition?
A new Miss USA means world peace for all.

Thanks to the Cheat Sheet on The Daily Beast for pointing me to many of these stories.