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While the first military trials of Obama's presidency are getting under way in Cuba this week, the plan to close the prison has hit a series of roadblocks -- some political and some of the administration's own making.

More than 100 federal judicial slots are open, but Republicans continue to keep many of Obama's nominees bottled up in the confirmation process.

On the last day of the term, the Supreme Court issued two rulings expanding gay rights. In the first, the court ruled 5-4 that the central part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) — the part defining marriage as between a man and a woman — is unconstitutional. In the second, the court ruled that opponents of gay rights had no standing to appeal a lower court ruling striking down California's Proposition 8 ban on gay marriage. It is expected to clear the way for gay marriage in California.

The shakeup comes as Republicans step up pressure over the agency's failed gun trafficking operation. Kenneth E. Melson has stepped down. B. Todd Jones, U.S. attorney for Minnesota, will be the agency's new acting director.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed his plan to implement changes that would weaken the judiciary after opposition to the plan caused widespread, disruptive protests.

Holes in the visa program that allow easy entry into the United States are being re-examined. President Obama is taking steps to tighten the program, while Congress works on a fix.

In a tweet, the president says he'll name former prosecutor Christopher Wray to be his next FBI director. Wray would replace James Comey, who Trump fired.

The police shooting in New York occurred outside a public housing project that's had an increase in crime. Some are trying to reduce violence and debunk myths about those who live in public housing.

Two of the four Americans who were held captive and survived a kidnapping in Mexico last week were taken back into the U.S. shortly before noon on Tuesday amid a heavily armed convoy.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged assistance and deployed armed forces to help with recovery efforts. NPR's A Martinez talks to Canada's Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra.