Final Word: Supreme Court to Decide On Gay Marriage

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Gay Marriage to Be Decided  It’s the decision millions have been waiting for -- the Supreme Court will take up cases to settle the fight over legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. It’s permitted in 36 states, but remains a divisive issue. As those for and against continue the debate, one expert said it’s impossible to overstate the significance of a decision “on such a fundamental piece of our social fabric.”     Learn More

Spike in Flu Deaths  The worsening flu epidemic is far more lethal to children now, with four times as many deaths from the virus as compared to this time last year. Hospitals are filling up with sufferers, including a 16-month-old who was rushed to a New York hospital after he awoke, struggling to breathe. The virulent strain is also hitting adults hard. Dr. Nancy Snyderman reports on what to at the first sign of symptoms.     Learn More

Europe On Edge  A day after dozens of terror raids in France, Belgium and Germany, U.S. officials said they were aware of the threat in Belgium and pledged to share more intelligence. Britain’s Prime Minister Cameron stepped up security at Jewish schools and talked tough while meeting with President Obama at the White House. “The world is sickened by this terrorism,” he said, while acknowledging the fight will be a “long, hard struggle.”     Learn More

Prayer Battle Hits Home  A religious controversy that led to death threats has prompted the quieting of the Muslim call to prayer at Duke University. The idea of using the Methodist campus’ iconic bell tower for the school’s Muslim students’ Friday prayers quickly turned from a unifying gesture into a divisive moment. NBC’s Kate Snow in Durham, North Carolina, reports on why the school changed its plans.     Learn More

Parenting Debate  Just how much should the government be able to say about your parenting style? A family in Maryland is bumping up against those legal limits. Their “free range” style of parenting means they let their 10- and-6-year-old walk to the park alone, which has this couple under investigation by child protective services. The parents say part of growing up is learning to do things on your own.     Learn More

Hottest Year Ever On Record  Even if it was a cold one where you live, 2014 was officially the warmest year ever recorded -- and it’s only getting hotter, according to a new report from NASA and NOAA. They note persistent rising temps, warming oceans and stronger hurricanes. “This is confirmation of global warming,” says the report. And as they point to the cause, record heat is already taking a tough toll on those in California.     Learn More

Jim Maceda Signs Off  He’s covered it all and been shot at in war zones. After 35 years at this network, Jim Maceda is signing off. Brian Williams offered this goodbye: “Maceda is hanging up his spurs and heading for an undisclosed farmhouse in Portugal with his wife, Cindy...we wish our friend Jim all the best and a long life ahead.”     Learn More

The Pope’s Surprise Visit  As millions embrace the Pope during his visit to the Philippines, one group of children never imagined they would meet him. But he made an unexpected visit today. It wasn’t on his itinerary and when his motorcade pulled up, it gave hope to those who are so often overlooked.     Learn More