Brett Zongker in Washington, Gregory Katz in London, Juliet Williams in Sacramento, Elliot Spagat in San Diego, Jason Dearen in San Francisco, David Mercer in Champaign, Ill.

WSJ: Security beefed up worldwide after Boston blasts

David Mercer in Champaign, Ill.

NPR: Loved Ones Seek Word On Boston Runners After Blast

Parliamentarians were allowed a conscience vote, and, crucially, the reform had the backing of both the Prime Minister John Key and leader of the opposition David Shearer, the BBC's Phil Mercer in Sydney reports.

BBC: New Zealand legalises same-sex marriage