by Julie Pace

WASHINGTON (AP)—Blending politics and religion, President Barack Obama said his Christian faith is a driving force behind his economic policies, from Wall Street reform to his calls for the wealthy to pay higher taxes.

SPEAKING ABOUT FAITH—President Barack Obama acknowledges applause, by first lady Michelle Obama, and others, after speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, Feb. 2. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Obama’s remarks Feb. 2 at the National Prayer Breakfast were his most explicit account of how his personal religious beliefs factor into his decision-making on the nation’s pressing problems. The comments came amid election-year criticism from Catholic groups and some Republicans that the president is waging a war on religion following his decision to require church-affiliated institutions to cover free birth control for employees.

ST. LOUIS (AP)—Looking around at the tens of thousands of people waving American flags and cheering, Army Maj. Rich Radford was moved that so many braved a cold January wind Saturday in St. Louis to honor people like him: Iraq War veterans.

The parade, borne out of a simple conversation between two St. Louis friends a month ago, was the nation’s first big welcome-home for veterans of the war since the last troops were withdrawn from Iraq in December.

PROUD VET—Gayla Gibson, a 38-year-old Air Force master sergeant, waits in a staging area before the start of a parade to honor Iraq War veterans Jan. 28, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

“It’s not necessarily overdue, it’s just the right thing,” said Radford, a 23-year Army veteran who walked in the parade alongside his 8-year-old daughter, Aimee, and 12-year-old son, Warren.

GARDENA, Calif. (AP)—Etta James was remembered at a service Saturday attended by hundreds of friends, family and fans as a woman who triumphed against all odds to break down cultural and musical barriers in a style that was unfailingly honest.

INSPIRED PERFORMANCE—Christina Aguilera performs at the funeral of Etta James. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Don Cornelius, who with the creation of "Soul Train" helped break down racial barriers and broaden the reach of black culture with funky music, groovy dance steps and cutting edge style, died early Wednesday of an apparent suicide. He was 75.

DON CORNELIUS