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Myanmar is opening up, after a nominally civilian government replaced a decades-old military regime last year and began political changes. The metamorphosis is occurring from the top down. But crucial questions remain unanswered, and it's unclear whether the moves are permanent.

Puerto Rico holds its Republican primary in March. The island's Republican rising star governor, Luis Fortuno, has endorsed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. In return, Romney has promised to support statehood for Puerto Rico.

An extra day. How will you use it? Here are 24 ideas. None of them takes longer than an hour. And if you don't have time to get to everything on the list, don't worry. Maybe in 2016.

The Federal Reserve plans to keep short-term interest rates near zero until 2014, about 18 months longer than planned. Rates have already been low for several years, and there's much debate about the benefits and costs of the Fed's policies — including the message it sends that the economy's recovery is slower than expected.

News Corp. said he was stepping down to focus on the company's international TV business.

Five years ago on the last day of February, he told Congress the economy's fundamentals were strong. On this last day of February 2012, he predicted that inflation will remain in check.

Robert Siegel talks to three former GOP party chairmen and governors about the results of Tuesday's primaries in Michigan and Arizona. Haley Barbour of Mississippi says President Obama is the "great unifier" for Republicans, and that Republicans should focus on opposing Obama's policies. Marc Racicot of Montana says the GOP should make economic issues a priority, rather than focusing too intently on social issues. And Jim Gilmore of Virginia says he feels a connection must be made between the GOP and blue-collar voters.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke acknowledged that the economy is improving on Wednesday, but he isn't convinced the recovery is self-sustaining. He reaffirmed the Fed's position that the economy will likely need super-low interest rates well into 2014.

The U.S. says North Korea has agreed to suspend nuclear tests, long-range missile launches and the enrichment of uranium. In turn, the U.S. will send food aid. But analysts say the deal is just the first step in reopening talks on North Korea's nuclear program.

On Capitol Hill Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke mentioned some positive developments on the economic front — including a decline in the jobless rate. But he added long-term unemployment is still a big concern.