Federal decisiveness thrives, for a week at least

WASHINGTON (AP) — For all the talk of Washington gridlock, the three branches of government are asserting their powers this week, and sometimes surprising their closest observers.

The Supreme Court kept affirmative action alive on college campuses and cleared the way for gay married couples to get federal benefits. A compromise-crafting Senate passed major immigration legislation. And President Barack Obama issued long-awaited orders to combat climate change.