SEN. RAND PAUL, R-KY  (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

by Ashley Killough

(CNN) -- Republican Sen. Rand Paul, who's considering a 2016 presidential bid, made a pitch for his party Wednesday at the historically Black Howard University, arguing why the GOP and African Americans should fall in the same column.

SPEAKS AT DUQUESNE--Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas sits with his wife Virginia Thomas in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

by Kevin Begos

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas said Tuesday he is heartbroken over the persistent poverty and social troubles among many Black communities but has no answers on how to solve these problems.

NEW CONGRESWOMAN--Robin Kelly celebrates her special primary election win in Matteson, Ill., for Illinois' 2nd Congressional District seat, once held by Jesse Jackson Jr. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

by Sophia Tareen

CHICAGO (AP) — Former Illinois state Rep. Robin Kelly, whose campaign received a $2 million boost from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, easily captured Tuesday's special election to replace former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

VISITS SCHOOL--Principal Leonetta Sanders introduces First lady Michelle Obama to the students during her visit to Harper High School at Chicago's Englewood neighborhood April 10. (AP Photo/Chicago Tribune, Nancy Stone, Pool)

by Kevin Liptak

(CNN) -- Returning to her hometown of Chicago Wednesday, Michelle Obama wove a deeply personal story of her upbringing in the city that also delved into the latest subject dividing Washington lawmakers - the battle over gun control.