Some Republicans are criticizing President Barack Obama’s address on national security. In his remarks, the president cited a narrower terror threat from smaller networks and homegrown extremists. Republicans say he’s underestimating the strength of al-Qaida. And they disagree with his proposal to repeal the president’s broad post-9/11 powers to use military force against America’s enemies. 

Lois Lerner  — the Internal Revenue Service official who led the unit that targeted tea party groups and publicly disclosed the activity — has been replaced, making her the third top IRS official moved aside since the episode was revealed two weeks ago. Sources confirmed yesterday that Lerner has been placed on administrative leave. 

An Illinois House panel has approved legislation allowing public possession of concealed guns. The measured was endorsed by the House Judiciary Committee yesterday and goes to the full House today. The measure would require the Illinois State Police to issue concealed carry permits to qualified gun owners. 

The Boy Scouts of America has decided to allow openly gay Scouts but not gay Scout leaders. Sixty-one percent of the BSA’s National Council who cast ballots supported the controversial proposal drafted by the governing Executive Committee. Some warn the compromise could fracture the organization and lead to mass defections. 

Officials in Washington state say no one was killed when a section of Interstate 5 bridge gave way Thursday evening. Three people who were injured are listed in stable condition. An emergency official in Washington state says the water depth where cars plummeted off a collapsed bridge is about 15 feet, and the vehicles were still half-visible in the water.