In the Nation

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The man who has led the nation's nuclear security agency since 2007 is stepping down next month after presiding over a 20 percent increase in the agency's budget but also some management missteps that have raised questions about the agency's ability to carry out its mission.

Tom D'Agostino announced Friday he is leaving the National Nuclear Security Administration, which funds and oversees work at the Sandia and Los Alamos national labs in New Mexico. The research centers employ about 20,000 people in the state.

D'Agostino issued a statement saying he wants to spend more time with family and says periodic leadership changes make organizations healthier, the Albuquerque Journal reported.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu issued a statement praising his service. - AP

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - Barely an hour into its gun buyback program Saturday, city police had paid out $5,000 to get 40 guns, including five assault weapons, off the streets.

People waited as long as 30 minutes to exchange their guns for cash - up to $400 for a working assault rifle. Officer Nick Oritz called for backup - kind of - putting in a call for more tables and chairs for the Bridgeport Police community services division.

By day's end, police had taken in 104 weapons and paid out $13,400. The program will resume on Friday. - Hearst Newspapers

MIAMI - Veterans from the failed Bay of Pigs invasion are celebrating 50 years since their release from Cuba.

The first planeload of prisoners arrived at Homestead Air Force Base on Dec. 23, 1962. Some survivors from those flights were reuniting Saturday at the Bay of Pigs Museum in Miami's Little Havana.

More than a 1,100 Bay of Pigs fighters were held for 20 months after the disastrous April 1961 invasion to overthrow Fidel Castro's government. They were eventually released under an agreement in which Cuba would receive more than $50 million worth of food and medical supplies. - AP

Senate Majority Leader

Harry Reid is asking Hawaii's governor to act before the end of the year to fill the Senate vacancy created by the death of Daniel Inouye of Hawaii. Reid said he has asked Gov. Neil Abercrombie to appoint a successor "with due haste." Reid says he wants to ensure Hawaii is fully represented "in the pivotal decisions" the Senate will be making.

The first gorilla born in a zoo is turning 56 and celebrating her birthday with special treats at her Ohio home. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums says the western lowland gorilla named Colo, born at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, is the oldest gorilla in any zoo.