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Thursday

Hagel's Hearing: 7 Things We Learned

Secretary of Defense nominee Chuck Hagel testifies Thursday before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing. Alex Wong/Getty Images hide caption

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Alex Wong/Getty Images

It's All Politics

Hagel's Hearing: 7 Things We Learned

Defense secretary nominee Chuck Hagel's confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee made clear that the former Republican senator has said things that don't sit well with current Republican senators. And for all that we learned, the hearing ended with one lingering question.

South L.A. Teens Doubt New Laws Will Change Gun Culture

Handguns collected in South-Central Los Angeles as part of a Gun for Gift Card exchange in 2009. One teenager here says getting a gun on the streets is just "one phone call away." Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images

South L.A. Teens Doubt New Laws Will Change Gun Culture

In South Los Angeles, murders, robberies and rapes are common — and so are guns and shootings. "We're so used to this," says one teen. "This is everyday life for us." Proposed gun laws don't seem relevant when so many old guns are stolen or passed around, and when serial numbers are filed off.

South L.A. Teens Doubt New Laws Will Change Gun Culture

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Art & Design

Painted Gnomes Allowed To Roam On Oakland Utility Poles

Over the past year, small, elfin creatures started springing up all around Oakland, Calif., on the base of utility poles. The local utility had vowed to remove them but now says the paintings can stay.

Painted Gnomes Allowed To Roam On Oakland Utility Poles

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Law

'Check Yes Or No': The Hurdles Of Job Hunting With A Criminal Past

WNYC

One in five Americans has a criminal record, according to some estimates. And while punishment is usually temporary, those records can last forever. With an already stiff job climate, finding employment can be even tougher for those millions with unlawful pasts.

'Check Yes Or No': The Hurdles Of Job Hunting With A Criminal Past

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Business

Fishermen Worry Cod Limits Could Put Them Out Of Business

Fishery managers in New England have approved big cuts in the commercial catch limit for cod. The regulators say the cuts are needed to save the cod fishery from collapse — but fishermen say they will destroy their industry and many other businesses along with it.

Fishermen Worry Cod Limits Could Put Them Out Of Business

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Media

'New York Times' The Target Of Chinese Cyber Attack

The New York Times says hackers in China infiltrated the newspaper's computer systems. The Chinese government closely watches and censors Chinese media reports about policy and officials but it is less able to do so with the foreign press. The attack on the Times may signal a tactic that can be used against foreign news organizations.

'New York Times' The Target Of Chinese Cyber Attack

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Hagel Grilled By Fellow Republicans At Confirmation Hearing

President Obama's pick to lead the Pentagon testified in a confirmation hearing before a Senate panel on Thursday. Former Sen. Chuck Hagel, a Republican, faces opposition chiefly from members of his own party. Senators grilled him over his support for Israel, American policy toward Iran, and cutbacks in the defense budget.

Hagel Grilled By Fellow Republicans At Confirmation Hearing

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Senator Menendez Under Fire As He Takes Up Senate Foreign Relations Gavel

New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez this month personally repaid nearly $59,000 for two trips to the Dominican Republic aboard a private jet. The jet is owned by a Florida eye doctor who is under investigation by the FBI.

Senator Menendez Under Fire As He Takes Up Senate Foreign Relations Gavel

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Politics

The Coming Fight Over Immigration Policy

President Barack Obama says he hopes that the immigration reform plan designed out by a bipartisan Senate committee will become a bill as soon as March. The president also warned, that this debate will become more heated and emotional as it moves ahead.

The Coming Fight Over Immigration Policy

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