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Tuesday

Logic Behind Obama News Conference Hard To Fathom

President Obama answers questions during his news conference at the White House on Tuesday. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP hide caption

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Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

Analysis

It's All Politics

Logic Behind Obama News Conference Hard To Fathom

What stood out were the moments he seemed at a loss with the frustrations of dealing with Congress. But no matter how frustrating a president finds this dilemma, it does not advance his cause to wear his frustration in public. Yes, he must acknowledge the difficulties he faces, but he also needs to transcend them.

New York: A Concrete Jungle And 'City Of Trees,' Too

Tulip Courtesy of Benjamin Swett hide caption

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Courtesy of Benjamin Swett

Reporter's Notebook

New York: A Concrete Jungle And 'City Of Trees,' Too

People generally don't associate trees with New York City, and if they do, they tend to think only of Central and Prospect parks. But the city is filled with old, beloved trees, some dating back more than 200 years, many of them located in the unsung outer boroughs.

New York: A Concrete Jungle And 'City Of Trees,' Too

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The Sequester: Cuts And Consequences

Sequester Puts Some Needing Housing Aid 'Back To Square One'

Housing authorities across the country have all but stopped issuing rent vouchers as they try to deal with across-the-board spending cuts. Many newly issued vouchers have been rescinded, leaving some people homeless or doubled up with family and friends.

Sequester Puts Some Needing Housing Aid 'Back To Square One'

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Why An Immigration Deal Won't Solve The Farmworker Shortage

American farms like this iceberg lettuce field owned by Duda Farm Fresh Foods outside Salinas, Calif., are facing a dwindling supply of farmworkers from rural Mexico. Kirk Siegler hide caption

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Kirk Siegler

The Salt

Why An Immigration Deal Won't Solve The Farmworker Shortage

Many farmers are cheering government proposals to give thousands of seasonal farmworkers a path to legal status. But even if the bill passes, it won't solve the long-term trend of fewer migrants coming north to work on U.S. farms. Farmers will instead have to learn how to do more with less immigrant labor.

Why An Immigration Deal Won't Solve The Farmworker Shortage

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Sports

Gay Athlete Says Jason Collins' Coming Out Will Save Lives

NBA player Jason Collins came out as gay in Sports Illustrated this week. Reaction to his announcement has been largely positive. Melissa Block speaks with former tennis great Martina Navratilova about Collin's decision to come out, and Navratilova's own experience after she came out over 30 years ago.

Gay Athlete Says Jason Collins' Coming Out Will Save Lives

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Law

George Zimmerman Waives Right To 'Stand Your Ground' Hearing

George Zimmerman, charged with murder in the Trayvon Martin shooting, is back in court. His lawyers say prosecutors have adopted unethical tactics that have hampered Zimmerman's defense. The case goes to trial in May and Zimmerman's lawyers say the government is making it hard for them to be ready.

George Zimmerman Waives Right To 'Stand Your Ground' Hearing

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Politics

Obama Renews Call To Close Guantanamo Amid Hunger Strike

For months now prisoners at the military prison at Guantanamo Bay have been on a hunger strike. It started in January with dozens of men refusing meals. Now more than 100 of the 166 detainees at Guantanamo have joined the protest. More than a dozen of them are being force-fed. Defense attorneys say the reason for the strike can be summed up in one word: Hopelessness. The men think they will never leave Guantanamo. But now the protest appears to have worked. On Tuesday, the White House appeared to be paying attention. President Obama said he would make a fresh attempt to close the prison.

Obama Renews Call To Close Guantanamo Amid Hunger Strike

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Law

Trial Begins For Protesters Who Broke Into Nuclear Complex

Jury selection begins next week in the trial of three nuclear protestors who broke into the Y-12 Nuclear Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tenn., last summer. The Department of Energy facility houses the nation's stockpile of highly-enriched uranium. The break-in was significant in some unexpected ways.

Trial Begins For Protesters Who Broke Into Nuclear Complex

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On California Prisons, It's The Governor Vs. The Courts

Gov. Jerry Brown in January calls for federal judges to return control of California prisons to the state. This month, a federal appeals court denied Brown's request and ordered the state to reduce its prison population immediately. Rich Pedroncelli/AP hide caption

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Rich Pedroncelli/AP

On California Prisons, It's The Governor Vs. The Courts

California Gov. Jerry Brown is trying to end federal oversight of his state's prison system, with little success. Legal experts have compared his position to those of Southern governors who defied court orders to integrate public facilities in the 1950s.

Criminologist Believes Violent Behavior Is Biological
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Author Interviews

Criminologist Believes Violent Behavior Is Biological

Fresh Air

In a new book, The Anatomy of Violence, Adrian Raine argues that violent behavior has a biological basis just like depression or schizophrenia. This raises questions about treatment, accountability and punishment, including the death penalty.

Criminologist Believes Violent Behavior Is Biological

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