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10 things to know for Thursday

Photo

Photo by Associated Press

In this Jan. 7, 2013 file photo, President Barack Obama shakes hands with Defense Secretary-nominee, former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Hagel says his months fighting in Vietnam alongside his brother Tom shaped his view of what it’s like to be a soldier in war, an experience that will inform his work if the Senate confirms him to be defense secretary. While Hagel, who was twice wounded, suggests caution when using military force, he also adopts a hard line toward Iran. His nomination hearings begin Thursday.

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today. Note that some stories are not yet published:

1. BAD ECONOMIC NEWS HURTS OBAMA AGENDA

News that the nation's economy shrunk is overshadowing the president's pushes on gun control and immigration. Click here for story

2. ISRAELI LAWMAKER HINTS MORE STRIKES ON SYRIA

Tzachi Hanegbi says such a strike is not enough to stop the threat of weapons reaching Hezbollah militants. Click here for story

3. HAGEL FACES HIS PARTY CRITICS

Republicans who oppose Hagel's positions on nuclear weapons, Israel and Iran will grill him as confirmation hearings begin for the Defense Secretary nominee. Click here for story

4. ALABAMA STANDOFF STRETCHES INTO SECOND DAY

Police say they're still talking to a 65-year-old retired truck driver holed up in a bunker with a 5-year-old hostage. Click here for story

5. NEW JERSEY SENATOR RETURNS MONEY TO DONOR FOR CARIBBEAN JAUNTS

Robert Menendez paid the donor $58,500 from his personal account for the Dominican Republic trips, and denied allegations he had sex there with prostitutes. Click here for story

6. NEWTOWN FAMILIES CALL FOR 'MOMENT OF TRANSFORMATION'

Parents of children killed at the Connecticut elementary school spoke out for high-capacity weapons bans at a public hearing. Click here for story

7. WHY IT'S NOT CALLED 'SEXERCISE'

One activity you thought might be doing you some good and burning extra calories probably isn't.

8. TE'O HOAXTER SAYS NOTRE DAME STAR WASN'T PART OF JOKE

Ronaiah Tuiaososopo tells Dr. Phil McGraw that he fell deeply in love with Te'o while pretending to be his online girlfriend. The interview airs today. Click here for story

9. LAST OF THE ANDREWS SISTERS DIES

Patty Andrews, who boosted morale on the home front with songs like "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B," was 94. Click here for story

10. BET ON IT: BALTIMORE WILL WIN THE SUPER BOWL

The AP's Barry Wilner favors the Ravens because of their tough defense and underappreciated QB Joe Flacco. Click here for story