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President Obama will on Monday name former GOP Sen. Chuck Hagel to be his next defense secretary, an administration official confirmed to NPR. Hagel's past comments on Iran, Israel and gays have come under scrutiny.

The so-called "Bridge to Nowhere" came to symbolize all that's wrong with earmarks in Congress. But during the past few weeks, as Speaker John Boehner struggled to rally support for his alternate tax plan, some said earmarks could have helped him convince fellow Republicans to push legislation through the House.

Brazil is now a world power when it comes to food production. And a leading symbol of that might is Katia Abreu, a senator, landowner and head of the country's most powerful Big Agro association. But environmentalists say limits need to be placed on the farming industry in order to protect the forests of the Amazon.

Researchers find that when young people exercise, their mental health improves through a more positive self-image and through winning friends. But sports psychologists aren't sure whether exercise makes teenagers more confident or more confident teenagers take part in sports.

On the Map author Simon Garfield speaks with NPR's Steve Inskeep about the history of maps, how they can be used as political tools, and how GPS and modern mapping applications are changing the way we see ourselves and our place in the world.

John Brennan is one of the president's top national security aides. A veteran of the CIA, he was the agency's deputy executive director during President George W. Bush's administration. Brennan has said he opposed many of the Bush administration's policies, including the use of waterboarding.

French President Francois Hollande has vowed to improve his country's competitiveness. But to better compete, France has to overhaul its labor market, and some hard-earned workers' rights and privileges could be lost.

DANVILLE, Ky. - Centre College has been ranked by a publication as one of the top 10 colleges in the country for alumni donors. The private college in…

Also: Bank of America agrees to pay billions to Fannie Mae; oil rig that ran aground off Alaska is refloated; Syrian opposition rejects Assad's "peace plan;" NHL players and owners reach tentative deal, season may start soon; NFL playoffs get underway.

The agreement resolves claims against the bank about mortgage-backed securities it sold before the housing bust. Many weren't worth what was promised. Also today, BofA and other banks are expectd to settle claims related to alleged foreclosure abuses.