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President Obama may nominate former Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel to be the next defense secretary. The Vietnam veteran could bring a bipartisan presence to Obama's Cabinet, but only if he survives opposition from some in his own party.

The dog wandered away from home during a big snowstorm last week. The family feared they'd never see their pet again, since she was lost as temperatures fell to 40 below zero. The local newspaper reports the dog's nose led her to the home of a vet, who posted her picture on Facebook.

Also: In video, commander of Syria's military police says he has defected; Egypt has a new constitution; gunman in Western New York left note saying that killing is "what I like doing best;" actors Jack Klugman and Charles Durning have died.

"Business Democrat" Patrick Murphy comes from a district that's home to more Republicans than Democrats. He managed to beat the outspoken Tea Party favorite, running on a pledge to try to end gridlock in Washington. But that will be a tall order.

"I still have to get ready to see how much of the neighborhood I can burn down and do what I like doing best: killing people," William Spenger wrote, according to police. He set a fire at his Webster, N.Y., home, then shot at the first responders. Authorities think Spengler also killed his sister.

The suburban Journal News took publicly available information to produce an interactive database. Critics say the newspaper has treated gun owners as if they are sex offenders.

The president's coming back to the White House from his vacation. But that was expected. Senators are returning to the Capitol, but don't seem to be in a hurry. And House members haven't yet been told to get back to work. Many signs point to a partial deal, if that, before the New Year's Eve "deadline."

Crack has been in Brazil since the 1990s, but the drug has exploded in the past six years. The government has poured billions into a prevention and treatment program, but officials are still trying to figure out the best way to combat the epidemic.

A new federal regulation will require commercial pilots to get roughly triple the number of flight training hours many airlines require today before they can be hired. Some airlines — especially the smaller ones — worry this will result in a pilot deficit.

The year saw some disappointments in the development of drugs to treat Alzheimer's. But the setbacks were offset by progress in other areas. The upshot from this year's mixed results, some scientists say, is that treatment for Alzheimer's needs to start long before forgetfulness and muddled thinking are apparent.