Sen. Graham blasts Hagel pick as an ‘in your face nomination’ from Obama  —  Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Sunday expressed dismay at reports President Obama would tap former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) for Secretary of Defense, calling it an “in your face” selection.  —  “I like Chuck Hagel.

McConnell: Tax issue ‘finished completely,’ focus now on spending  —  Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Sunday said Republicans will demand steep spending cuts during the next round of budget negotiations.  —  McConnell, in an interview with ABC's “This Week,” …

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp: Reported Obama Gun Proposals ‘Way in Extreme’  —  Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D, told me this morning on “This Week” that while all options should be on the table to address gun violence, President Obama's reported plans to curb shootings are “way in extreme” …

Health Insurers Raise Some Rates by Double Digits  —  Health insurance companies across the country are seeking and winning double-digit increases in premiums for some customers, even though one of the biggest objectives of the Obama administration's health care law was to stem the rapid rise in insurance costs for consumers.

G.O.P. Begins Soul-Searching After Tax Vote  —  Everett Wilkinson, a Tea Party leader, top left, says pressure will continue.  Newt Gingrich, top right, has softened his views on same-sex marriage.  Pat McCrory, bottom left, the new governor of North Carolina, emphasizes pragmatism.

HBO Hangs On to Universal's Movies  —  HBO has renewed a pact with Universal Pictures, which will keep the studio's movies, like “Ted” and “Bourne Legacy” on the pay-cable channel through 2022.  —  HBO, which normally plays up the value of its original productions like “Game of Thrones,” …

Silence Of The Lambs 3: Media Coverage Of Climate Mixed In 2012, But Still Down Sharply From 2009  —  by Douglas Fischer, via the Daily Climate  —  Widespread drought, Superstorm Sandy, and a melting ice cap failed to revive the media's interest in climate change in 2012 …