10 Things to Know for Today

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Published December 12, 2014 11:15AM (EST)

The Capitol Dome and the Capitol Christmas Tree are illuminated late Thursday evening as Congress works to pass a $1.1 trillion U.S. government-wide spending bill and avoid a government shutdown, in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014. The Obama White House and House Republicans joined forces Thursday to pass the funding bill over clamorous protests from Democrats objecting that it would roll back bank regulations imposed in the wake of the economic near-meltdown of 2008. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (AP)
The Capitol Dome and the Capitol Christmas Tree are illuminated late Thursday evening as Congress works to pass a $1.1 trillion U.S. government-wide spending bill and avoid a government shutdown, in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014. The Obama White House and House Republicans joined forces Thursday to pass the funding bill over clamorous protests from Democrats objecting that it would roll back bank regulations imposed in the wake of the economic near-meltdown of 2008. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (AP)

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:

1. HOUSE APPROVES BILL FINANCING GOVERNMENT

The $1.1 trillion measure passed despite Democratic complaints that it would ease bank regulations imposed after the economy's near-collapse in 2008.

2. WHICH QUESTION CIA CHIEF SAYS CAN'T BE ANSWERED

John Brennan cannot say whether the agency's interrogation methods produced critical intelligence, but he believes the program stopped attacks and saved lives.

3. WHERE CALIFORNIA STORM IS HEADED NEXT

The dangerous weather that inundated Northern California freeways, pushed rivers to flood stage and forced evacuations is expected to bring heavy rain to the Los Angeles area.

4. POLL: REPUBLICANS BACK LIMITS ON CARBON

An AP survey finds half of Republicans back restrictions on carbon pollution, even as GOP lawmakers vow to undo environmental regulations they claim harm the economy.

5. LAST CALL FOR SLEEPER TRAINS

Citing unsustainable losses, Germany's Deutsche Bahn is ending its bunk bed service between Paris and Berlin.

6. CITING 'BIBI FATIGUE' IN ISRAEL

With elections looming, challengers say that after nearly nine years in office, it is time for a new face at the top instead of Benjamin Netanyahu.

7. HOW SOME ARE AVOIDING BIG BOX STORES

U.S. consumers are going over the Internet and through the woods to find Christmas trees this year.

8. SCANT PROGRESS AS U.N. CLIMATE ENTER HOME STRETCH

Global warming talks wrap up with countries arguing over what kind of climate action plans they should present for a key summit in Paris.

9. 'INTERSTELLAR' SNUBBED BY GLOBES VOTERS

One of the bigger movies of the year remains tethered to the launch pad after getting only one Golden Globes nomination — for score.

10. CARDINALS LOSE ANOTHER QB TO INJURY

Backup quarterback Drew Stanton injured his knee, but Arizona rode its tough defense to a 12-6 win over the St. Louis Rams.


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