10 things to know for Monday

[August 06, 2012]  (AP) -- Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today (times EDT):

1. PASADENA, WE HAVE A CELEBRATION

In a show of technological wizardry, the robotic explorer Curiosity blazes through the pink skies of Mars, steering itself to a gentle landing inside a giant crater for the most ambitious dig yet into the red planet's past.

2. SIKH TEMPLE ATTACK CALLED DOMESTIC TERRORISM

An unidentified gunman described as white and in his 40s opens fire inside a Sikh temple in suburban Milwaukee, killing six worshippers. At 11 a.m., police will issue an update about an investigation the FBI is now leading.

3. TOP SYRIAN OFFICIAL FLEES COUNTRY

A Jordanian government official says Prime Minister Riad Hijab has defected to his country, underlining the cracks in Bashar Assad's regime. A rebel spokesman says three other Cabinet officials have also defected.

4. OBAMA HAS VETS, FUNDRAISING ON HIS SCHEDULE

At 1:50 p.m., the president will sign a veterans' benefit bill. Later in the day, he is expected to raise at least $2.5 million at two events in Connecticut -- including one at the home of film mogul Harvey Weinstein.

5. WHAT KIDS CAN EXPECT DIFFERENTLY THIS SCHOOL YEAR

The government says get ready for curriculums with less focus on a single test, higher academic standards and more difficult classwork, as well as continued cuts to extracurricular activities because of the tough economy.

6. USE OF FUNDS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE SCRUTINIZED

An AP investigation by Holbrook Mohr finds that one county in Mississippi spent millions of federal dollars on sewage plants and water tanks that may not be needed for decades.

7. WARNINGS NOT ENOUGH TO SAVE NASCAR FANS

Despite warnings over public address systems and through social media to take cover, one person was killed and nine others injured after lightning and heavy rain struck Pocono Raceway after a Sprint Cup race at Long Pond, Pa.

8. LINEUP FOR GOP CONVENTION SPEAKERS CRYSTALIZES

A trio of female firsts and three former Republican presidential contenders are among the first speakers disclosed for the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., later this month.

9. EVACUATION ORDERS LIFTED IN OKLAHOMA

Despite the orders after devastating wildfires, some residents have not been able to reach their homes and others are finding theirs burned, so they've opted to return to shelters.

10. BOLT BUILDS LEGACY IN LONDON

Usain Bolt clocks the second-fastest time in history -- 9.63 seconds -- and captures another gold medal in the Olympic 100 meters at the Summer Games. Up next is the 200 meters tomorrow.

[Associated Press]

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