10 things to know for Monday

[August 20, 2012]  (AP) -- Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today (times EDT):

1. MEDICARE TAKES CENTER STAGE FOR ROMNEY, RYAN

The Republicans hold a town hall with New Hampshire voters and hope to assuage skittish seniors.

2. BLUE MONDAY: WHEN THE WEEK STARTS WITH A STOCK SLUMP

The first day of the week is the only one when the market is more likely to fall than to rise.

3. MYANMAR PRESS FREEDOM TAKES A STEP

Journalists will no longer have to submit their work to state censors -- something they've done for nearly half a century. But other restrictions remain.

4. QUESTIONS FOLLOW DEATH OF TONY SCOTT

Authorities are investigating the death of the "Top Gun" director -- who jumped off a bridge in LA -- as a suicide.

5. FIGHTING OVER UNINHABITED ISLANDS

The Chinese call them the Diaoyu, the Japanese say they're the Senkaku chain. Whatever name you choose, they're the subject of one of the biggest territorial flare-ups in years between the Asian giants.

6. MISSOURI SENATE CANDIDATE BACKS OFF RAPE COMMENTS

GOP Rep. Todd Akin first said a woman's body "has ways" to prevent pregnancy during "a legitimate rape."

7. WHAT A SUSPENDED DEATH SENTENCE MEANS

The punishment for Gu Kailai, wife of a disgraced former Chinese politician, will likely end up as life in prison after her murder conviction.

8. THE STATE DINNER FOR KIDS (HOLD THE TATER TOTS)

First lady Michelle Obama hosts a luncheon for 8- to 12-year-old winners of a healthy lunch recipe contest.

9. WHAT DOG VISITS MEAN TO SICK KIDS

Two canines scampering through a hospital ward in Ecuador bring smiles -- and even relief -- to kids with cancer.

10. NYAD TAKES A STINGING, KEEPS ON SWIMMING

The 62-year-old endurance athlete continues on her 103-mile quest to swim from Florida to Cuba.

[Associated Press]

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