10 things to know for Thursday

[October 18, 2012]   (AP) -- Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today (times in EDT):

1. ARREST IN NYC FEDERAL RESERVE PLOT

The car bomb was phony, but authorities say Quazi Nafis' admiration of Osama bin Laden and aspirations for martyrdom were not.

2. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES PLAY POLITICS FOR LAUGHS

Obama and Romney quiet the hostilities to deliver some lighthearted fare at a white-tie gala in New York City, at 7:55 p.m. and 9 p.m., respectively. Obama also tapes an appearance on "The Daily Show" at 3:30 p.m.

3. U.S. COLLEGE DEBT UP 5 PERCENT THIS YEAR

Two-thirds of the class of 2011 finished school with loan debt, and those who borrowed walked off the graduation stage owing $26,600 on average.

4. HERE COMES THE ROYAL BRIDE

The tiny country of Luxembourg prepares for a turn in the spotlight on Friday and Saturday when Prince Guillaume weds Belgian Countess Stephanie de Lannoy.

5. GET READY TO RUMBLE

Millions in the U.S. and several other countries will participate in an earthquake drill at 10:18 a.m.

6. SYRIA'S BUSINESS ELITE GROWING RESTLESS

Civil war and sanctions are taking a toll on the economy -- leading many of the nation's wealthy to lose faith in the Assad regime.

7. WHAT GOOD MIGHT COME FROM SKYDIVER'S RECORD LEAP

Data about the effects of extreme speed and altitude on the human body could lead to improved spacesuits and better emergency medicine.

8. HOW A GREEK SOCCER TEAM CAME UP WITH MUCH-NEEDED CASH

A pair of brothels is kicking in to help a squad in desperate need of sponsors.

9. WHY FLAVOR FLAV LANDED BEHIND BARS

The former hip-hop star threw his fiancee to the floor and threatened to kill her teenage son while brandishing a pair of knives, police say.

10. CORPORATE DEFECTIONS FOLLOW LANCE ARMSTRONG'S LIFETIME BAN

Nike, Anheuser-Busch and Trek Bicycle are among companies that decided to part ways with the cyclist.

[Associated Press]

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