10 things to know for Thursday

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

1. THE WORST MAY BE OVER

New census numbers suggest that the U.S. economy has bottomed out.

2. ESTIMATE FOR HEALTH CARE PENALTY RISES SIGNIFICANTLY

Analysts now say about 6 million Americans will face a tax penalty for not carrying medical coverage in 2016.

3. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT FAULTED OVER FAST AND FURIOUS

More than a dozen people face possible disciplinary action for the bungled gun-trafficking probe in Arizona.

4. EXTREMISTS, FOREIGN FIGHTERS ON THE RISE IN SYRIA

Conflict's evolution into open war has attracted infiltrators to the front lines.

5. AN APPEAL FOR A STRONGER STAND AGAINST VIOLENCE

After attacks by vandals on Christian holy sites in Israel, normally tight-lipped Roman Catholic officials are beginning to speak out.

6. ARCTIC ICE SHRINKS TO ALL-TIME LOW

Scientists say global warming is to blame for an ice cap 18 percent smaller than the previous record.

7. WHEEEE! TURNS TO UH-OH

Stuck on a California amusement park attraction, riders dangle 300 feet in the air for nearly four hours.

8. FOREIGN FILMS WELCOME -- EXCEPT FROM THE U.S.

An international film festival opens today in what may seem the unlikeliest of places: North Korea.

9. SHAKIRA PREGNANT WITH HER FIRST CHILD

The Grammy-winning singer says she and her soccer-player boyfriend "are very happy" awaiting the birth.

10. HOW ODDSMAKERS VIEW THE NFL'S REPLACEMENT REFS

Las Vegas casinos are betting that this weekend's games will be the highest-scoring ever -- thanks to the league's fill-in officials.

[Associated Press]

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