'10 Things to Know' for Thursday

[April 26, 2012]   (A:P) -- Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today (times EDT):

1. Student loans cost becomes campaign hot topic

The issue evolves into an election-year battle which Democrats and Republicans each use to embarrass the other party and spotlight their own priorities to voters.

2. Mad cow report draws rapid response from beef industry

Having already dealt with a drought and a "pink slime" controversy, the business faces yet another black mark.

3. Judges prepare to deliver Charles Taylor verdicts

The former Liberian President is charged with sponsoring brutal rebel groups in neighboring Sierra Leone's civil war.

4. Pakistan's top court convicts prime minister of contempt

But the jurists spare Yousuf Raza Gilani a prison term for refusing to reopen a corruption case against his boss, the president.

5. Confusion over Google's online storage service sparks debate

Concerns that users will lose their intellectual property rights are probably unfounded.

6. Arizona immigration case could lead to sweeping changes

The United States could see an official about-face in how it confronts illegal immigration if the Supreme Court allows local police to deal with the issue.

7. Iraqi license plate dealers benefit as new car sales soar

New car sales are booming in Iraq, but the government almost never issues new plates, creating a pricey market for recycled tags.

8. New updates on home sales and mortgages expected at 10 a.m.

Freddie Mac reports on mortgage rates and a Realtors group reports the number of people who signed contracts to buy homes in March.

9. Ruling expected against soldier accused of giving secrets to WikiLeaks

Pfc. Bradley Manning will appear before a military judge at 10 a.m. to see if any of the 22 charges against him will be dismissed.

10. Senator proposes killing geese near New York airport

The problem of birds living near some of the nation's busiest airports is coming under renewed scrutiny after two emergency landings in a week there.

[Associated Press]

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