10 things to know for Thursday

[August 02, 2012]  (AP) -- Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today (times EDT):

1. WHO'S PROFITING FROM LOCKING UP ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

An AP review shows American taxpayers may be paying up to $2 billion a year for prison firms that in turn spend tens of millions lobbying lawmakers and contributing to their campaigns.

2. SYRIAN REBELS USE CAPTURED TANK AGAINST THE REGIME

Using the government's own weapons against them is just another twist in the clashes taking place today in Aleppo and Damascus.

3. WILL JUDGE DECLARE A MISTRIAL IN DREW PETERSON CASE

The ruling, expected after trial resumes at 10 a.m., could even result in the former suburban Chicago police officer going free.

4. SENATE MAY HEAD HOME WITHOUT ADDRESSING INTERNET SECURITY

Sponsors of the bill scramble to overcome Republican resistance to the measure but appear short of the votes needed for it to pass.

5. OBAMA AND ROMNEY CAMPAIGN IN THREE KEY STATES

The president starts with a speech in Orlando, Florida, at 2:40 p.m., followed by a stop in Virginia while Romney speaks in Golden, Colo., at 1:15 p.m.

6. HOW CITY LAYOUT WILL HELP WITH CONVENTION SECURITY

As Charlotte, N.C., officials prepare for the arrival of Democratic delegates, they find the area they'll be gathering in will help police contain protests.

7. EPA HAS TROUBLE FINDING LIVESTOCK FARMS IT SHOULD REGULATE

The agency is supposed to regulate pollution from livestock waste, but can't keep track of where the farms are located.

8. MICHAEL PHELPS VS. RYAN LOCHTE: ROUND TWO

The two swimmers face off in the 200-meter individual medley, with preliminaries starting at 5 a.m. and the finals beginning at 2:30 p.m.

9. AT THE GAMES, IT'S `SHOW US THE MONEY' -- IF YOU WANT TO SHOW YOUR LOGO

Some say the Olympics committee has been heavy-handed in branding restrictions on companies that didn't bankroll the games.

10. WHO IS GIVING THE BEST PARTIES AT THE OLYMPICS

An eclectic guided tour of the best national houses shows which countries are sophisticated and which are outrageous when it comes to celebrating.

[Associated Press]

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