10 things to know for Wednesday

[July 25, 2012]  (AP) -- Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today (all times EDT):

1. HOW THE COVER FOR AN NYPD SPYING OPERATION WAS BLOWN

When the superintendent at an apartment complex in New Jersey stumbled on one of the New York Police Department's biggest secrets, he promptly called 911. The audio tape is something the NYPD hoped you'd never hear.

2. MANY RUSH TO ARM THEMSELVES

In the wake of the movie theater massacre in Colorado, weapons sellers report a spike in sales.

3. AN HONORED NAME NO LONGER

Organizations far and wide are distancing themselves from the late Joe Paterno, removing his name or image from awards, murals, even a hoagie shop.

4. WALL STREET BRACES FOR ANOTHER DOWN DAY

The Dow suffered its third triple-digit point loss in a row. Then Apple reported its smallest increases in revenue and income in years - raising concern that Wednesday will be another brutal trading day.

5. A (SYMBOLIC) SHOWDOWN ON TAXING THE WELL-OFF

The Senate votes at 2:15 p.m. on a $250 billion Democratic bill that would extend expiring tax cuts next year for all but the highest earners. Democrats don't have the votes to advance the proposal.

6. IN AFRICA, MAJOR NEW AIDS RESEARCH

Giving women a way to protect themselves when their sexual partners won't use a condom is crucial for battling the AIDS epidemic. A special kind of vaginal ring might be the answer.

7. A CHALLENGE TO UTAH'S BAN ON PLURAL MARRIAGE

A polygamous family, featured on the TLC show "Sister Wives," is suing Utah and the county the family fled from, hoping to persuade a federal judge to overturn the state's bigamy law as unconstitutional.

8. WHY INDIAN COUNTRY IS BUZZING ABOUT A DISNEY BLOCKBUSTER

Johnny Depp will play faithful sidekick Tonto in the upcoming "Lone Ranger" movie. Native Americans are taking it personally.

9. SHERMAN HEMSLEY, AKA GEORGE JEFFERSON, DIES AT 74

The gifted character actor starred on "The Jeffersons," one of TV's longest running and most successful sitcoms - particularly noteworthy with its mostly black cast.

10. AMERICANS RAIN ON SPAIN

In an exhibition, the U.S. men's basketball team throttles Spain, 100-78. It was a rematch of the gold-medal game from four years ago - and a possible preview of the next one.

[Associated Press]

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