10 things to know for Wednesday

[June 06, 2012]  (AP) -- Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today (times EDT):

1. SAME GOVERNOR, NEW TONE?

Gov. Scott Walker becomes the nation's first governor ever to survive a recall election. Now the Republican wants to go about mending Wisconsin's political divide in an egalitarian way: over brats and beers.

2. WISCONSIN IN PLAY FOR ROMNEY

Walker's win in Wisconsin sets the stage for what's now expected to be a hard-fought presidential battle for this Midwestern state. It's also good news for Republican nominee Mitt Romney.

3. SUICIDE BOMBERS ATTACK IN AFGHANISTAN

The Taliban claims responsibility for two suicide bombers blowing themselves up in a market area in southern Afghanistan. At least 22 people were killed and some 50 wounded.

4. REFUSING THE REGIME

The uprising against Syrian President Bashar Assad -- and the regime's forceful reaction -- has prompted a growing number of young Syrians to dodge the draft. They fear that military service will force them to kill their countrymen -- or get killed themselves.

5. WE ARE... PENN STATE. SO ARE YOU, AND YOU

Nine of the 12 main members of the jury are selected for the child sex abuse trial of former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky and the area's ties to Penn State show through.

6. ADIEU, VENUS

From Maui to Mumbai, Mexico to Norway, much of the world watched the 6-hour, 40-minute celestial showcase that won't be repeated again for 105 years. The movement of Venus across the sun is also a reminder of how tiny our planet really is.

7. SHORING UP THE EURO

The European Central Bank isn't likely to take any new steps when it meets, analysts say, even as anxiety builds over the deteriorating outlook for Europe's economy and banking system. But it has a powerful new weapon: withholding further support.

8. CALIFORNIA SPLIT ON TOBACCO TAX

A blizzard of industry-financed radio and television advertisements over the last two months closed the gap on an effort to impose an additional $1-per-pack tax on cigarettes to fund cancer research. The race was too close to call Tuesday night and it could be days or longer before a winner is declared.

9. PROTECT THE POST

Post offices are joining the list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for the first time, as hundreds of historic post offices face an uncertain future amid the U.S. Postal Service's efforts to downsize.

10. TWO-WHEELS HIGH IN THE SKY

Felix Guirola rides 13 feet above the ground atop his homemade super-tall bike through the narrow, potholed streets of Havana. Guirola plans to ride bigger bikes and hopes to earn a living through his daredevil pedaling.

[Associated Press]

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