10 things to know for Tuesday

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

1. SYRIA CIVIL WAR LOOMS OVER GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Over seven days of U.N. speeches, Syria was discussed by countries from Albania to Zambia.

2. WHERE SOCIAL MEDIA IS FUELING VIOLENCE

The NYPD is doubling the size of its gang unit to combat teen crime driven by dares and insults traded on Facebook and other online networks.

3. THE THREE-PART PERFORMANCE OF PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES

AP's Connie Cass explains the strategy of first lowering expectations, then being ready to improvise on the fly, and finally spinning the performance.

4. HIGH STAKES FOR PENNSYLVANIA'S VOTER ID LAW

A judge must rule Tuesday whether the tough new law requiring voters to show photo identification can remain intact; the decision could influence the election.

5. HOW TWO BOATS COLLIDED NEAR HONG KONG

Investigators are trying to determine cause of the crash in one of the world's safest waterways that killed at least 36 people; it appears human error was involved.

6. SKYDIVER VS. SOUND BARRIER

From 23 miles up, "Fearless Felix" hopes to reach 690 mph, or Mach 1, next Monday with only a pressurized suit and helmet for protection.

7. WHEN IT PAYS TO ANSWER THE PHONE (FINALLY)

Composer Chris Thile ignored what he thought were election-year robocalls. Actually, it was news he's getting a $500,000 "genius grant."

8. ABUSES BY EGYPTIAN POLICE DOCUMENTED

Six separate crackdowns by police since February 2011 killed at least 120 protesters, according to reports by Amnesty International.

9. AMERICANS NOT QUITE READY TO SHOP `TIL THEY DROP

Holiday sales are expected to rise slightly, but uncertainties in the economy will likely keep people from overindulging, the National Retail Federation says.

10. DREW BARRYMORE'S NEWEST ROLE: MOM

The actress gave birth to a daughter Sept. 26 with her husband, Will Kopelman.

[Associated Press]

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