Here's your daily look at late-breaking national and international news, upcoming events and stories that will be talked about on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012. 1. WHY CONNECTICUT COULD BE THE TIPPING POINT IN GUN DEBATE
A Republican senator calls for a gun violence study and some Democrats push tighter restrictions.
2. CLOSING IN ON FISCAL CLIFF' DEAL
Obama softened his demand for higher upper-income taxes; Boehner said he would accept higher taxes on investment income.
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3. BACK TO SOME ROUTINES AFTER DEADLY RAMPAGE**
Most students are going back to school in Newtown, Conn.
4. WHERE NEWTOWN KIDS RAN WHEN THEY ESCAPED
Six children ran to neighbor Gene Rosen's driveway after their teacher was shot. He took them in and called their parents.
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5. NBC CORRESPONDENT RELEASED UNHARMED AFTER KIDNAPPING IN SYRIA**
The network says Richard Engel and his production team were held for five days by an "unknown group."
6. 50-YEAR SENATE VETERAN FROM HAWAII DIES
Democratic Sen. Daniel Inouye, the WWII hero who played key roles in the Watergate and Iran-Contra investigations, was 88.
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7. HOW NORTH KOREA'S SATELLITE IS DOING**
Astronomers say it is tumbling in space, but could remain in orbit for several years.
8. IRAQI PRESIDENT SUFFERS A STROKE
Doctors at a Baghdad hospital are trying to stabilize Jalal Talaban's condition.
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9. WHAT EASY-BAKE'S GENDER-NEUTRAL OVEN WILL LOOK LIKE**
It's black, silver and blue, instead of purple and pink. A 13-year-old girl asked Hasbro to make a toy that appeals to all children.
10. WHY THE SOPRANOS' ENDED THE WAY IT DID
It's not about whether Tony lived or died, director David Chase tells the AP's Jake Coyle. It's "the idea of how short life is and how precious it is."