10 Things

10 things to know today

by Leslie Turk

Your daily look at late-breaking national and international news, upcoming events and stories that will be talked about today, Dec. 24, 2012:

Your daily look at late-breaking national and international news, upcoming events and stories that will be talked about today, Dec. 24, 2012:

1. NRA HOLDS FAST ON GUN CONTROL AFTER SHOOTING

The gun-rights group argues that not a single new gun regulation would make children safer.

2. HOW NEWTOWN SHIFTED TALK ON TEACHERS

Students and parents see their instructors as heroes instead of criticizing generous benefits.

3. PREDICTING 'FISCAL CLIFF' TALKS WILL GO TO THE WIRE

Senators say Congress will be in session on New Year's Eve trying to avert a budget crisis.

4. US ADVISER KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN

Police say an Afghan policewoman killed the adviser at police headquarters in Kabul.

5. WHY HOLIDAY SHOPPING IS MUTED THIS YEAR

Superstorm Sandy, "fiscal cliff" uncertainty, the school shooting and a delayed economic recovery hurt consumer confidence.

6. WHAT'S NEXT AFTER EGYPT'S CONSTITUTION VOTE

The AP's Hamza Hendawi says the Islamist leadership will move for legislation to create a more religious state.

7. WHERE'S SANTA? ASK NORAD

The U.S.-Canada command began taking calls about Santa Claus' whereabouts back in the 1950s, when a Colorado newspaper inadvertently printed its number.

8. SENATOR CHARGED WITH DRUNK DRIVING

Police say Idaho Republican Michael Crapo had a blood alcohol content of .110 when he was pulled over in Alexandria, Va.

9. 'SKINNYGIRL' SPLITS WITH HUSBAND

Bethenny Frankel, the TV personality who founded the Skinnygirl line cocktail and shapewear line, is separating from husband Jason Hoppy after two years.

10. 'THE HOBBIT' BESTS TOM CRUISE

Peter Jackson's prelude to the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy took in $36.7 million in its second weekend. Cruise's "Jack Reacher" debuted a distant second with $15.6 million.