10 Things to Know for Today

Friday, December 7, 2012

photo Tsunami evacuees watch TV news flashing a tsunami warning at their shelter Takata Junior High School that stands on a higher ground in Rikuzentakata in Iwate Prefecture, Friday, Dec. 7, 2012 after a strong earthquake struck off the coast of northeastern Japan. It is the same region that was hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami last year.

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and stories that will be talked about today (times EST):

1. FACTORY LOST FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATION

A Bangladeshi garment factory producing clothes for Wal-Mart, Disney and other major Western companies lost the certification in June, five months before a fire killed 112 workers.

2. POWERFUL QUAKE STRIKES NEAR JAPAN

A 7.3 magnitude temblor strikes off the coast of northeastern Japan in the same region that was hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami last year, but only a handful of injuries reported thus far.

3. HOW MUCH SANDY MAY HAVE AFFECTED JOB GROWTH

At 8:30 a.m., the government's jobs report will reveal how much the superstorm crimped employment for November.

4. "A DATE WHICH WILL LIVE IN INFAMY"

Crowds will gather at Pearl Harbor to mark the 71st anniversary of the Japanese attack that killed thousands and plunged the U.S. into World War II.

5. FIRST PLANES, NOW AUTOS

Automakers have quietly been tucking "black boxes" into most new cars for years. Now the government wants to make such installations a requirement.

6. WHY OBAMA IS FLYING HIGH IN THE POLLS

An AP poll finds that more Americans say the nation is heading in the right direction now than at any time since the start of his first term.

7. EGYPT'S PRESIDENT DIGS IN HIS HEELS

Mohammed Morsi takes an uncompromising stand in a nationally televised address, while the opposition plans another big rally in Tahrir Square.

8. ELECTION DIDN'T COME CHEAP

Finance reports show that the U.S. presidential campaign cost more than $2 billion - a spending record.

9. WHAT LEADER'S LANDMARK VISIT TO GAZA MEANS FOR HAMAS

Khaled Mashaal's trip signals that the Islamic militant group - branded a terror organization by Israel - is gaining acceptance in the region.

10. PEYTON'S PLACE IS THE BLACK HOLE

Manning throws his 30th touchdown pass of the season and the Denver Broncos roll to their eighth straight victory, 26-13 over the Oakland Raiders.