10 Things to Know for Wednesday

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and stories that will be talked about Wednesday:

1. WHY THE WHITE HOUSE IS STICKING WITH MORSI

The Egyptian leader — despite questions about his commitment to democracy — remains a key American partner in brokering peace between Israel and its neighbors.

2. DEMOCRATS’ LATEST STANCE: NO CUTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY OR MEDICARE

As the clock ticks on the “fiscal cliff,” many in the party — emboldened by the election — no longer want to consider cuts that once were on the bargaining table.

3. WHERE WEDNESDAY’S POWERBALL JACKPOT RANKS

The $500 million pot is …

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and stories that will be talked about Wednesday:

1. WHY THE WHITE HOUSE IS STICKING WITH MORSI

The Egyptian leader — despite questions about his commitment to democracy — remains a key American partner in brokering peace between Israel and its neighbors.

2. DEMOCRATS’ LATEST STANCE: NO CUTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY OR MEDICARE

As the clock ticks on the “fiscal cliff,” many in the party — emboldened by the election — no longer want to consider cuts that once were on the bargaining table.

3. WHERE WEDNESDAY’S POWERBALL JACKPOT RANKS

The $500 million pot is the second-highest in lottery history, behind only the $656 million Mega Millions prize in March.

4. SUSAN RICE’S PROSPECTS GROW CLOUDY

The would-be secretary of state will meet with two more GOP senators Wednesday amid fresh concern about comments she made after the Benghazi attack.

5. YEARNING TO SERVE ON THE FRONT LINES

Four women sue to overturn a Pentagon rule barring females from being assigned to ground combat units.

6. HOW DROUGHT AND RISING TEMPERATURES ARE AFFECTING THE GREAT LAKES

Water levels have fallen to near-record lows on Lakes Michigan and Huron.

7. U.N. ON VERGE OF RECOGNIZING PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD

The U.S. and Israel strongly oppose the resolution, which would add weight to Palestinian claims for a state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem.

8. AMERICANS UPBEAT DESPITE LOOMING BUDGET MELTDOWN

Consumer confidence rose in November as home values increased and gas prices fell.

9. A NEW TECHNOLOGY TO TRACK STUDENTS’ WHEREABOUTS

Microchips embedded in ID cards — a purported safety measure — will be “the next wave” in schools, one expert says.

10. SIN CITY’S LATEST ATTRACTION

Las Vegas is building a zip line that will spit tourists out of an 11-story slot machine and send them hurtling five blocks.