WEDNESDAY: 10 things you’ll want to know today

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and stories that will be talked about Wednesday: 1. CONGRESS PASSES ‘FISCAL CLIFF’ BILL The House approved Senate legislation to avert an economic meltdown late Tuesday and sent it to President Obama. 2. THE TAX HIKE NO ONE’S TALKING ABOUT Ending the Social Security payroll tax cut means that someone earning $50,000 will pay $1,000 more a year in taxes. 3. WHEN PALESTINIANS WILL OUTNUMBER ISRAELI JEWS Arabs will surpass Jews in Israel, the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem by the end of the decade, according to a new population estimate. 4. FEAR GRIPS AFRICAN CAPITAL Rebels advance on Bangui, in the Central African Republic, and the city’s 700,000 residents brace for war. 5. WHY THIS SUGAR COULD PROVE LESS-THAN-SWEET Scientists find more evidence that fructose may play a role in obesity. 6. A TROUBLING NEW YEAR’S EVE TRADITION Hundreds of parked cars are torched across France, part of an annual spree dating to the 1990s. 7. CHURCH FOR GAYS EXAMINES ITS REASON FOR BEING As acceptance of same-sex relationships grows, many wonder whether the Metropolitan Community Churches are still needed. 8. FULL SPEED AHEAD FOR THE WORLD’S LARGEST FERRIS WHEEL Some say Staten Island doesn’t need the ambitious project. Supporters say the storm-torn borough needs a boost now more than ever. 9. HEF AND HIS RUNAWAY BRIDE FINALLY SAY ‘I DO’ Crystal Harris broke off a previous engagement to the 86-year-old founder of Playboy. 10. STANFORD SMELLS THE ROSES The Cardinal down Wisconsin 20-14 in the Granddaddy of college bowl games.