10 Things to know for Friday, Jan. 4

By The AP
Friday, January 4, 2013

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

1. HELP MAY BE ON THE WAY FOR STORM VICTIMS
  Congress plans to vote at noon on a $9.7 billion aid package for businesses and homeowners devastated by Superstorm Sandy. SUPERSTORM AID

2. HEY YOU, HANDS OFF MY SUPERSIZE SODA
An AP poll finds that Americans blame too much screen time and cheap eats for fueling the nation’s fat epidemic, but most balk at the feds limiting food choices. HEALTHBEAT-OBESITY POLL

3. EXPERTS PREDICT MODEST HIRING REPORT
At 8:30 a.m., the government issues its December jobs report, which economists forecast will show that employers added 155,000 jobs. The unemployment rate is projected to remain at 7.7 percent. ECONOMY

4. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS SAID TO BE INVITED TO NEWTOWN
The former Arizona congresswoman, critically wounded by a gunman two years ago, is planning to meet with victims’ families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings, a Connecticut official says. SCHOOL SHOOTING

5. WHY MILLIONS ARE ANXIOUS FOR COURT RULING
India’s highest court may decide whether the country’s drug companies can continue to provide cheap versions of many life-saving medicines. INDIA-POOR’S PHARMACY

6. A PRISON’S UNIQUE APPROACH TO SERVICE DOGS
A maximum-security prison in Maryland is allowing incarcerated veterans to train dogs that will eventually help fellow veterans on the outside who are disabled. PRISON PUPS

7. HOW THE FISCAL CLIFF DEAL WAS SWEETENED
  The package includes billions in tax breaks for businesses. FISCAL CLIFF-TAX BREAKS

8. FOR CLINTON, DUTY CALLS
The secretary of state is planning to return to work next week after being hospitalized for a blood clot in her head. CLINTON

9. WHICH DIVA RULES THE CHARTS
It’s Adele — and she set a record while she was at it. The British singer’s “21” was the highest-selling album in the U.S. for the second consecutive year, beating out Taylor Swift’s “Red.” MUSIC-2012 MUSIC SALES

10. WHAT MAY BE SWAN SONG FOR A DUCK
Fifth-ranked Oregon races past No. 7 Kansas State 35-17 in the Fiesta Bowl in what may have been coach Chip Kelly’s final game with the Ducks. FIESTA BOWL