10 Things to Know for Thursday, Oct. 18

By The Associated Press
Thursday, October 18, 2012

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.

1. ARREST IN NYC FEDERAL RESERVE PLOT
  The FBI’s bombing plan was phony, but authorities say Quazi Nafis’ admiration of Osama bin Laden and aspirations for martyrdom were not. FEDERAL RESERVE PLOT

2. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES PLAY POLITICS FOR LAUGHS
Obama and Romney quiet the hostilities to deliver some lighthearted fare at a white-tie galas in New York City, tonight. Obama also tapes an appearance on “The Daily Show” this afternoon. PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

3. U.S. COLLEGE DEBT UP 5 PERCENT THIS YEAR
Two-thirds of the class of 2011 finished school with loan debt, and those who borrowed walked off the graduation stage owing $26,600 on average. STUDENT DEBT

4. HERE COMES THE ROYAL BRIDE
The tiny country of Luxembourg prepares for a turn in the spotlight on Friday and Saturday when Prince Guillaume weds Belgian Countess Stephanie de Lannoy. LUXEMBOURG-ROYAL WEDDING

5. GET READY TO RUMBLE
Millions in the U.S. and several other countries will participate in an earthquake drill at 10:18 a.m. EARTHQUAKE DRILL

6. SYRIA’S BUSINESS ELITE GROWING RESTLESS
Civil war and sanctions are taking a toll on the economy — leading many of the nation’s wealthy to lose faith in the Assad regime. SYRIA-BUSINESS SQUEEZE

7. WHAT GOOD MIGHT COME FROM SKYDIVER’S RECORD LEAP
Data about the effects of extreme speed and altitude on the human body could lead to improved spacesuits and better emergency medicine. SUPERSONIC SKYDIVER-LESSONS

8. HOW A GREEK SOCCER TEAM CAME UP WITH MUCH-NEEDED CASH
A pair of brothels is kicking in to help a squad in desperate need of sponsors. GREECE-MEN IN PINK

9. WHY FLAVOR FLAV LANDED BEHIND BARS
The former hip-hop star threw his fiancee to the floor and threatened to kill her teenage son while brandishing a pair of knives, police say. FLAVOR FLAV ARRESTED

10. CORPORATE DEFECTIONS FOLLOW LANCE ARMSTRONG’S LIFETIME BAN
Nike, Anheuser-Busch and Trek Bicycle are among companies that decided to part ways with the cyclist. ARMSTRONG-LIVESTRONG