10 things to know for Tuesday, Oct. 2

By The Associated Press
Tuesday, October 2, 2012

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

1.  SYRIA CIVIL WAR LOOMS OVER GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  Over seven days of U.N. speeches, Syria was discussed by countries from Albania to Zambia. UN-GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2. WHERE SOCIAL MEDIA IS FUELING VIOLENCE
The NYPD is doubling the size of its gang unit to combat teen crime driven by dares and insults traded on Facebook and Twitter. GANG CRACKDOWN-NYC

3.  THE THREE-PART PERFORMANCE OF PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES
AP’s Connie Cass explains the strategy of first lowering expectations, then being ready to improvise on the fly, and finally spinning the performance. CAMPAIGN-DEBATE-THREE PARTS

4. HIGH STAKES FOR PENNSYLVANIA’S VOTER ID LAW
A judge must rule Tuesday whether the tough new law requiring voters to show photo identification can remain intact; the decision could influence the election. VOTER ID-PENNSYLVANIA

5. HOW TWO BOATS COLLIDED NEAR HONG KONG
Investigators are trying to determine cause of the crash in one of the world’s safest waterways that killed at least 36 people on their way to a holiday fireworks show. HONG KONG FERRY COLLISION

6. SKYDIVER VS. SOUND BARRIER
From 23 miles up, “Fearless Felix” hopes to reach 690 mph, or Mach 1, next Monday with only a pressurized suit and helmet for protection. SUPERSONIC SKYDIVER

7.  WHEN IT PAYS TO ANSWER THE PHONE (FINALLY)
Composer Chris Thile ignored what he thought were election-year robocalls. Actually, it was news he’s getting a $500,000 “genius grant.” GENIUS GRANTS

8. MYANMAR’S FIRST INVESTMENT BANK
Mandalay Capital opened in July, hoping to profit from the economic potential of one of the world’s last frontier markets. MYANMAR-INVESTMENT BANK

9. AMERICANS NOT QUITE READY TO SHOP ‘TIL THEY DROP
Holiday sales are expected to rise slightly, but uncertainties in the economy will likely keep people from overindulging, the National Retail Federation says. RETAIL-HOLIDAY FORECAST

10.  DREW BARRYMORE’S NEWEST ROLE: MOM
The actress gave birth to a daughter Sept. 26 with her husband, Will Kopelman. PEOPLE-DREW BARRYMORE