10 Things to Know Today: 10-18

10/18/2013
ASSOCIATED PRESS
  • Early-Human

    In this photo taken Oct. 2, 2013, in Tbilisi, Georgia, David Lordkipanidze, director of the Georgia National Museum, holds a pre-human skull found in 2005 in the ground at the medieval village Dmanisi, Georgia. The discovery of a 1.8 million-year-old human ancestor, the most complete ancient hominid skull found to date, captures early human evolution on the move in a vivid snapshot and indicates our family tree may have fewer branches than originally thought, scientists say. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

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

    1. BART WORKERS GO ON STRIKE

    Transit workers walk off the job in the San Francisco Bay area after labor talks break down.

    2. OBAMA HAS THREE-ITEM TO-DO LIST FOR CONGRESS

    The president wants to tackle immigration, farm legislation and the budget by the end of the year.

    3. GOVERNMENT GETTING BACK TO NORMAL

    The crab boats are at sea, the loggers are in the forest and the panda cam is on as furloughed employees return to work.

    4. WHY ARCHAEOLOGISTS ARE DIGGING UNDER A FORT IN INDIA

    A popular Hindu holy man said a former king appeared to him in a dream and told him that there is a $50 billion treasure hidden there.

    5. OBAMA TAPS EX-PENTAGON LAWYER AS HOMELAND SECURITY CHIEF

    An administration official says the president will nominate Jeh Johnson because of his experience as a national security leader.

    6. WHAT SET OFF A MANHUNT IN FLORIDA

    Forged documents led to the mistaken release of two convicted killers serving life in prison, authorities say.

    7. SCIENTIST BELIEVES HE’S SOLVED MYSTERY OF THE YETI

    DNA analysis suggests the elusive ape-like creature in the Himalayas is really a bear.

    8. HOW A SKULL SHEDS LIGHT ON EARLY HUMANS

    Researchers say the 1.8 million-year-old fossil provides the earliest evidence of human ancestors moving out of Africa and spreading north.

    9. CHARACTER ACTOR ED LAUTER DIES AT 74

    His long and prolific career included roles in “The Longest Yard” and “The Artist.”

    10. NOLAN RYAN DECIDES TO STEP DOWN

    The Hall of Fame pitcher says this is the right time for him to retire after six years as CEO of the Texas Rangers.