10 Things to Know for Today: 1-20

1/21/2014

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

1. RUSSIA, IRAN CRITICIZE TEHRAN SNUB FOR SYRIA TALKS

Both countries criticize the U.N. chief’s decision to withdraw Iran’s invitation to join this week’s peace conference on Syria. 

2. EXPLOSION HITS BEIRUT SUBURB

The blast appears to be the latest attack targeting Shiites in Lebanon, apparently in retaliation for Hezbollah’s support for Assad.

3. HOW A SNOWDEN TRIAL COULD PLAY OUT

Some legal experts say even more classified information could come out in court, but the government wants to press ahead.

4. CHICAGO PRIEST SEX ABUSE DOCUMENTS GOING PUBLIC

Victims’ attorneys are posting the papers online, and say they’ll show the archdiocese concealed the abuse for decades. 

5. WHY ISRAEL IS WORRIED ABOUT ANCIENT HOLY LAND TREASURES

After five earthquakes in October, experts started using technology to determine structural weaknesses at historical sites. 

6. GET THE SHOVELS AND SCARVES READY

Another batch of heavy snow and frigid temperatures is forecast from Virginia to New England, and the U.S. government is shutting down for the day as the storm bears down. 

7. WHERE TV SOAP OPERAS ARE UNDER FIRE

In Venezuela, the president says the hugely popular shows glamorize violence, guns and drugs and play a part in the country’s high crime. 

8. VIRTUAL CURRENCY ENTERING MAINSTREAM

Overstock.com says it has begun to accept digital Bitcoins as payment for goods. 

9. WHO’S IN THE SUNDANCE SPOTLIGHT

Lindsay Lohan chose the festival to announce a new film and a “fresh start” after her drug and legal troubles. 

10. PRICIER NUPTIALS SPUR INSURANCE MARKET

With the cost of the average American wedding reaching about $26,000, insurers are selling policies to protect against losses from extreme weather, illness — even a sudden change of heart.