10 Things to Know for Wednesday

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

1. US STAYING THE COURSE, DESPITE GAINS BY ISLAMIC STATE EXTREMISTS

For now, Obama is showing no sign of easing his opposition to sending American forces back into combat in Iraq.

2. HOUSTON AMONG STORM'S CHIEF VICTIMS

High water from the torrential rain in the region affects virtually every part of the city — with at least 2,500 vehicles abandoned by drivers seeking higher ground, officials say.

3. HOW AMTRAK IS RESPONDING TO DEADLY DERAILMENT

The rail operator says it will install video cameras inside locomotive cabs to record the actions of train engineers. The cause of this month's crash in Philadephia remains a mystery.

Personal tax information can be used to claim fraudulent tax refunds — a growing business for identity thieves.

5. COLORADO THEATER SHOOTER'S NOTEBOOK DESCRIBES 'OBSESSION TO KILL' SINCE CHILDHOOD

The prosecution says James Holmes' writings provide evidence that he was sane at the time of the massacre. The defense disagrees.

6. GUNFIRE, EXPLOSIONS ERUPT IN AFGHANISTAN'S CAPITAL

An all-night siege in an upscale neighborhood in Kabul ends with the deaths of four heavily armed attackers, an official says.

The $55 billion deal is part of a wave of consolidation in the cable industry as TV watchers increasingly look online for their fix.

8. TACO BELL, PIZZA HUT GETTING RID OF ARTIFICIAL COLORS, FLAVORS

They're the latest big food companies to say they're dropping ingredients that people might find unappetizing.

9. ACTOR, PLAYWRIGHT ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF DRUNKEN DRIVING

Sam Shepard failed a field sobriety test after his arrest outside a restaurant in Santa Fe, New Mexico, police say.