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. GOP TAKES OVER ON CAPITOL HILL

The new Republican majorities in Congress turn swiftly to a conservative agenda aimed at creating jobs and reducing government regulation.

2. VETO SHOWDOWN SET

With the new Congress not yet two hours old, the White House announces that Obama would reject any legislation approving the long-stalled Keystone pipeline.

3. WHICH COMMODITY KEEPS GETTING CHEAPER

Oil drops another $2 to close just below $48 a barrel, the lowest price since April 2009.

Shiite militiamen are using the war in Iraq against the Islamic State group as a way to force Sunni residents from their homes, the AP reports.

5. WHO GOT SURPRISE SNOWFALL

Washington, D.C., is hit with an unexpected 4 inches of snow. Forecasts had called for only an inch.

6. ARRESTS IN NEW YORK DECLINE SHARPLY

The statistics suggest that a work slowdown has taken hold amid discord between the city's police and the mayor.

In Venezuela, more than 100 McDonald's franchises have been hit by a potato shortage, taking french fries off the menu.

8. ASTRONOMERS SPOT MORE OF EARTH'S NEAR-TWINS

Several additional planets outside the solar system are discovered that may be enough like Earth to support life.

9. 'AMERICAN IDOL' AIMS TO HALT RATINGS SLUMP

The series is returning for its 14th season with the results show a thing of the past and a new mentor on board.