10 Things to Know for Wednesday, October 2, 2013

1. BUDGET STANDOFF SHOWS NO SIGNS OF EASING

Lawmakers from both parties are warning the partial government shutdown could last for weeks. BUDGET BATTLE

2. HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL UP AND RUNNING

Computer hiccups blemish the initial sign-up day for health insurance, but the new online marketplaces nevertheless appear to draw heavy interest. HEALTH OVERHAUL

3. PASSENGERS EVACUATED FROM JACKSONVILLE, FLA., AIRPORT

Police discover two suspicious packages and close the airport for several hours. JACKSONVILLE AIRPORT EVACUATION

4. HOW MUCH THE MALL ATTACK COST

Experts predict up to $250 million in lost tourism revenue as a result of the deadly terrorist rampage in Nairobi. KENYA-MALL ATTACK-TOURISM

5. MOTORCYCLE RALLY TAKES BLOODY TURN

A helmet-cam captures the mayhem in New York City as bikers chase an SUV for miles, then pull the driver out onto the highway and beat him. BIKERS-SUV ASSAULT

6. NUCLEAR REACTOR HALTED

Tons of jellyfish clog the pipes that bring in cool water to the Oskarshamn plant in southeastern Sweden, forcing it to be taken off-line. SWEDEN-NUCLEAR-JELLYFISH

7. WHY CLOCK'S TICKING FOR OBAMA ON IRAN

With tougher U.S. economic measures against Tehran on the way, the president's diplomatic task could get harder if he doesn't make quick progress. UNITED STATES-IRAN

8. NEW YORK CITY OPERA TO SHUT DOWN

The famed company says it is filing for bankruptcy protection after seven decades as a fixture on the metropolitan cultural scene. NEW YORK CITY OPERA

9. WHAT MAKES A GOOD SERIES FINALE

The AP's Frazier Moore applauds the "Breaking Bad" farewell for revealing and tying together all the pieces of the puzzle. TV-EXIT STRATEGIES

10. PITTSBURGH ARRANGES DATE WITH ST. LOUIS

The Pirates, in the postseason for the first time in 21 years, down Cincinnati 6-2 in the NL wild-card game and advance to take on the Cardinals. REDS-PIRATES