10 Things to Know for Thursday January 16, 2014

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

1. VATICAN FORCED TO DEFEND ITS RECORD ON CLERGY SEX ABUSE  At a U.N. hearing, a top church official acknowledges there can be "no excuse" for child abuse. The Vatican is being challenged with allegations it enabled the rape of thousands of children by protecting pedophile priests.  VATICAN-UN-ABUSE

2. $1.1 TRILLION US BUDGET ADVANCES  The bill sweeps through the House and is on track for a big Senate vote by week's end.   BUDGET BATTLE

3. WHICH OSCAR CATEGORY MAY GET THE MOST ATTENTION  Best actor hopefuls are especially strong, including stars like Matthew McConaughey ("Dallas Buyers Club") and Leonardo DiCaprio ("The Wolf of Wall Street").  OSCAR NOMINATIONS

4. OHIO PREPARES FOR EXECUTION WITH UNTRIED DRUG COCKTAIL  Intravenous doses of two drugs — a sedative and a painkiller — are set to be used in putting the inmate to death because supplies of the previous drug have dried up.  DEATH PENALTY-OHIO

5. WHERE THE AIR IS TURNING GRAY  Beijing sees the winter's first wave of extremely dangerous pollution, with visibility reduced in the Chinese capital to several hundred yards.  CHINA-AIR POLLUTION

6. HEAVY DRINKING SPEEDS MENTAL DECLINE, STUDY SAYS  For middle-aged men, a history of heavy drinking can hasten memory loss with aging, new research shows.  ALCOHOL-BRAIN

7. PILOTS, PASSENGERS MARK ANNIVERSARY OF 'MIRACLE ON THE HUDSON'  "I'm filled with joy and gratitude about what was able to be accomplished," says Capt. "Sully" Sullenberger, who five years ago gained instant fame for his extraordinary landing of US Airways flight 1549.  HUDSON RIVER-CRASH

8. V FORMATION IS A PRECISION DRILL  While flying in the characteristic formation, birds choreograph the flapping of their wings to save energy, a study suggests.  BIRDS IN SYNC

9. WHO'S ENTERED REHAB FOR ALCOHOL ABUSE  Country singer Trace Adkins seeks medical help after canceling performances on a weeklong cruise.  PEOPLE-TRACE ADKINS

10. TOSS ANOTHER TENNIS BALL ON THE BARBIE  The temperature at the Australian Open reaches 109 degrees, forcing the suspension of some matches.  AUSTRALIAN OPEN