10 Things to Know for Thursday, June 19, 2014

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

1. OIL REFINERY FOCUS OF FIERCE FIGHT IN IRAQ

The facility accounts for just more than a quarter of the country's entire refining capacity and is a prime target for the insurgents.

2. WHY US IS WARY OF LAUNCHING AIRSTRIKES

So far, officials haven't been able to identify clear targets that could hit in Iraq and slow the militants' momentum.

3. WCUP PRODUCES A SHOCKER

Defending champion Spain is eliminated with its second loss in as many outings at the tournament.

4. SENATORS URGE 12-CENT HIKE IN GAS TAX

The extra revenue would be used, among other things, to fix aging roads and bridges in the U.S.

5. THREE INMATES PUT TO DEATH IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS

The executions indicate that death penalty states are unfazed by the recent furor over how the U.S. carries out lethal injections.

6. FRESH PRESSURE ON REDSKINS TO CHANGE NAME

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rules that the nickname disparages Native Americans.

7. HOW SCIENTISTS HOPE TO BRING BACK AN EXTINCT SPECIES

It's a longshot, but some geneticists are trying to revive the passenger pigeon from leftover DNA in stuffed birds.

8. FORMER GUARD ACCUSED OF CRIMES AT AUSCHWITZ

The 89-year-old Philadelphia man has said he was stationed outside the Nazi camp and wasn't responsible for the deaths of Jews and others.

9. SETBACK IN EFFORTS TO TAME 'CAT FROM HELL'

Lux, the notorious Oregon feline, attacks his new guardians, and they're forced to give him up for their own safety.

10. WHO'S BEING HONORED WITH NATION'S TOP HUMOR PRIZE

Jay Leno, the former "Tonight Show" funny man, will receive the Mark Twain Prize this fall at the Kennedy Center in Washington.