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

1. RUSSIA, IRAN CRITICIZE TEHRAN SNUB FOR SYRIA TALKS  Both countries criticize the U.N. chief's decision to withdraw Iran's invitation to join this week's peace conference on Syria.   SYRIA-PEACE TALKS

2. EXPLOSION HITS BEIRUT SUBURB  The blast appears to be the latest attack targeting Shiites in Lebanon, apparently in retaliation for Hezbollah's support for Assad.   LEBANON

3. HOW A SNOWDEN TRIAL COULD PLAY OUT  Some legal experts say even more classified information could come out in court, but the government wants to press ahead.   NSA SURVEILLANCE-SNOWDEN TRIAL

4. CHICAGO PRIEST SEX ABUSE DOCUMENTS GOING PUBLIC  Victims' attorneys are posting the papers online, and say they'll show the archdiocese concealed the abuse for decades.   CHURCH ABUSE-CHICAGO

5. WHY ISRAEL IS WORRIED ABOUT ANCIENT HOLY LAND TREASURES  After five earthquakes in October, experts started using technology to determine structural weaknesses at historical sites.   ISRAEL-ENDANGERED ANTIQUITIES

6. GET THE SHOVELS AND SCARVES READY  Another batch of heavy snow and frigid temperatures is forecast from Virginia to New England, and the U.S. government is shutting down for the day as the storm bears down. WINTER WEATHER

7. WHERE TV SOAP OPERAS ARE UNDER FIRE  In Venezuela, the president says the hugely popular shows glamorize violence, guns and drugs and play a part in the country's high crime.   VENEZUELA-VIOLENT TV

8. VIRTUAL CURRENCY ENTERING MAINSTREAM  Overstock.com says it has begun to accept digital Bitcoins as payment for goods.   OVERSTOCK-BITCOINS

9. WHO'S IN THE SUNDANCE SPOTLIGHT  Lindsay Lohan chose the festival to announce a new film and a "fresh start" after her drug and legal troubles.   SUNDANCE-LINDSAY LOHAN

10. PRICIER NUPTIALS SPUR INSURANCE MARKET  With the cost of the average American wedding reaching about $26,000, insurers are selling policies to protect against losses from extreme weather, illness — even a sudden change of heart.   WEDDING INSURANCE

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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