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

1. CONGRESS STAVES OFF THE 'FISCAL CLIFF'

The House votes 257-167 to give final approval to the bill that averted spending cuts and tax hikes on the middle class.

2. THE TAX HIKE NO ONE'S TALKING ABOUT

Ending the Social Security payroll tax cut means that someone earning $50,000 will pay $1,000 more a year in taxes.

3. ANGER OVER SANDY AID

New York-area lawmakers are outraged that the House planned to end its term without approving a $60.4 billion bill for storm-battered victims.

4. BIEBER PAPARAZZO KILLED IN ACCCIDENT

The photographer is struck by a car after trying to shoot a picture of Bieber's Ferrari.

5. A DEADLY FIREWORKS STAMPEDE

Sixty-one people were killed and more than 200 injured in the crowd after a New Year's fireworks show on Africa's Ivory Coast.

6. WHAT CLOSED DOWN IN SYRIA'S LARGEST CITY

Fighting between government troops and rebels forced the international airport in Aleppo to close. Continued...