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

1. WHAT WOMEN ON THE FRONT LINE CAN'T DO

The Pentagon will lift a ban Thursday for women in combat, but could make exceptions for positions such as the Navy SEALS.

2. CLINTON FIERCELY DEFENDS US HANDLING OF BENGHAZI

In often-combative testimony, she rejected senators' suggestions that the administration tried to mislead the country about the Sept. 11 attack.

3. GANG RAPE TRIAL BEGINS IN INDIA

Five men are accused of assaulting and killing a woman aboard a moving bus in a case that triggered national outrage over violence against women.

4. NORTH KOREA'S TOUGH TALK ON NUKES

The nation says it's ready for a nuclear test and has rockets designed to carry warheads that could take aim at the U.S.

5. BAD NEWS FOR METER READERS

The AP reports utilities are replacing the workers by the day with digital meters as technology overtakes a wave of middle-class jobs.

6. EQUALITY — BUT NOT IN A GOOD WAY

Women now smoke more regularly and at a younger age and are more likely to die because of their habit. Continued...