10 Things to Know: Dec. 11

1. CIA PUSHES BACK AFTER TORTURE REPORT

Agency officials are painting the Senate probe as a political stunt by Democrats tarnishing a program that saved American lives.

2. IN MIDEAST, REVELATIONS MET WITH COLLECTIVE SHRUG

For many, the torture report merely reinforces a long-held view of American brutality rooted in decades of conflict.

3. WHICH IDEA TO HALT CLIMATE CHANGE IS WINNING CONVERTS

Dozens of governments now embrace the notion that greenhouse gas emissions must be cut to zero by 2050.

4. US ENDS OPERATION OF PRISONS IN AFGHANISTAN

The milestone, after a decade of war, comes with the release of the final three detainees from the Parwan Detention Center.

5. HOW MCDONALD'S INTENDS TO BOOST ITS BRAND

As U.S. sales continue to slip, the company is making changes aimed at persuading health-minded customers that it doesn't serve junk food.

6. BLACK POLICE IN US STRADDLE LINE BETWEEN RACE, DUTY

Some say that as they enforce the law, they also wonder whether the system they're sworn to uphold is stacked against black men.

7. EBOLA DOCTORS, NURSES NAMED PERSON OF THE YEAR BY TIME MAGAZINE

"The rest of the world can sleep at night because a group of men and women are willing to stand and fight," the magazine's editor writes.

8. WHERE EARTH'S WATER DIDN'T COME FROM

Comets likely weren't the source of the water now on the planet, scientists say after examining data from the Rosetta space probe.

9. CENTURIES-OLD MONACO WELCOMES ROYAL TWINS FOR FIRST TIME IN ITS HISTORY

The boy and girl - born to Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II - are heirs to the Grimaldi dynasty that rules the wealthy principality.

10. NFL OWNERS OK CHANGES IN PLAYER CONDUCT RULES

A special counsel will be hired to oversee investigations and initial discipline - though Commissioner Goodell will still rule on any appeals.