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10 things to know for Friday

A pedestrian asks directions from two heavily armed counterterrorism officers stationed in Times Square, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016, in New York. Police say they are up to the challenge of protecting the huge crowds expected to gather in and around Times Square to ring in the New Year. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) A pedestrian asks directions from two heavily armed counterterrorism officers stationed in Times Square, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016, in New York. Police say they are up to the challenge of protecting the huge crowds expected to gather in and around Times Square to ring in the New Year. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

By Associated Press December 30, 2016 2 min read

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

1. OBAMA ANNOUNCES SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA AFTER CYBERATTACKS

The US administration kicks out 35 Russian officials it believes to be intelligence operatives and closes down two Russian-owned compounds, as Russia says it is considering retaliatory measures.

2. SYRIA CEASE-FIRE GOES INTO EFFECT

The truce is backed by both Russia and Turkey, but did not include extremist factions such as the Islamic State group. If it holds, peace talks will be held next month in Kazakhstan.