10 Things to Know for Monday, Feb 25

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

1. `ARGO' WINS BEST PICTURE OSCAR, `LIFE OF PI' NETS MOST AWARDS

The CIA thriller won three Oscars, while "Life of Pi" won four trophies, including best director for Ang Lee.  OSCARS

2. SETH MACFARLANE GETS VISIT FROM CAPT. KIRK AS IRREVERENT OSCAR HOST

"Macfarlane's strategic misbehavior furnished welcome relief," AP Television Writer Frazier Moore says. OSCARS-TV REVIEW

3. STATE-BY-STATE FALLOUT FROM BUDGET CUTS

The White House detailed the impact from $85 billion in cuts set to take effect at week's end. BUDGET BATTLE

4. A DATE FOR END OF CASTRO ERA

Raul Castro says he will step down as Cuba's president in 2018. CUBA-PRESIDENT

5. ASSIGNING BLAME FOR GULF OIL SPILL

A trial begins today to determine how much in damages oil giant BP and other companies should pay for the 2010 disaster. GULF OIL SPILL

6. THE TRADEMARK OF CHINA'S HACKING

Cyberwarfare experts note a Monday-to-Friday pattern in the intensity of attacks from Chinese sources. CHINA HACKING-THE CYBERSPIES

7.  WHAT POPE BENEDICT SAID IN HIS FINAL SUNDAY BLESSING

The pontiff said God had called him to dedicate himself "even more to prayer and meditation," which he will do in a monastery. VATICAN-POPE

8. ANOTHER STORM HEADED TO CENTRAL US

Blizzard warnings were in effect in Kansas after up to a foot and a half of snow fell there last week. WINTER STORM

9. TRIPS AND FALLS AT THE OSCARS

Best Actress winner Jennifer Lawrence stumbled on her way to the podium, and injured presenter Kristen Lawrence hobbled  onstage without crutches. OSCAR-SHOW BITS-PACKAGE

10. JIMMIE JOHNSON CRUISES TO 2ND DAYTONA 500 WIN

Danica Patrick also made history as the first woman to lead the race, but finished eighth. NASCAR-DAYTONA 500.