10 things you need to know today: November 7, 2014

1. U.S. acknowledges hundreds were exposed to chemical weapons in Iraq

More than 600 U.S. service members may have been exposed to chemical agents in Iraq since 2003, according to the Pentagon. An investigation by The New York Times uncovered 17 of these cases, but Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ordered a review of the issue and found that the number of those affected by sarin gas or a sulfur mustard agent were actually in the hundreds.

The New York Times

2. Federal court upholds gay marriage ban in four states

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit dealt the same-sex marriage movement an defeat when it upheld a gay marriage ban. The 2-1 ruling reversed a district court decision that struck down same-sex marriage bans in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Because four other appellate courts have ruled differently, the case is sure to be taken up by the Supreme Court, which ruled against the federal Defense of Marriage Act in 2013.

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USA Today

3. Obama secretly reached out to Iran about fighting ISIS

President Obama wrote to Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last month about potentially joining the U.S. in the fight against ISIS, The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday. Obama said any such cooperation would be contingent on reaching a deal to end Iran's nuclear program. Secretary of State John Kerry previously said the U.S. was open to talking with Iran about combating ISIS, but that it would not involve military coordination.

The Wall Street Journal

4. Syrian military reportedly recaptures gas field from the Islamic State

Syrian government troops have reportedly seized the Sha'ar gas field in the central part of the country from Islamic State militants. Hundreds have died fighting over the field since July, when ISIS fighters first wrested control of it from troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. Control of the field has changed hands three times since then.

Reuters

5. Democrats look to push legislation through Congress before losing Senate control

Before they are forced to give up control of the Senate in January, Democrats are planning on pushing through the upper chamber a number of important measures. The Democrats also want to confirm several of the president's federal judicial nominees to reduce the backlog before Republicans take over. Both Democratic and Republican leaders are scheduled to meet with the president at the White House today to discuss the agenda for next legislative term.

The Washington Post

6. Illinois approves fracking regulations

Illinois moved one step closer to allowing fracking on Thursday. Lawmakers in the Prairie State signed off on regulations on high-volume oil and gas extraction, a move that will now let companies apply for permits to start drilling. The rules took more than a year to write and must now be submitted to the Secretary of State and be published by Nov. 15.

ABC

7. Civil War hero receives Medal of Honor

First Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing, a Civil War hero who helped defend the Union position along Cemetery Ridge during the Battle of Gettysburg, was awarded the Medal of Honor. A Wisconsin native who attended West Point, Cushing died after being shot in the abdomen and shoulder during Pickett's Charge. Despite being injured, Cushing remained on the front line and helped his men hold the line. Obama presented the medal to Helen Loring Ensign, his cousin two times removed.

Fox

8. Toy Story 4 scheduled for release in 2017

Toy Story will return to the big screen. Disney has plans to make a fourth installment of the popular animated series. The new movie is slated for 2017. Toy Story 3 grossed more than $1 billion worldwide.

CNN

9. French President Hollande says he won't seek re-election if unemployment remains high

If he's not able to reduce unemployment by the end of his five-year term, French President François Hollande says he won't run for re-election. Hollande, whose approval rating has dipped down to 12 percent, also promised not to introduce any new taxes during his term. The president made the pledges during a 90-minute television interview that many consider a last-ditch effort to salvage his agenda.

The Telegraph

10. EU reaches deal to drastically reduce carbon emissions

Leaders of the European Union have agreed to cut carbon emissions by 40 percent off of 1990 levels by 2030. The deal, which is binding, also includes an agreement to increase renewable energy usage by 27 percent. Not everyone was happy with the accord. Countries like Poland, which rely heavily on coal, are concerned it could slow their economic growth.

BBC