10 things you need to know today: February 17, 2012

GM's record profits, a prize-winning journalist's death, and more in our roundup of the stories that are making news and driving opinion

GM
(Image credit: Tom Fox/Dallas Morning News/Corbis)

1. GM STOCK UP ON RECORD HIGH PROFIT

General Motors on Thursday reported a record profit of $7.6 billion for 2011. The company's stock surged on the news, closing at $27.17, its highest point since last August. Because of a profit-sharing deal, GM will pay autoworkers $7,000 each, on average, and the Detroit economy is expected to reap significant spinoff benefits. With Ford and Chrysler distributing similar bonuses, several states with auto factories will get a boost. [Detroit Free Press]

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