Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Friday, March 3, 2017. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. SESSIONS STEPS ASIDE FROM RUSSIA PROBE
The attorney general acts after revelations he twice spoke with the Russian ambassador during the campaign and failed to say so when pressed by Congress.
2. RUSSIA’S TOP DIPLOMAT AT CENTER OF TRUMP CONTROVERSY
Observers note Sergey Kislyak, who has bounced between U.S. and Moscow for most of his long career, is a somewhat unlikely figure to cause imbroglio.
3. TRUMP’S NEW TRAVEL BAN DELAYED
Announcement of a replacement order is repeatedly postponed, a reflection of legal difficulties, shifting administration priorities and politics.
4. SYRIAN ARMY RETAKES TOWN OF PALMYRA FROM ISLAMIC EXTREMISTS
For the Syrian government, the news is a welcome development against the backdrop of peace talks underway with the opposition in Switzerland.
5. GOP HEALTH PLAN COULD COST MINNESOTA BILLIONS
The document obtained by The AP shows that the proposal would cut $1.3 billion next year from the state’s low-income health care program.
6. WHY LAW ENFORCERS RAID CATERPILLAR OFFICES
The company says it may be related to business with its Swiss subsidiary CSARL.
7. WHAT’S DRIVING THE STOCK RALLY
Excitement about Trump’s policies is part of the reason for it. Additionally, the economy is getting stronger, and so are corporate profits.
8. WHO’S UNHAPPY WITH UBER’S QUEST FOR GROWTH
There’s a conflict between the company’s effort to grow by cutting prices to beat competitors and drivers who have seen their pay reduced.
9. WHERE WILL FERRELL WILL BE FEATURED SPEAKER
The comic actor will give an address at this year’s commencement at the University of Southern California.
10. SIGNS OF DROP IN INTERNATIONAL TOURISM TO U.S.
The U.S. Travel Association says the Trump administration’s immigration policies are hurting tourism but the White House spokeswoman disputes the contention.