Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know today, Tuesday, Sept. 17. 2013. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers:
1. HOW GUNMAN GOT INTO THE WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
The defense worker had a valid pass for the high-security installation where he shot and killed 12.
2. TWO SIDES OF SHOOTING SUSPECT
Aaron Alexis was a convert to Buddhism — but also flashed a temper that led to at least two earlier run-ins with police.
3. CREWS RIGHT STRICKEN CRUISE SHIP
A vast system of cables and pulleys is used to winch the Costa Concordia from the reef off Italy where it ran aground in 2012.
4. WHY UN INSPECTORS HAVE SHADE OF DOUBT
They say evidence of a deadly chemical weapons attack last month in Syria could have been manipulated in the rebel-controlled stricken neighborhoods.
5. RIPPLE EFFECTS OF MASSIVE FLOODING
As images of dramatic rescues and crumbling roads circulate widely, officials worry that Colorado’s billion-dollar tourism industry will take a hit.
6. WORLD’S ECONOMY STUCK IN NEUTRAL
An AP survey of more than two dozen economists suggests that global growth will remain sluggish this year and next.
7. WHAT SOME SEE AS A MILESTONE
The fact that the new Miss America is of Indian descent may prove that people of color can enter the cultural mainstream in ways that once seemed closed.
8. EXPERTS FEAR INTERNET BALKANIZATION
Brazil plans to divorce itself from the U.S.-centric Internet over Washington’s online spying — a potentially dangerous first step toward fracturing the global network.
9. EMMY HOST’S HIDDEN TALENT
Neil Patrick Harris, beyond being able to sing, dance and act, is also a talented magician.
10. NASTY WEATHER PLAGUING NFL — AND IT’S ONLY SEPTEMBER
Already, three games have been disrupted by threatening weather, mostly lightning.