Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Friday, Feb. 12, 2016. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. WHAT LATEST DEBATE UNCOVERED
How far are Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders willing to go to advance a Democratic agenda if elected to the White House.
2. CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM ON SYRIA TRUCE
A temporary “cessation of hostilities” in the civil war has been agreed by diplomats to start next week.
3. THAAD ON TABLE IN KOREA TALKS
Seoul and Washington will begin negotiations as early as next week on deploying a sophisticated U.S. missile defense system in South Korea.
4. IN MEETING POPE, PATRIARCH ASSERTS RUSSIA’S ROLE
When Kirill meets Francis, the historic event will allow the head of the Russian Orthodox Church to assert Russia’s leading role in the Eastern Christian world.
5. FEAR PERVASIVE AFTER DEADLY PRISON RIOT
Gang rule, extortion and human rights violations are exposed after 49 inmates were killed in Mexico.
6. HOW RANCHERS STANDOFF ENDED
The last four armed occupiers of an Oregon wildlife refuge shouted, argued and raved, but surrendered without a shot being fired.
7. U.N. HEALTH AGENCY GIVES ZIKA TIMETABLE
The World Health Organization says possible vaccines for the virus are at least 18 months away from large-scale trials.
8. U.S. LOOPHOLE TO CLOSE ON PRODUCTS MADE BY SEAFOOD SLAVES
A bill headed for Obama’s desk this week includes a provision that would ban U.S. imports of fish caught by means of forced labor in Southeast Asia.
9. MAKE THEM AN OFFER THEY ‘CAN’T REFUSE’
A collection of “The Godfather” author Mario Puzo’s papers can be had at a Boston auction next week.
10. WHO MET WITH GERMAN LEADER
George Clooney and his lawyer wife Amal held a private meeting with Angela Merkel to discuss the crisis in Syria and Europe’s efforts to help refugees
