Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Tuesday, March 15, 2016. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. PUTIN ORDERS WITHDRAWAL OF MOST RUSSIAN FORCES FROM SYRIA
He says he hopes the move will contribute to the success of peace talks aimed at ending the Syrian civil war.
2. HOW HISTORY MIGHT BE REPEATING ITSELF
The recent dark turn of the presidential campaign fuels fear that the U.S. is careering into a time of turmoil similar to the 1960s.
3. MARYLAND POLICEMAN KILLED BY FRIENDLY FIRE
The undercover officer was killed by his own colleagues as he responded to an attack on his police station by a gunman with a death wish, the police chief says.
4. ISLAMIC STATE FIGHTER SURRENDERS IN IRAQ
The 26-year-old identifies himself as a Palestinian from the U.S., and American authorities are trying to confirm that he is a U.S. citizen.
5. WHY AMTRAK TRAIN DERAILED IN RURAL KANSAS
Investigators are checking whether a vehicle crash may have damaged the tracks before the accident.
6. RAIN A BOON FOR DROUGHT-STRICKEN CALIFORNIA
Four straight days of wet weather replenish several key reservoirs, raising optimism that restrictions on water use may be eased in the months ahead.
7. WHAT DEADLY ASSAULT ON IVORY COAST RESORT SIGNALS
The attack on the beach resort by an al-Qaida affiliate is the latest sign that it is shifting its focus to soft targets associated with foreigners.
8. UNMANNED PROBE WINGING ITS WAY TO MARS
The European Space Agency begins its mission to explore the red planet and hunt for signs of life.
9. PALIN’S HUSBAND INJURED IN SNOWMOBILE CRASH
Todd Palin remains hospitalized after the accident in Alaska, but is expected to recover.
10. NFL EXEC ACKNOWLEDGES HEAD-TRAUMA LINK
It’s the first time a league official has admitted a link between football and the brain disease CTE.