Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. PAKISTAN VOWS TO RETALIATE AGAINST TALIBAN
Responding to a horrific attack on a school, the government pledges to step up a military campaign that — along with U.S. drone strikes — has targeted the militants.
2. CONSUMERS REACT TO RUBLE’S PLUNGE
On the streets of Moscow, panicky shoppers rush to buy home appliances before they become even more expensive.
3. WHICH MEMBER OF POLITICAL DYNASTY IS POISED TO RUN IN 2016
Jeb Bush all but declares his candidacy for president more than a year before the first primaries.
4. EX-MARINE’S BODY FOUND AFTER MANHUNT
An Iraq war vet suspected of killing his ex-wife and five of her relatives is discovered dead with self-inflicted stab wounds near his suburban Philadelphia home.
5. HACKERS PROMISING A ‘CHRISTMAS GIFT’
A group calling itself the Guardians of Peace makes ominous threats against movie theaters showing Sony Pictures’ “The Interview.”
6. WHAT’S COMPOUNDING RAGE OVER DEADLY SIEGE
Australians want to know why the suspect, who had a violent criminal history, was free on bail.
7. AP FINDS POLITICIANS GOT QUESTIONABLE STOCK PAYOUTS
North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory and U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford of South Carolina deny they did anything improper by accepting the payouts, which were not fully described in their ethics statements.
8. HOW COMIC BOOKS ARE PROMOTING DIVERSITY
With Marvel Comics and DC Comics leading the way, the new Captain America is black, Thor is a woman, Spider-Man is part-Puerto Rican and Ms. Marvel is Muslim.
9. BILL COSBY WON’T FACE CHARGES IN PLAYBOY MANSION CASE
Los Angeles prosecutors decline to file charges against the TV icon after a woman recently claimed the comedian molested her at the mansion around 1974.
10. HEY A-ROD, LEAVE YOUR GLOVE IN THE DUGOUT
Yankees GM Brian Cashman tells the AP’s Ron Blum that Alex Rodriguez can expect to be only a designated hitter this coming season.
