Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know today, Monday, Aug. 26, 2013. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers:
1. ASSAD REBUTS CHEMICAL WEAPONS ACCUSATION
He says the Syrian military would not have used such weapons because there was no clear front line. U.N. inspectors in Syria to investigate the attack say their vehicle was fired upon by snipers.
2. WHERE FIREFIGHTERS ARE HOLDING THEIR OWN
A huge wildfire raging near Yosemite is threatening thousands of structures — but so far only a handful have been destroyed.
3. BO’S TRIAL WRAPS UP
A prosecutor demands severe punishment for the disgraced politician as China’s newly installed leadership aims to move on from the scandal.
4. WHY CHICAGO IS FLOODING ITS STREETS WITH SAFETY GUARDS
The closing of dozens of city schools means that many children will be attending new schools — and will have to cross gang boundaries to get to them.
5. MARCH ON WASHINGTON RESONATES FOR IMMIGRANTS
“They were fighting for equality, and that’s exactly what we’re fighting for,” one newcomer to the U.S. says as activists mark the 50th anniversary of the seminal civil rights march.
6. WHAT FORT HOOD SHOOTER SEEMS TO BE SEEKING
As his sentencing begins, the Army psychiatrist’s attorneys are convinced he wants the death penalty — and martyrdom.
7. FINANCIAL PIONEER DIES AT 80
Muriel “Mickie” Siebert started as a trainee on Wall Street and became the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange.
8. GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL? PACK A PARKA
The Farmers’ Almanac predicts a blizzard will hit the Northeast before the NFL title game at open-air MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
9. MILEY CYRUS GRABS THE LIMELIGHT
The provocative pop star shimmies, slithers and sways — and sings, too — in stealing the show at the MTV Video Music Awards.
10. NADAL RIDING 10-MATCH WIN STREAK INTO US OPEN
The Spaniard carries a lot of momentum into the tournament but could be hindered by an ailing left knee.
