The regional bureau of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. WHERE PROTESTS REMAIN DEADLY
The largest demonstrations to strike Iran since its disputed 2009 presidential election have seen six days of unrest across the country and a death toll of at least 20.
2. WHO’S OFFERING TALKS TO NORTH KOREA
3. POST-HOLIDAY, TRUMP FACES FULL PLATE
The president returns to Washington from his Florida club to face a hefty legislative to-do list, critical midterm elections and thorny issues abroad.
4. CALIFORNIA ROLLS ITS OWN RECREATIONAL POT SALES OUT FOR 2018
Ceremonial ribbon cuttings marked the occasion as the nation’s biggest producer of illicit marijuana moved from the shadows toward a regulated market.
5. WHERE WINTER HAS BLOWN IN WITH GUSTO
Bone-chilling cold grips much of the central U.S. as 2018 begins, breaking century-old records.
6. WHY FEW COLLEGES TRACK SUICIDES
Nearly half of the largest U.S. public universities do not track suicides among their students, despite making investments in prevention at a time of surging demand for mental health services.
7. HOW CALIFORNIA’S LEGISLATURE IS GRAPPLING WITH SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
Debates loom over legislation to boost protections for victims and people who report sexual misconduct, as well as a confrontation with a state senator who has refused calls to step aside amid an investigation into his alleged inappropriate behavior.
8. WHO’S TAKING REINS OF BEAUTY PAGEANT
Former Fox News anchor and 1989 Miss America Gretchen Carlson is named chairwoman of the Miss America Organization’s board of directors, after leaked emails surfaced showing CEO Sam Haskell and others disparaging the appearance, intellect and sex lives of former Miss Americas.
9. LEADER OF NYC BALLET RETIRING AMID MISCONDUCT INVESTIGATION
Peter Martins, the longtime leader of the New York City Ballet, is retiring in the midst of an investigation into accusations of sexual misconduct.
10. WHO WILL MEET IN THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Alabama and Georgia won their College Football Playoff semifinals, making next Monday night’s national championship in Atlanta an all-SEC affair.