Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers
1. INVESTIGATIONS INTO RUSSIA TO CONTINUE AFTER FLYNN’S EXIT
Democrats contend an independent investigation is the best way to answer questions about the Trump administration’s ties to Russia, a notion rebuffed by the GOP.
2. WASHINGTON MULLS DRAMATIC SHIFT IN POLICY AS NETANYAHU GOES TO WHITE HOUSE
The Trump administration suggests peace between the Israelis and Palestinians may not come in the form of a two-state solution — how this might actually be possible is not made clear.
3. ARREST MADE AFTER KIM’S HALF BROTHER KILLED
News of the apparent assassination of the North Korean leader’s sibling ripples across Asia and Malaysian police say they have arrested a woman in connection with Kim Jong Nam’s death.
4. WHAT’S IN STORE FOR MATTIS IN BRUSSELS
NATO defense ministers hold two days of talks focused on military spending, terrorism and relations with Russia.
5. INSPECTION REPORT REVEALED CRACKS TO CALIFORNIA DAM
An expert says the cracks on the Oroville Dam spillway surface could let water tear through the concrete if not properly repaired.
6. STUDY: MOST DRIVERS, NOT JUST YOUNG, ARE TAKING RISKS
Well over half of drivers in every age group have texted behind the wheel, run a red light or driven faster than the speed limit in the last 30 days, the AAA Foundation says.
7. BOEING VOTE TELLS NEXT CHAPTER IN SOUTHERN UNIONIZATION
If successful, the balloting would send a message to politicians that workers in South Carolina are demanding the same protections and benefits as their colleagues in other areas.
8. PRODUCE AISLES IN SWEDEN GOING HIGH-TECH
Laser beams create tattoo-like patterns — in this case the product’s name, country of origin and code number — ostensibly replacing labels and plastic packaging.
9. WHO THREE-PEATED AS SWIMSUIT QUEEN
Kate Upton again graces the cover of Sports Illustrated’s annual issue, becoming only the fourth woman to do it three times.
10. CALL THIS COMEBACK A ‘RUMOR’
Rumor is crowned America’s top dog when, a year after a near miss on the very same green carpet, the German shepherd came out of retirement to win best in show at Westminster.
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This story has been corrected to delete the reference in No. 3 to the woman being Vietnamese. She was carrying Vietnamese travel documents, but it is unknown if she was from Vietnam.