Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Friday, April 8, 2016. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. WHY SO FEW AMERICANS HAVE BEEN NAMED IN “PANAMA PAPERS”
Panama-based Mossack Fonseca law firm at the center of the massive leak scandal prefers Europeans and Latin Americans over U.S. clients. OFFSHORE ACCOUNTS-INVESTIGATION
2. FISHERMEN CAUGHT UP IN BATTLE OVER SOUTH CHINA SEA
As Asian countries jostle for territory in the disputed South China Sea, fishermen tell AP about how they contend with bandits and coast guards from around the region. SOUTH CHINA SEA-FISHERMEN’S VOICES
3. SANDERS GOES NEGATIVE
Bernie Sanders’ claim that Hillary Clinton isn’t qualified to be president is unlikely be the last blow struck by a candidate who pledged to stay away from negative campaigning. DEM 2016-SANDERS
4. JOHN KERRY IS ON HIS WAY TO HIROSHIMA
The secretary of state’s visit to the Japanese city obliterated by the U.S. in World War II is grabbing the spotlight ahead of the G-7 meeting. JAPAN-G7-HIROSHIMA
5. A TOWN’S LAST DOCTOR HAS BEEN KILLED
The last doctor left in the besieged Syrian community of Zabadani is killed by a sniper. SYRIA LAST DOCTOR
6. WHERE A CATHOLIC ARCHIOCESE HAS VOWED TO FIGHT IN COURT
Hartford’s Roman Catholic archdiocese is taking its dispute with an insurance company to trial, seeking reimbursement for payments made to settle sexual misconduct cases involving priests and minors. PRIEST ABUSE-SETTLEMENTS
7. WHAT’S TAKING A BITE OF THIS YEAR’S APPLE CROP
Apple farmers in the Eastern U.S. worry a late-season Arctic blast could eat into their budding crops. FOOD AND FARM-APPLES-COLD SNAP
8. WHO WON THE FINAL AMERICAN IDOL
American Idol’ crowned its 15th and final winner as the influential TV show comes to an end. The champion is 24-year-old Trent Harmon, with 22-year-old La’Porsha Renae the runner-up. Both are from Mississippi. TV-AMERICAN IDOL-FINALE
9. WHICH NBA TEAM JUST MADE HISTORY
Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors become just the second team ever to win 70 games in a season. SPURS-WARRIORS
10. GOLFERS PURSUE THE LEADER OF THE PACK
Several lesser-known players chase Jordan Spieth at the Masters, and some other big names are lurking not too far behind at Augusta National. GOLF-MASTERS