Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Thursday, March 31, 2016. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. TRUMP’S ABORTION COMMENTS SPARK UPROAR
The candidate tries to take back his remarks that if abortions are banned, women who get them should receive “some form of punishment.”
2. AFTER BRUSSELS, LEADERS TACKLING THREAT OF NUCLEAR TERROR
Preventing terrorists from obtaining nuclear materials is the focus as Obama hosts leaders from roughly 50 countries for a nuclear security summit.
3. TENSION EBBED AS EGYPTAIR HIJACKING UNFOLDED
The atmosphere aboard the aircraft grew so relaxed that a passenger posed for a wide-grinning selfie alongside the self-billed bomber, whose explosives belt turned out to be fake.
4. TWO WHITE MINNEAPOLIS POLICE OFFICERS WON’T BE CHARGED IN FATAL SHOOTING
Evidence shows the black suspect before he was killed tried to grab the weapon of one of the officers, which made them believe they were in mortal danger, the prosecutor says.
5. HOW DISPUTE OVER NORTH CAROLINA’S NEW BATHROOM LAW COULD BE SETTLED
The law’s fate could be determined by a coming federal court ruling in the case of a Virginia teen denied use of his school’s boys’ room.
6. SYRIA’S ASSAD CALLS FOR UNITY GOVERNMENT
He also rejects a key opposition demand for a transitional ruling body — a stance that could complicate international peace efforts.
7. WHERE SMOG IS REACHING ALARMING LEVELS
Mexico City temporarily orders all cars to remain idle one day a week in response to its worst air-quality crisis in over a decade
8. NEW OPTION FOR PATIENTS WITH AIDS VIRUS AND FAILING ORGANS
Surgeons in Baltimore for the first time transplant organs between an HIV-positive donor and HIV-positive recipients.
9. WHAT SUMMER TRAVELERS WILL HAVE TO CONTEND WITH
Fliers can expect massive security lines across the U.S., with airlines already warning passengers to arrive at least two hours early or risk missing their flight.
10. UCONN WOMEN TAKING HITS FOR BEING TOO GOOD
Critics contend the team’s 73-game winning streak and continual blowouts have turned off casual fans because there’s little drama when the Huskies take the court.
