Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Friday, Dec. 12, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. HOUSE APPROVES BILL FINANCING GOVERNMENT
The $1.1 trillion measure passed despite Democratic complaints that it would ease bank regulations imposed after the economy’s near-collapse in 2008.
2. WHICH QUESTION CIA CHIEF SAYS CAN’T BE ANSWERED
John Brennan cannot say whether the agency’s interrogation methods produced critical intelligence, but he believes the program stopped attacks and saved lives.
3. WHERE CALIFORNIA STORM IS HEADED NEXT
The dangerous weather that inundated Northern California freeways, pushed rivers to flood stage and forced evacuations is expected to bring heavy rain to the Los Angeles area.
4. POLL: REPUBLICANS BACK LIMITS ON CARBON
An AP survey finds half of Republicans back restrictions on carbon pollution, even as GOP lawmakers vow to undo environmental regulations they claim harm the economy.
5. LAST CALL FOR SLEEPER TRAINS
Citing unsustainable losses, Germany’s Deutsche Bahn is ending its bunk bed service between Paris and Berlin.
6. CITING ‘BIBI FATIGUE’ IN ISRAEL
With elections looming, challengers say that after nearly nine years in office, it is time for a new face at the top instead of Benjamin Netanyahu.
7. HOW SOME ARE AVOIDING BIG BOX STORES
U.S. consumers are going over the Internet and through the woods to find Christmas trees this year.
8. SCANT PROGRESS AS U.N. CLIMATE ENTER HOME STRETCH
Global warming talks wrap up with countries arguing over what kind of climate action plans they should present for a key summit in Paris.
9. ‘INTERSTELLAR’ SNUBBED BY GLOBES VOTERS
One of the bigger movies of the year remains tethered to the launch pad after getting only one Golden Globes nomination — for score.
10. CARDINALS LOSE ANOTHER QB TO INJURY
Backup quarterback Drew Stanton injured his knee, but Arizona rode its tough defense to a 12-6 win over the St. Louis Rams.