Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Friday, Dec. 20, 2013. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers:
1. WHO IS UPSET OVER TARGET’S HANDLING OF DATA BREACH
Angry customers say they’re having trouble contacting the discounter over the theft of details from 40 million card accounts.
2. BUSES FERRY INJURED FROM LONDON THEATER COLLAPSE
The double-deckers helped 25 ambulances take 76 patients to hospital, after the ceiling of the Apollo Theatre crashed onto the audience.
3. CRACKDOWN ON SEXUAL ASSAULT IN ARMED FORCES
The Senate passes a defense bill which will overhaul the military justice system and add protection for victims of sex offenses.
4. BAN RUFFLES FEATHERS OF `DUCK DYNASTY’ FANS
Half a million viewers support a Facebook page calling for the return of suspended patriarch Phil Robertson.
5. WHY US GENERAL WAS DEMOTED
Maj. Gen. Michael Carey drank heavily and associated with “suspect” women on a trip to Russia, investigators say.
6. FIGURE-SKATING CHAMP COMES OUT AHEAD OF SOCHI TRIP
Brian Boitano announces he’s gay as he joins the U.S. delegation to the Winter Olympics.
7. WHERE FAKE SMOKES FACE REAL BAN
New York City lawmakers vote to ban e-cigarettes from restaurants, bars and city parks in a measure Mayor Bloomberg is expected to sign.
8. RODMAN HOLDS PYONGYANG TRYOUTS
The flamboyant Hall of Famer is assuring NBA veterans it is safe to join an exhibition game he is staging in the North Korean capital.
9. ROBOT KEEPS ASTRONAUT COMPANY
Humanoid robot Kirobo holds a weightless conversation with astronaut Koichi Wakata on the International Space Station.
10. WHAT’S HOT FOR CHRISTMAS
Faux fur and vegan leather are on trend as holiday gifts, as today’s better-looking fakes gain popularity.
