Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Monday, Feb. 23, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. ‘BIRDMAN’ WINS TOP OSCAR
The movie that epitomizes Hollywood’s culture took home the best film trophy in a night full of politics and heartfelt speeches.
2. CARTER CONVENES AN UNUSUAL MEETING ON THE ISLAMIC STATE THREAT
The Pentagon chief is meeting with top American military, diplomatic and intelligence experts in Kuwait to discuss the strategy for defeating the terrorist group.
3. HOMELAND SECRETARY WARNS OF DANGERS IF FUNDING STOPS
Jeh Johnson says his department’s response to terrorist threats and tough winter weather will suffer if Congress doesn’t agree on its new budget.
4. HOW MANY INMATES ARE LEFT AT GUANTANAMO
Fiery rhetoric over closing the prison is overshadowing the fact that more than half have been released since President Barack Obama took office in 2009.
5. DEATH TOLL RISES TO 70 IN BANGLADESH BOAT ACCIDENT
A weekend ferry disaster is the latest shipping mishap in the South Asian nation.
6. NORTH KOREA BANS FOREIGNERS FROM MARATHON
The isolationist Asian nation is barring tourists from participating in one of its most popular events this year because of concerns over the spread of Ebola.
7. WHO WANTS TO TAX THE RICH MORE
A majority of people in the United States support President Barack Obama’s proposal to raise taxes on wealthy investors, and an even larger share says well-to-do households are taxed too little, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll.
8. AGENCY CREATED TO FIGHT POVERTY LAGS IN KEY MEASURES
A new report ordered up by the Appalachian Regional Commission cites some progress but researchers say other problems persist, including disproportionately high mortality rates.
9. WHY SOME MAY LOSE HEALTH INSURANCE SUBSIDIES
The Supreme Court could side with opponents of President Barack Obama’s overhaul, but the three dozen-plus states at risk seem unprepared for the potential fallout.
10. DRIVER WHO SPENT SEVEN YEARS TRYING WINS DAYTONA
Nicknamed “Sliced Bread” when he broke into the Sprint Cup Series at 18 because so many predicted him to be the next big thing, Joey Logano finally wins his first career Daytona 500.
