Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Monday, March 31, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. U.S., RUSSIA STILL AT ODDS OVER UKRAINE
While both sides favor a diplomatic solution to the crisis, they were unable to bridge the gap between them at a meeting of their top diplomats in Paris.
2. KOREAS TRADE FIRE
Residents of five South Korean islands were evacuated to shelters as artillery shells were fired across a disputed sea boundary between the two foes.
3. OCEAN JUNK DISTRACT SEARCH FOR FLIGHT 37O
Tangled fish lines and other trash floating on the surface of the Indian Ocean create false alarms in the global effort to find the Malaysian jetliner.
4. DEMOCRATS FACE UPHILL BATTLE IN MIDTERM VOTE AS GOP REDRAWS ELECTORAL MAP
Gerrymandering following the 2010 census means Republican voters are spread among more districts in many states.
5. WASHINGTON MUDSLIDE DEATH TOLL RISES TO 21
Searchers hope to make headway in their efforts as rains ease this week.
6. MARATHON BOMBING EXHIBIT INCLUDES ITEMS FROM PUBLIC MEMORIAL
To mark the first anniversary of the twin bombings, Boston’s public library is putting up an exhibition of items such as runner shoes, teddy bears and signs that were left by mourners.
7. SENATE REPORT PROVIDES NO KEY LINK BETWEEN BIN LADEN’S DEATH AND TORTURE
Sources tell AP that the widely anticipated study found that harsh interrogation techniques of terror suspects did not aid in killing the al-Qaida leader.
8. WHAT A FAIR MINIMUM WAGE MEANS
The hot election year issue divides economists and politicians even though its buying power has declined since 1968.
9. WHERE EGYPTIAN DOG AND CAT MUMMIES ARE TAKING CENTER STAGE
Dozens of centuries-old specimens are on display at a California museum, including a canine so well detailed that even its floppy ears are prominent.
10. WHO EARNED A SPOT IN THE FINAL FOUR
UConn will play Florida, the NCAA tournament’s overall No. 1 seed, while Kentucky faces off against Wisconsin.
