Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Monday, Sept. 29, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. PRO-DEMOCRACY RALLIES SPREAD IN HONG KONG
Protesters defy calls to disperse in a major pushback against Beijing’s decision to limit democratic reforms in the Asian financial hub.
2. AFGHANISTAN SWEARS IN NEW PRESIDENT
The inauguration of Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai marks the country’s first democratic transfer of power since the 2001 U.S.-led invasion toppled the Taliban.
3. WHY JAPAN SUSPENDS RECOVERY WORK AT VOLCANO SITE
Toxic gases and ash force rescuers to call off their effort to bring down the rest of the victims, after earlier airlifting out eight more bodies by military helicopter.
4. IMMIGRATION POSES FRESH EDUCATION CHALLENGE
American schools scramble to offer “newcomer” programs and English help to teens crossing the U.S. border alone.
5. JURY SELECTION BEGINS IN ARIAS PENALTY RETRIAL
As prosecutors again seek a death sentence in the Arizona case that became a tabloid TV sensation, 300 prospective jurors will report to the courthouse in Phoenix.
6. WHICH RECRUITING TOOL ISRAEL’S MOSSAD USES NOW
One of the world’s most secretive espionage organizations revamps its website to include an online application option for those seeking employment.
7. FERGUSON DEMANDS HIGH FEES TO TURN OVER CITY FILES
Local officials charge nearly 10 times the cost of some of their own employees’ salaries for records relating to the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown.
8. NORTH KOREAN LEADER’S HEALTH FUELS SPECULATION
Many try to guess what’s behind Kim Jong Un’s recent disappearance from public view: gout brought on by a cheese obsession, or too much fried chicken and beer.
9. EMOTIONAL TOLL TAXES MILITARY DRONE OPERATORS
“It can be as impactful for these guys as someone in a foxhole,” says Air Force spokesman Tom Kimball.
10. HOW DEREK JETER ENDED HIS 20-YEAR CAREER
In his final at-bat, the Yankee captain hit an RBI-single, giving him a lifetime .310 average.