Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Thursday, April 2, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. UNIVERSITY IN KENYA ATTACKED
Witnesses say at least 15 people have been killed and at least 60 wounded after gunmen stormed a college dormitory in northeastern Kenya.
2. PROGRESS SEEN IN NUCLEAR TALKS
Iran says “significant progress” has been made in negotiations meant to reach a preliminary pact on the curbs Tehran must accept on atomic activities.
3. RUSSIAN RIG SINKS OFF KAMCHATKA PENINSULA
A Russian freezer trawler with an international crew of 132 goes down in the Sea of Okhotsk, and at least 54 crew members were killed and 63 rescued.
4. NEW JERSEY SENATOR DEFIANT AFTER ACCUSATIONS
Democrat Bob Menendez declares he’s “not going anywhere” after he was charged with accepting nearly $1 million in gifts and campaign contributions from a friend in exchange for political favors.
5. HOW AMERICANS FEEL ABOUT RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS LAW
An AP poll suggests sympathy for religious objectors may be limited to those who refuse to provide services for wedding-related businesses.
6. CELLPHONES RECOVERED AMID FLIGHT 9525 DEBRIS
But the devices have not yet produced any clues about what happened aboard a Germanwings jetliner deliberately crashed in the French Alps.
7. WHAT IS MOST SIGNIFICANT U.S. BUSINESS EXPANSION IN CUBA
The popular online home-sharing service Airbnb will allow American travelers to book lodging on the island.
8. HOW DIGITAL AGE HAS CHANGED SCHOOL THREATS
Anonymous threats against schools, spread by smartphones and social media, are forcing more school evacuations and responses by police.
9. A DECISION THAT HAS GONE BATTY
Plans for Ohio University to replace the bat-infested college president’s home with a million-dollar house rankles students and faculty.
10. JONI MITCHELL FANS SENDING GOOD VIBES
Emma Watson, Paul Stanley and Kevin Bacon are among the celebrity well-wishers for the stricken folk song icon
