Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Thursday, April 3, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. FORT HOOD SHOOTER SOUGHT MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT
An Iraq War veteran being treated for mental illness was the gunman who opened fire at the Texas military base, killing three people and wounding 16 others before committing suicide, authorities say.
2. U.S. SECRETLY BUILT `CUBAN TWITTER’ TO STIR UNREST
The AP has learned that the U.S. government masterminded the creation of a network designed to undermine the communist government.
3. HOW POLITICAL PARTIES DIFFER ON CAMPAIGN FINANCE RULING
Republicans call the Supreme Court’s decision on campaign donations a victory for free speech. Democrats say it’s more like a win for the wealthy.
4. WHAT OFFICIALS ARE SAYING ABOUT FLIGHT 370
Malaysia’s prime minister says the search for the missing jetliner will not stop until answers are found, as his Australian counterpart calls it “the most difficult in human history.”
5. NEW EVACUATIONS IN CHILE AFTER MAJOR AFTERSHOCK
Coastal residents in the country’s far-north spend a second sleepless night outside their homes after a major aftershock rattles an area hit a day earlier by a magnitude-8.2 temblor.
6. SENATORS TO VOTE TO RELEASE TERROR REPORT SUMMARY
A Senate panel’s vote to approve declassifying part of a secret report on Bush-era interrogations of terrorism suspects may expedite the release of the accounts.
7. HOW THE SUPREME COURT FACTORS IN EXECUTION CASE
The high court will be asked to halt the execution of a Texas serial killer whose attorneys are challenging the state’s refusal to release information about where it gets its lethal injection drug.
8. UKRAINE HOLDING RIOT POLICE OVER SNIPER DEATHS
Authorities detain several members of an elite riot police unit on suspicion of shooting protesters during anti-government clashes in February that left more than 100 dead.
9. PROM DRESS SHOPPING PERILOUS FOR PLUS-SIZE GIRLS
Clothes shopping for plus-size teens can be frustrating in general – but shopping for a dream prom dress can seem nearly impossible.
10. WHAT IS THE KEY TO THE SPURS’ WINNING WAYS
San Antonio continues to win big and to rest key players, and after beating Golden State, extended its franchise-record winning streak to 19 games.