Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Thursday, March 6, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. CRIMEA PARLIAMENT SETS REFERENDUM
Local voters on March 16 will be asked whether Crimea should become part of Russia or remain part of Ukraine.
2. CIA ACCUSED OF SPYING ON SENATE
The allegations center on possible improper monitoring of the Senate Intelligence Committee and snooping on members’ computers.
3. ONE OF GADHAFI’S SONS RETURNED TO LIBYA
Al-Saadi Gadhafi, who fled as his father’s regime crumbled in 2011, had been under house arrest in Niger.
4. HOW COLLEGE BOARD IS CHANGING THE SAT TEST
Essays will be optional, there will be no penalties for wrong answers and some obscure vocabulary words will be removed.
5. GOOD NEWS FOR THE GREAT LAKES
As they melt, this winter’s abundant snow and ice will boost the lakes’ water levels, which have been below normal since the late 1990s.
6. WHERE SHIP LOADED WITH SYRIAN-MADE ROCKETS WAS HEADING
Israel, after seizing the vessel, accuses Iran of trying to send the weapons to the Gaza Strip – where Israel’s biggest cities would be well within range.
7. VICTIMS’ ADVOCATES CHIDE POPE ON DELAYS
Three months after the Vatican announced that a commission would be formed to study the best ways to protect children from abusive clerics, no action has been taken.
8. WHAT BABY’S POSSIBLE CURE MEANS FOR AIDS TREATMENT
An infant born with the AIDS virus responds well to medicine given right after birth – more confirmation that very early treatment works.
9. BUSINESSMAN BALKS AT GAMBLING BILL
After losing $500,000 on table games at a Las Vegas casino, he’s arguing that he shouldn’t have to pay because he was blackout drunk.
10. AKON: LET THERE BE LIGHT
The Grammy-nominated singer has begun an initiative aiming to bring solar-powered electricity to 1 million homes in Africa.
