Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Tuesday, August 19, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. ARRESTS, TEAR GAS MAR FERGUSON NIGHT
Despite the deployment of the National Guard, who stood back, clashes between police and protesters continued in the St. Louis suburb where the unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown was fatally shot by a policeman.
2. OBAMA STRUGGLES TO FIND ROLE IN FERGUSON CRISIS
The nation’s first black president is caught between his obligation to defend government actions and the expectation that he would empathize with African Americans’ grievances.
3. REPORT SAYS MILITANTS IN SYRIA HAVE ANTI-AIRCRAFT WEAPONS
New findings come as the FAA forbids American carriers from flying over Syrian airspace for fear of being shot down.
4. CEASEFIRE EXTENSION ALLOWS MIDEAST TALKS TO CONTINUE
Israeli and Palestinian negotiators are trying to hammer out a long-term deal in Cairo that may ease the blockade on Gaza.
5. JEFFORDS REMEMBERED FOR INDEPENDENT STREAK
The quiet Vermont senator voted against his party many times till he split from it, giving the Senate majority to Democrats in 2001.
6. WHAT SOME CHICAGOANS ARE LOOKING FOR
A challenger to Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The former White House chief of staff has tackled many problems in his first term but ticked off critics who are seeking a replacement in 2015.
7. U.N. MAKES NEW PLEA IN EBOLA FIGHT
The global health agency says African countries hit with the virus should begin exit screening all passengers leaving airports, sea ports and major ground crossings.
8. VICIOUS CONSEQUENCE OF IVORY DEMAND
A study finds that poachers killed an estimated 100,000 elephants across Africa between 2010 and 2012, a huge spike in the mammals’ death rate.
9. HOW AN ICONIC FOOD CHAIN IS TRYING TO CHANGE ITS IMAGE
McDonald’s is growing frustrated with its reputation for serving cheap, greasy fare, and they’re courting the media to change that perception.
10. WHO IS OUT OF U.S. OPEN
A wrist injury will sideline reigning champion Rafael Nadal, meaning Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer will be the players to beat in tennis’ final major.
