Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. CLEVELAND OFFICIALS URGE CALM
The city braces for protests after a grand jury votes not to indict a white Cleveland police officer for fatally shooting a 12-year-old black boy who was carrying what turned out to be a pellet gun.
2. ‘AFFLUENZA’ TEEN DETAINED IN MEXICO
Ethan Couch, 18, had disappeared with his mother after a video surfaced online showing he may have violated his probation for causing a drunken wreck that killed four people in Texas.
3. EX-ISRAELI PM HANDED 18-MONTH JAIL SENTENCE
Ehud Olmert, caught up in a bribery scandal, will be the first Israeli leader ever to spend time behind bars.
4. WHERE MARCO RUBIO FACES KEY TEST
The candidate is beginning a swing through Iowa, where he must beat Jeb Bush and Chris Christie to remain the clear choice for so-called establishment Republicans.
5. UNUSUAL THREAT OF FLOODING ALONG MISSISSIPPI RIVER
At a time of year when both precipitation and the river level typically are well below normal, recent warm and wet weather could result in record crests.
6. 2 ARRESTED IN ALLEGED PLOTS IN BELGIUM
The arrests follow an investigation that revealed “the threat of serious attacks” in Brussels during the holidays, the prosecutor’s office says.
7. 69 JOURNALISTS KILLED ON JOB IN 2015
Twenty-eight of those who died around the world were slain by Islamic militant groups, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
8. US COAL DEATHS ON TRACK FOR RECORD LOW
There were 11 deaths in coal mines nationwide for the year by late December, putting the industry, which is mired in a period of layoffs and idled operations, on track to best the record low of 16 set in 2014.
9. HARD-ROCKIN’ MOTORHEAD FRONTMAN DIES AT 70
Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister was as famous for his mustache, mutton chops and the mole on his face as he was for his music.
10. HOW DENVER CLINCHED POSTSEASON BERTH
Linebacker DeMarcus Ware beats quarterback AJ McCarron to a fumbled snap in overtime, sealing the Broncos’ 20-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
