Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. WITH NEVADA WIN, TRUMP HAS TRIFECTA
A tight race for second between Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz offers little evidence that Republicans are ready to coalesce around one strong alternative to the businessman billionaire.
2. GOP SAYS NO HEARINGS, NO VOTES FOR SUPREME COURT NOMINEE
In an extraordinary election-year rebuff, Republicans insist that replacing Justice Antonin Scalia rests with voters in November’s election and the next president.
3. U.S., BRAZILIAN HEALTH TEAMS GO TO SHANTYTOWNS
They are trying to determine if the Zika virus is causing babies to be born with a birth defect affecting the brain.
4. WHERE POWERFUL STORMS ARE TURNING DEADLY
A storm system that spawned tornadoes in Gulf Coast states, killing at least three people, is expected to bring severe weather to the Carolinas by Wednesday afternoon. SOUTH-SEVERE WEATHER
5. WHO LAUNCHES SEXIST ATTACKS AGAINST SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT
North Korea’s description of Park Geun-hye as an “old, insane bitch” destined for a violent death may take the rivals’ propaganda battle to a new level of hostility, which is saying something.
6. WHY HEALTHCARE.GOV DRAWS FIRE
Congressional investigators say the Obama administration has taken a “passive” approach to identifying potential fraud involving the health care law even with billions in taxpayer dollars at stake, The AP learns.
7. SMART RATS SNIFFING OUT CAMBODIA’S VAST MINEFIELDS
Unlike standard mine detectors, the super-sniffers pick up only TNT and not other metal objects. And unlike wage-earning humans, they work for peanuts.
8. SECONDHAND CLOTHES FROM ISRAEL POPULAR AT GAZA FLEA MARKET
Demand for the garments becomes a barometer for the economic situation in Gaza, where after nearly a decade of rule by the Hamas militant group, poverty and unemployment levels are higher than ever.
9. MADONNA MAKES SURPRISE VISITS TO MANILA CHILDREN’S SHELTERS
Pictures on her Instagram account showed her carrying a baby in one arm while holding hands with a girl guiding her on a tour of the Hospicio de San Jose orphanage.
10. NONPROFITS TO NFL: STOP PUSHING FANTASY SPORTS ON KIDS
They’re concerned the games could lead some young sports fans down the path of gambling addiction.