Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. ISLAMIC STATE GROUP POISED TO CAPTURE KEY TOWN
Outgunned Kurdish fighters struggle to defend Kobani, a strategic Syrian town on the Turkish border, despite a small boost from U.S.-led airstrikes against the militants.
2. EBOLA THREATENS DOG NAMED EXCALIBUR
Officials in Madrid have a court order to euthanize the pet of a Spanish nursing assistant with Ebola because of the chance the animal might spread the disease.
3. NORTH KOREA ACKNOWLEDGES LABOR CAMPS
The first international admission appears to come in response to a highly critical U.N. human rights report earlier this year.
4. HEALTH LAW WAIVERS PROVE DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN
Community groups are concerned about a convoluted process for waivers from the law’s tax penalty on people who remain uninsured.
5. SOME OFFICIALS STILL DENYING GAY MARRIAGE LICENSES
Some of the six states where Supreme Court action this week likely cleared the way for same-sex weddings say they won’t issue marriage licenses to gay couples until their hands are forced.
6. KURDISH PROTESTERS CLASH WITH POLICE
Kurdish protesters, part of a demonstration against the Islamic State group, clashed with police in Turkey leaving at least 14 people dead and scores injured.
7. FIRST WOMB TRANSPLANT BABY WON’T BE ALONE FOR LONG
Two more women who became pregnant after having the operations are due to deliver in the next few weeks — and that could be the start of a new wave of babies born this way.
8. DEA CREATES FAKE FACEBOOK PAGE FOR REAL WOMAN
The account used photos and other personal information from the cellphone of a woman arrested in a cocaine case in hopes of tricking her friends and associates into revealing incriminating drug secrets.
9. POPE GETS CRASH COURSE IN JOYS OF SEX
An Australia couple told a Vatican gathering of some 200 prelates that sexual attraction brought them together 57 years ago and that sex has helped keep them married for 55 years.
10. THE ZEN OF BILL
In an interview with The Associated Press, Bill Murray, popping jelly beans, reflects on his newfound ambition, his Oscar hopes and how he stays relaxed.
