Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Friday, June 12, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers:
1. HACKING DEEMED WORSE THAN INITIALLY THOUGHT
A major federal union asserts that suspected Chinese hackers stole personnel data and Social Security numbers for nearly every federal employee.
2. GOVERNOR VOWS RETRIBUTION FOR ROGUE PRISON WORKERS
In the wake of two, still on the loose, inmates escaping from an upstate New York prison, Andrew Cuomo says penalties will be harsh for any prison system employee who exhibits misconduct.
3. WHAT KEY LEGISLATION IS BEFORE LAWMAKERS
A landmark trade bill that tops Obama’s second-term agenda faces a showdown vote in the House as Democrats mount a last-ditch effort to kill it.
4. ANGOLA THREE INMATE MAY GET FREEDOM
Albert Woodfox is still waiting to hear whether he will walk free after more than four decades in solitary confinement at a Louisiana penitentiary.
5. THAW IN RELATIONS DOESN’T CHANGE HIGH-SEAS HIJINKS
The U.S. Coast Guard still plays a deadly hide-and-seek with Cuban migrants on the Florida Straits.
6. ‘MINI-PENTAGON’ RISES IN KABUL
Afghanistan will soon get a new white marble Defense Ministry, but on the front-lines of the war against the Taliban the troops look far less sturdy.
7. RUSSIA STEPS UP MILITARY MODERNIZATION
Putin’s expensive military buildup faces hurdles as Russia’s economy sinks under the weight of Western sanctions and falling oil prices.
8. CHEATING WEBSITE HINTS AT SOCIETAL CHANGE IN SOUTH KOREA
Once banned in the country, the Ashley Madison Internet site has quickly drawn hordes of new members — particularly women.
9. WHO IS BENEFITING FROM CRAFT BEER EXPLOSION
Farmers in Washington state’s Yakima Valley, where 75 percent of the nation’s hops are produced.
10. FIRST JANET, NOW LEBRON
Moments before Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the Cavaliers’ star inadvertently exposed himself to millions watching on live TV.