Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers:
1. OBAMA TO KEEP TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN BEYOND 2016
The president’s decision casts aside his promise to end the war on his watch and instead ensures he hands the conflict off to his successor.
2. DEMOCRATS ACKNOWLEDGE BLACK LIVES MATTER DURING DEBATE
The candidates adopt the movement’s slogan and raise the core concerns stemming from police killings of African-Americans.
3. POLICE LEAD PEOPLE FROM BALTIMORE CITY HALL
Officials could not be reached immediately for comment on their activities at the protest and whether they had confirmed anyone was formally taken into custody.
4. WHERE ISLAMIC STATE GROUP’S INFLUENCE IS FELT
The extremists’ sway extends well beyond the land it controls in Syria and Iraq, reaching recruits around the world, including the Asia-Pacific region.
5. HOW EX-MEMBERS OF CONGRESS USE UNSPENT CASH
They can pretty much do whatever they want with leftover campaign money as long as it’s political or charitable.
6. LAMAR ODOM’S 14-YEAR NBA CAREER
He is now on life support, but people are recalling he won two championship rings and an Olympic medal while earning a reputation as a teammate who sacrificed personal statistics for team success.
7. RIHANNA, MICK JAGGER PARTY AS GOLD-RUSH MOOD GRIPS HAVANA
Ten months after the U.S. and Cuba declared detente, the city is filled with celebrities coming for fun and hedge-fund managers sizing up chances to make millions.
8. POLICE UNSURE WHAT ‘SINS’ PROVOKED ATTACK ON BROTHERS
Investigators are still working on details of what motivated the spiritual “counseling” that led to the death of Lucas Leonard, 19, and hospitalization of his 17-year-old brother, Christopher.
9. WHO IS JOINING CYBERESPIONAGE GAME
Researchers identify a group of smaller, poorer nations as users of spyware, suggesting that a recent series of leaks hasn’t deterred governments from investing in malicious programs.
10. U.S. OLYMPIANS TO VISIT BOSTON
Despite the city’s opposition to hosting 2024 Summer Games, United State Olympic Committee brings prominent athletes to the city to drum up support for Rio.
