Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers:
1. GOP CANDIDATES DEBATE MORE THAN TRUMP
The Republican presidential contest takes a substantive and serious turn in the latest prime-timedebate, with candidates wrangling over immigration, gay marriage and foreign affairs.
2. THOUSANDS POUR INTO CROATIA AFTER CLASHES
The move sets up a new path toward Western Europe after Hungary uses tear gas and water cannons to keep refugees out of its territory.
3. DECISION ON RATE HIKE MAY BE A TOSS-UP
The Federal Reserve may finally begin raising its benchmark rate from record lows, possibly heralding higher lending rates in an economy that is much sturdier than the one it helped rescue in 2008.
4. WHAT EXPERTS CALL BIGGEST-EVER RESCUE OF ITS KIND
Since the world was alerted by the AP to a slave island in Indonesia just six months ago, more than 2,000 men have been identified and sent home.
5. MAJOR QUAKE SHAKES NORTHERN CHILE
A magnitude-8.3 temblor in the Pacific rattles Chileans, killing at least five people and shaking the Earth so strongly it is felt on the other side of the continent.
6. HASHTAG #ISTANDWITHAHMED POPULAR ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Encouragement pours in from across the nation for Ahmed Mohamed, a 14-year-old Muslim boy in Texas, whose homemade electronic clock led to his arrest and suspension from school.
7. TRANSGENDER STUDENT’S BATTLE DIVIDES VIRGINIA TOWN
Determining which restroom a transgender high school student uses is a new and modern question for the rural eastern Virginia county of Gloucester.
8. GM SAID TO SETTLE CRIMINAL CASE OVER IGNITIONS
Federal prosecutors reach a deal with the automaker to resolve a criminal probe into how it broke the law by concealing a deadly problem with small-car ignition switches, sources tell AP.
9. FALLON DECLARES HILLARY CLINTON’S HAIR ‘REAL!’
“The Tonight Show” host calls the Democratic presidential candidate a “tough mother” and pulls her hair at her invitation.
10. WHY AUTHORITIES ARE CONCERNED ABOUT STADIUM DRONES
While most are flown by hobbyists, law enforcement is worried and trying to figure out how to stop them from doing major damage at sporting events.