Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Friday, April 15, 2016. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. NEW YORK DELIVERS ROWDY NIGHT OF CAMPAIGNING
A wild night in politics culminates with a fierce Democratic debate, as all five presidential candidates converge in New York ahead of the state’s crucial Tuesday primary.
2 WHO IS LEAVING THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL FOR ROME
The Vatican conference drawing Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders away from the campaign for New York delegates is steeped in his lifelong passions of economic and social justice.
3. AFTERSHOCKS RATTLE JAPAN
Tremors shake communities in southern Japan as businesses and residents got a fuller look at the widespread damage from an overnight earthquake that killed nine people.
4. WHERE A MISSILE LAUNCH FAILED
A North Korean launch of a missile on the birthday of its revered founder appears to have failed, South Korean and U.S. defense officials say.
5. POLITICAL TURMOIL IN BRAZIL GATHERS PACE
In a blow to President Dilma Rousseff, the nation’s Supreme Court rejects a motion seeking to block an impeachment vote against her in Congress’ lower house.
6. MANSON FOLLOWER GETS PAROLE
A panel recommends parole for Leslie Van Houten, who was a rebellious teen when she joined the cult of Charles Manson more than 40 years ago and helped kill a wealthy grocer and his wife.
7. WHY INDIA IS SUFFERING A DROUGHT
Decades of groundwater abuse, populist water policies and poor monsoons have turned vast swaths of central India into a dust bowl, driving distressed farmers to suicide or menial day labor in the cities.
8. GLOBAL FINANCE LEADERS MEET IN WASHINGTON
Facing a shaky world economy and political attacks on free trade, finance chiefs are expected to make a pledge of cooperation in fighting an array of economic threats.
9. DON’T PASS THE NUTS
A planned donation of surplus American peanuts has dismayed Haitian farmers. The U.S. government says Haiti’s harvests have been dismal and children need more nutrition.
10. A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY AS NBA PLAYOFFS BEGIN
The postseason starts this weekend, as a record-breaking team is favored to capture its second straight title: the Golden State Warriors.
