Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Friday, Dec. 6, 2013. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers:
1. SOUTH AFRICA MOURNS MANDELA
Nation celebrates the life of its global icon with song, dance and tears.
2. TRIBUTES POUR IN FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Leaders, celebrities and ordinary people applaud Mandela’s epic struggle against apartheid and his nurturing of a new, democratic country.
3. WHAT ECONOMISTS ARE WATCHING FOR
The November jobs report will provide a strong signal whether the U.S. economy can maintain its momentum.
4. RID OF SOME GLITCHES, HEALTH CARE WEBSITE RACES TO CATCH UP
The fixed Web portal now has much less time to sign up the White House’s goal of 7 million people by the end of March.
5. TEXAS PREPARES FOR “ICE FRIDAY”
A massive storm moves to the center of the U.S., disrupting travel and forcing school closures.
6. STUDENTS FONDLY REMEMBER AMERICAN TEACHER KILLED IN BENGHAZI
The 33-year-old Michigan native was gunned down in Libya days before his Christmas vacation was to begin.
7. NYPD’S INCOMING CHIEF FACES FRESH DILEMMAS
Post-9/11 counterterrorism and the controversial stop-and-frisk policy are new challenges to William Bratton, who led the city’s police force two decades ago.
8. WHY CARGO BIKES ARE THE NEW MINIVAN
Cyclists are pushing the limits of what they can carry on a sturdy bicycle, from hauling groceries to delivering beer.
9. HOW MANDELA USED RUGBY TO URGE UNITY IN HIS HOMELAND
The anti-apartheid hero wore the jersey of a team that was once all-white to call for national reconciliation.
10. NO CHARGES AGAINST SEMINOLES QUARTERBACK
There’s not enough evidence to prosecute Jameis Winston, a leading Heisman candidate, in a sexual assault case, the Florida State Attorney says.
