Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Friday, Feb. 20, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. LATEST SNOWDEN LEAK DETAILS GOVERNMENT HACKING
The NSA helped Britain steal codes from a data chip manufacturer, allowing both governments to spy on mobile phones worldwide, the documents reportedly show.
2. SPRING OFFENSIVE PLANNED TO COMBAT ISLAMIC STATE EXTREMISTS
The operation to retake Mosul will involve up to 25,000 Iraqi troops trained by the American-led coalition, the U.S. says.
3. WHO’S DOLING OUT RAISES TO HALF-MILLION WORKERS
Wal-Mart — with a reputation for providing little more than dead-end jobs — says it will also offer more opportunities for advancement.
4. ARREST IN ROAD-RAGE KILLING OF LAS VEGAS MOTHER
The 19-year-old suspect is a neighbor who had a history with the family before the shooting, police say.
5. HOW WINTER IS CREATING CONTINENTAL DIVIDE
So far, the season has brought record heat to the American West and bone-chilling cold to the East.
6. UKRAINE REBELS BASK IN VICTORY
Fighters roam the debris-littered streets of Debaltseve, laughing, hugging and posing for photos a day after the fall of the furiously contested railway hub.
7. WHY EXTRA CUP OF COFFEE MIGHT NOT HURT YOU
The caffeine in a few cups of coffee could actually be good for you, a U.S. government panel says.
8. BEST BETS FOR BEST PICTURE
“Birdman” will win the Oscar on Sunday, AP Film Writer Jake Coyle predicts. But his colleague Lindsey Bahr is picking “Boyhood.”
9. WHAT TO EXPECT IN YEAR OF THE SHEEP
Fortune-tellers predict accidents and an unstable economy as the Chinese New Year dawns.
10. FLURRY OF MOVES AT NBA TRADE DEADLINE
Among players changing teams are point guards Goran Dragic, Michael Carter-Williams, Reggie Jackson and Brandon Knight.