Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Monday, June 23, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. WHO NEEDS MORE ATTENTION AT BELEAGUERED VA
The rising ranks of female veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan do not always receive adequate care at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals, an AP review finds.
2. MILITANTS CAPTURE TWO IRAQ BORDER CROSSINGS
The blitz by insurgents of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Iraq’s vast western desert takes the al-Qaida-breakaway group closer to its dream of carving out a purist Islamic state straddling both Syria and Iraq.
3. ISRAELI WARPLANES BOMB MILITARY TARGETS IN SYRIA
The strikes came in a blistering response to a cross-border attack that left an Israeli teenager dead the previous day.
4. ‘YOU’RE NOT A CRIMINAL, YOU’RE AN ADDICT’
That’s what Ohio Judge Robert Peeler told a twice-arrested heroin user as he ordered her to receive monthly injections of the opiate-blocking drug Vivitrol that is getting more attention from courts amid a nationwide rise in intravenous drug use.
5. PUTIN CALLS FOR COMPROMISE IN UKRAINE
The Russian president expresses support for Ukraine’s declaration of a truce in its battle against pro-Russian separatists and called on both sides to negotiate.
6. WHY IMMIGRANT CHILDREN CAN REMAIN IN U.S.
Thousands of the youths fleeing poverty and violence in Central America can stay in the United States due to an overburdened system of immigration courts and a 2002 law intended to protect children’s welfare, the AP finds.
7. WHAT’S THREATENING A NATIONAL PARK’S SOLITUDE
Natural gas flares, lights and noise from drilling just outside Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota are sullying the natural areas within its borders.
8. LAWYERS GET OK TO SCAN JURORS’ SOCIAL MEDIA SITES
The American Bar Association says it’s ethical for attorneys to examine online sites for publicly available musings of citizens called for jury service.
9. WEST COAST DOCKWORKERS’ CONTRACT SET TO EXPIRE
Negotiations continue for a new pact for 20,000 longshoremen as businesses that trade in everything from apples to iPhones are worried about disruptions.
10. PORTUGAL BATTLES U.S. TO DRAW IN WCUP
Varela’s late header gave Portugal a 2-2 tie with the United States and hope for a spot in the second round of the World Cup.
