Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. UNCERTAINTY OVER WHAT HAPPENS NEXT AFTER OFFICER’S MISTRIAL IN FREDDIE GRAY’S DEATH
Lawyers will meet in the judge’s chambers in Baltimore Thursday to discuss dates for a possible retrial.
2. PUTIN SAYS SYRIAN PEOPLE MUST CHOOSE LEADERS
The Russian president tells a news conference that a new constitution for Syria must be drafted, and a new election prepared in which citizens themselves will determine its leadership.
3. WHO IS IN HIDING AFTER ISLAMIC STATE KILLING
After the slaying of a Syrian activist and his friend, the media collective the former belonged to — which secretly documents life at the heart of the militants’ self-proclaimed caliphate in Raqqa— fears revenge.
4. WHY YOU SHOULDN’T PANIC OVER FED RATE HIKE
Investment returns depend on many factors beyond the central bank’s announcement, especially because the pace of increases will be gradual.
5. WHAT WOULD JUMPSTART U.S.-CUBA BUSINESS TIES
The reestablishment of commercial U.S. flights to the island would be the biggest development since the two countries began normalizing relations last year.
6. VA TO PROVIDE ROBOTIC LEGS TO PARALYZED VETS
Veterans have been petitioning the department to do this because many cannot afford the $77,000 needed to pay for the powered exoskeleton called the ReWalk.
7. HOUSE POISED TO RENEW OVER $600B IN TAX CUTS
Though Pelosi is leading a Democratic charge against the measure, GOP leaders seem certain to push it through the chamber Thursday.
8. AMERICAN FOOTBALL PREPARES ISRAELI TEENS FOR MILITARY COMBAT
A growing number of native-born Israelis turn America’s Game, once a niche expat activity, into a popular fixture in the Holy Land.
9. KASHMIR BIRD MIGRATION AT RISK
Environmental degradation and changing climate patterns lead to a decrease in the number of migratory birds making the annual Himalayan pit-stop.
10. CUBAN BASEBALL DEFECTORS TEACH YOUTH
They are doing it as part of a mission meant to warm relations between the U.S. league and this baseball-mad nation.