Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. PROTESTS ERUPT AFTER GRAND JURY CLEARS WHITE POLICEMAN IN CHOKEHOLD DEATH
Thousands march in New York City to protest ruling in the killing of unarmed black man.
2. WHO IS IN A UNIQUE PLACE TO ADDRESS CHOKEHOLD CASE
Mayor Bill de Blasio, who is white but has a black son, was elected on a campaign to mend relations between the city’s police force and communities of color.
3. AL-QAIDA THREATENS TO KILL US HOSTAGE
The terrorist group’s Yemen affiliate releases a video in which American Luke Somers pleads to be saved from his captors.
4. PUTIN CONFIDENT IN QUELLING CHECHNYA VIOLENCE
The Russian president says local forces, loyal to the Kremlin, will deal effectively with a gun battle that broke out in Grozny and led to nine deaths.
5. REVOLUTIONARY CONVICTION FUELS KURDS’ FIGHT AGAINST ISLAMIC STATE
Part five of an AP series from inside the besieged city of Kobani shows a sense of camaraderie uniting its defenders against the extremist group.
6. AP SOURCES: RISE IN MILITARY SEXUAL ASSAULT REPORTS
An increase of 8% in reported cases comes on the heels of a staggering 50% surge in 2013.
7. DITCH BRINGS MORE TENSION BETWEEN AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN
A 300-mile trench that Islamabad is digging along a disputed border with its neighbor is causing much anxiety in Kabul.
8. CROWD FLOCKING TO KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
Some 26,000 guests are expected to jam the Florida facility for the sunrise launch of the Orion spacecraft, which someday may be used to visit Mars.
9. MINI HORSES PROVIDE SICK KIDS WITH THERAPY
The almost mythical-looking animals bring comfort to ailing children who wonder at their fairytale looks.
10. WHAT THE 2015 COLOR OF THE YEAR IS
Pantone picks marsala, a not-too-risky shade of red, inspired by the cooking wine that has the same name.
