Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. PYONGYANG REACTS STRONGLY TO SEOUL’S INDUSTRIAL FACILITY MOVE
North Korea vows to immediately deport all South Korean nationals and freeze all of the South’s assets at a jointly run factory park in the North.
2. RANCHERS STANDOFF NEARS CONCLUSION
The FBI surrounds the last four occupiers of a wildlife refuge in Oregon and the holdouts indicate they will surrender by morning.
3. FEDS SUE FERGUSON FOR RENEGING ON DEAL
The Justice Department will look to prove in court its allegations that police officers in the St. Louis suburb engage in racial profiling of black motorists and use excessive force.
4. RUSSIA SLAMS U.S. FOR NOT SHARING INTEL IN SYRIA
The Russian defense ministry lashes out at the U.S.-led coalition for refusing to provide intelligence on Islamic State targets in the country.
5. HOW CUBA IS REMAKING ITSELF AS MEDIATOR ON WORLD STAGE
Pope Francis’ meeting in Havana with the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church opens a year in which Cuba’s president is expected to mediate a final peace deal in Colombia’s civil war and welcome Obama to Havana.
6. WHICH GROUP HAS BEEN SHUNNING CLINTON
New Hampshire women under the age of 45 are backing Bernie Sanders — a problem for Hillary Clinton as she tries to build the coalition of voters needed to win the Democratic nomination.
7. WHAT HAS SENT IRAQ’S ECONOMY INTO CRISIS
Plunging oil prices pitch the country into a severe financial crisis as it struggles to combat the Islamic State group, play host to millions of refugees and rebuild cities and towns ravaged by war.
8. CONGRESS LIKELY TO GIVE FINAL OK TO INTERNET TAX BAN
State and local governments would be permanently barred from taxing access to the Internet, something seven states will have to phase out by 2020.
9. MOVE OVER COMIC CON, THE NERDS ARE COMING
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak believes he has a hit on his hands with Silicon Valley Comic Con, a show that will mesh technology with pop culture.
10. USOC TAKES ZIKA INITIATIVE
The U.S. Olympic Committee will hire two infectious disease specialists to advise potential Olympians who are worried about the virus’ outbreak in Brazil.
