Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. WHY POPE SOUNDED TOUGH NOTE DURING MEXICO VISIT
Observers say the pontiff clearly feels both the church and the government have failed Mexico’s people.
2. OBAMA EXPECTED TO VISIT CUBA NEXT MONTH
Word of the trip comes as the two countries continue their efforts to normalize relations.
3. VA SYSTEM TAKES FRESH HIT
A suicide hotline operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs allowed crisis calls to go into voicemail, investigators say.
4. WHERE BERNIE SANDERS IS SHOWING SURPRISING STRENGTH
Nevada was supposed to be one of Hillary Clinton’s safest bets — but the race has tightened markedly.
5. CAR BOMB KILLS LEAST 28 IN TURKISH CAPITAL
No one immediately claims responsibility for the attack in Ankara. Kurdish rebels, the Islamic State group and a leftist extremist group have carried out attacks in Turkey recently.
6. WHO PAID RANSOM TO COMPUTER HACKERS
A Los Angeles hospital says it forwarded a ransom in bitcoins equivalent to about $17,000 to hackers who disabled its computer network.
7. GERMANY REVIVES CALL FOR NO-FLY ZONE IN NORTHERN SYRIA
It’s an idea that once might have greatly helped the rebels and protected civilians but now is more complicated, dangerous and unlikely due to Russia’s air campaign.
8. STUDY: TESTOSTERONE TREATMENT NO FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
A group of older men supplied with testosterone gel found only modest improvement in their sex lives, walking strength and mood.
9. FLORIDA COUPLE CASHES IN WINNING TICKET FROM $1.6 BILLION POWERBALL
It’s the second of three winning tickets from the record jackpot. Whoever holds the final ticket in California hasn’t yet come forward publicly.
10. JURY ACQUITS GWYNETH PALTROW’S ACCUSED STALKER
Prosecutors allege that the Ohio man sent the actress dozens of unsolicited letters and gifts in recent years.