Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. U.S. EXPECTED TO SHOW SOLID GROWTH FOR LAST THREE MONTHS OF 2013
Economists forecast annual growth rate of 3.3 percent. GDP increased at even stronger 4.1 percent rate the quarter before.
2. MISSOURI CARRIES OUT THIRD EXECUTION IN THREE MONTHS
After U.S. Supreme Court denies appeals, convicted killer Herbert Smulls gets lethal injection and dies without complications.
3. VERDICT MAY BE ANNOUNCED IN THIRD TRIAL OF AMANDA KNOX
After guilty then innocent rulings, appeals panel designated by Italy’s supreme court to deliberate over 2007 slaying of roommate.
4. NORTH KOREA AGAIN ATTACKS U.S.-SOUTH KOREA EXERCISES
But some experts say denunciations of upcoming military maneuvers will stop short of threats the North made last year.
5. WHAT GOOGLE’S SALE OF MOTOROLA SMARTPHONE BUSINESS MEANS TO BUYER
Chinese company Lenovo is already the world’s biggest PC maker. Now it has chance to become a global player in smartphones, too.
6. DEMONSTRATIONS IN BANGKOK A HUMBLING EXPERIENCE FOR GOVERNMENT WORKERS
Locked out of their offices, officials beg to get in, showing how weak Thailand’s democratically elected administration has become.
7. HOW ARGENTINES ARE COPING WITH COLLAPSING ECONOMY
Instead of rioting, consumers are resorting to survival skills. They’re hoarding dollars, stockpiling goods and plowing savings into real estate.
8. WHO WILL BE JOINING NEW YORK CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT THIS YEAR
There are only 37 women among 10,500 uniformed firefighters, but that number will grow after heavy recruiting effort.
9. WHERE IT’S OK TO TAKE MARIJUANA THROUGH AIRPORT SECURITY
Because Washington and Colorado have legalized pot, police can’t confiscate it from carry-on bags or checked luggage.
10. JUSTIN BIEBER TURNS HIMSELF IN TO TORONTO POLICE
The 19-year-old singer’s latest brush with the law involves alleged assault of a limo driver in December, an official says.