Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Thursday, March 12, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. TWO OFFICERS SHOT IN FERGUSON
Hours after the city’s police chief resigned, one policeman is shot in the face and another in the shoulder at a protest outside the city’s police station.
2. FOUR YEARS ON, SYRIA WAR LEAVES FAMILIES UPROOTED, SEPARATED
The AP profiles one family whose members fled the conflict to Jordan and Lebanon. Like millions of Syrian refugees, they fear they will never see each other again.
3. CLINTON’S EMAIL CONTROVERSY BRINGS BENGHAZI BACK IN SPOTLIGHT
The committee investigating the deadly attack on the U.S. mission is seeking more answers from the State Department and the former secretary herself following revelations about her use of a private account for government electronic communications.
4. WHY OBAMA CAN’T SHAKE 2016
The president, who claimed he has run his last campaign in 2014, is the Democrats’ top fundraising draw even as he has less than two years in office.
5. WHO IS CELEBRATING A SECOND ANNIVERSARY
Pope Francis, who has been leading the Catholic Church since March 2013, is riding a wave of popularity among the faithful. But dissent has been looming from within the Vatican over issues from financial reform to climate church.
6. SIGNS POINT TO BAD WEATHER AS CAUSE OF BLACK HAWK CRASH IN FLORIDA
A second military helicopter, encountering the same heavy fog, turned back safely before the wreck that killed 11.
7. HOW THE SECRET SERVICE IS FACING FRESH EMBARRASSMENT
Two senior agents are accused of crashing a car into a White House security barrier, reportedly after a night of drinking.
8. WHERE YOU CAN GET AN APPLE WATCH LOOKALIKE NOW
A month before the new gadget is available in the U.S., China’s copycat manufacturers are already offering their counterfeit versions on websites like Alibaba.
9. WRITER-DIRECTOR OF ‘STILL ALICE’ DIES AT 63
Richard Glatzer battled ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, while making the acclaimed film. For playing the leading role, Julianne Moore won a best actress Oscar.
10. NOW BATTING (AND MORE): WILL FERRELL
The comedian plans to play every position while appearing in five Arizona spring training games on Thursday.