Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Thursday, March 26, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. SAUDI ARABIA LAUNCHES AIRSTRIKES IN YEMEN
The main targets are military installations held by Shiite rebels who were taking over a key port city in the country’s south and drove the embattled Yemeni president to flee by sea.
2. PILOT LOCKED OUT OF COCKPIT BEFORE JET CRASH IN ALPS
An official with knowledge of the audio recordings from the Germanwings flight says the details emerged from recordings recovered from the black box found among the debris of the aircraft.
3. WHO BLOCKS SPECIAL OPS INTEL REQUESTS
Military bureaucrats have been trying to force an unpopular government-built intelligence system on troops deploying to war zones while blocking them from using the commercial alternative they prefer.
4. MIGRANTS’ NEWEST ROUTE TO EUROPE MEANS EPIC BALKAN TREK
Their newest path, through the EU’s Balkans back door, comes with a cruel twist: an epic 150-mile walk that is surging in popularity even though most who try it fail.
5. BERGDAHL’S CASE REVIVES BITTER DEBATE
The charges against the U.S. Army sergeant who abandoned his post in Afghanistan put spotlight on controversy surrounding Obama’s decision to swap five Taliban detainees to secure his release.
6. WHERE NATION’S FASTEST-GROWING METRO AREAS ARE
The beautiful weather in Florida seems to be drawing more and more Americans, with the Sunshine State climbing the ranks of most populous states and fastest-growing cities.
7. ARKANSAS, OKLAHOMA SEE NATION’S FIRST TORNADOES THIS MONTH
Storms across the area damage buildings and leave debris strewn across roads. One person is killed and several are injured.
8. SOME FIND CHINA’S ‘DANCING GRANNIES’ IRKSOME
The dances are part of a health trend that’s filled squares across the country and aroused the anger of neighbors irritated by the loud music.
9. WHICH WAY ONE DIRECTION WILL GO AFTER MALIK’S DEPARTURE
The remaining four members have concert dates scheduled through October and they promise a future for the group.
10. KILLING TIME
Coaches and players look for anything to do while enduring the extra couple minutes during the NCAA Tournament’s longer commercial breaks.
