Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. STATES USE SECRET SURVEYS TO REDUCE PRISON POPULATIONS
An AP investigation finds that psychological assessments are being used to determine whether inmates are likely to commit future crimes to judge who might be safe to release–despite high-profile failures and uneven application.
2. WHAT A HOMELAND SECURITY SHUTDOWN COULD MEAN
Most of the department’s staff would continue working without being paid because they are deemed essential for the protection of the nation.
3. WHERE RECREATIONAL POT IS NOW LEGAL
Alaska becomes the third state to legalize planting and possession of marijuana as supporters urge low-key celebrations.
4. FIFA PANEL RECOMMENDS SHIFTING 2022 WORLD CUP DATES
To avoid Qatar’s brutal summer heat, the tournament may be held in November-December under a tighter schedule, posing challenges to soccer leagues in Europe.
5. UKRAINIAN REBELS CLAIM PULLBACK START
Pro-Russian separatists say they have begun withdrawing heavy weapons in line with an international peace plan to create a buffer zone in eastern Ukraine.
6. VA CHIEF APOLOGIZES FOR MISSTATEMENT
Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald made an erroneous claim about serving in the military’s special forces.
7. ACTIVISTS: ISLAMIC STATE KIDNAPS AT LEAST 70 ASSYRIANS
Two monitoring groups say the militant organization overran a string of villages in northeastern Syria and captured dozens from the Christian minority population.
8. RISING GOP STAR SCRUTINIZED FOR QUESTIONABLE SPENDING
Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock doled out thousands of dollars in taxpayer and campaign funds for such things as flights on private aircraft, the AP determines.
9. NORWAY FACES RUDE AWAKENING AS OIL PRICE FALLS
Norwegians, who have long benefited from their country’s high oil revenues, may have to adjust to a new lifestyle reality.
10. A-ROD SHOWS UP EARLY FOR WORK
Coming off a season-long drug suspension, the Yankee slugger arrives at spring training three days ahead of time, acknowledging that he’s “dug a big hole for myself.”
