Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. WHAT OBAMA WILL FOCUS ON DURING FINAL STATE OF UNION ADDRESS
The president will paint an optimistic vision of the country’s future in hopes of encouraging voters to elect another Democrat to the White House.
2. AT LEAST 10 DEAD, 15 INJURED IN ISTANBUL BLAST
State-run TRT television says the explosion was likely caused by a suicide bomber, but authorities have not commented on the cause.
3. FIERCE FIGHT PRECEDED DRUG LORD’S CAPTURE
Mexican marines who raided the hideout of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman were met by heavily armed men and intense gunfire.
4. AID CONVOYS REACH 3 SYRIA COMMUNITIES BESIEGED FOR MONTHS
The U.N. humanitarian chief welcomes a Syrian statement that such deliveries should be repeated and sustained.
5. WHO IS LAUDED AS AN ARTIST WHO MADE IT OK TO BE DIFFERENT
David Bowie may have been a crucial source of support to youngsters uncertain about their gender in an era when gender fluidity was much less accepted than it is today.
6. WHAT BEDOUIN DRAMA IS VYING FOR
The movie “Theeb” (Wolf) set among tribesmen roaming the desert emerges as the first potential Oscar contender produced by Jordan’s film industry.
7. WHY UNDERDOG CANDIDATES KEEP POWERING ALONG CAMPAIGN TRAIL
For the longshots sprinting across Iowa and New Hampshire before the Feb. 1 caucuses, one thing keeps them fired up: the prospect of a political upset.
8. REPORT CHARTS HISTORY OF ABUSE AT GRAND CANYON
It outlines a history of harassment on river trips through the national park in which male park employees allegedly propositioned female colleagues for sex.
9. RUPERT MURDOCH ANNOUNCES ENGAGEMENT
The media mogul proposes to Jerry Hall, the American actress and former supermodel who had a long-time relationship with Mick Jagger.
10. NO. 2 ALABAMA WINS FOURTH NATIONAL TITLE IN LAST SEVEN SEASONS
“It was tough. It really was,” says Nick Saban, who now has more national titles than every other coach but Bear Bryant.