Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Wednesday, April 27, 2016. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. FRONT-RUNNERS PRESS CLOSER TO SHOWDOWN
Donald Trump emerges from the Northeast in a strong position to claim the GOP nomination if he keeps winning, while Hillary Clinton’s four victories put her 90 percent of the way to getting the Democratic nod.
2. TRUMP’S SPEECH A TEST OF FOREIGN POLICY, STYLE
His first major policy speech will test whether the Republican presidential front-runner known for his raucous rallies and eyebrow-raising statements can present a more presidential persona.
3. PARIS ATTACKS SUSPECT SENT TO FRANCE
Salah Abdeslam, arrested in Belgium last month after four months on the run, is wanted by the French for his suspected role in the Nov. 13 attacks in the French capital that killed 130 victims.
4. FORMER HOUSE SPEAKER TO LEARN FATE
Dennis Hastert steps before a federal judge to hear his sentence in a hush-money case centered on accusations that he sexually abused at least four students decades ago when he coached wrestling at an Illinois high school.
5. FED EXPECTED TO KEEP RATES UNCHANGED
What’s unclear is whether the central bank will hint about the likelihood of a rate hike at its next policy meeting in June.
6. WHAT CRITICS ARE FEARING IN IRAN
Tehran deploys thousands of officers for a new plainclothes morality division, raising concerns that their focus will be enforcing Islamic dress code for women.
7. PAKISTANI SIKHS OPEN TEMPLE AFTER 73 YEARS
The 300-year-old gurdwara reopens in conservative northwest Pakistan despite resistance from Muslim neighbors and the constant threat of militant attacks.
8. COLLEGE FREE SPEECH UNDER SCRUTINY
Hecklers who shout down speakers on North Carolina’s college campuses could be punished under a proposal that would make the state the latest battleground over First Amendment rights at the country’s public universities.
9. PURPLE EXPECTED TO ‘REIGN’ AGAIN
Prince’s old band, the Revolution, is reuniting for some live shows following his death.
10. PERENNIAL CHAMP BACK ON HIS FEET
UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma tells the AP he’s feeling a lot better after spending a few days in the hospital with the flu and a bronchial infection.
