Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers:
1. ARCTIC AIR EASES GRIP ON MUCH OF THE U.S.
Winds are calmer and weather is warming up a day after record-cold temperatures blasted the Eastern Seaboard.
2. WHO SANG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KIM
Dennis Rodman serenaded the North Korean leader before leading a squad of former NBA stars onto the court at a Pyongyang stadium for an exhibition game.
3. WHERE SCHUMACHER’S ACCIDENT OCCURRED
Helmet camera footage shows the Formula One great was outside a groomed trail when he lost his balance and crashed.
4. WHAT ROBERT GATES IS WRITING
The former defense secretary’s new memoir says Biden is often wrong and Obama lost faith in Afghanistan strategy.
5. FORMER MISS VENEZUELA A POWERFUL SYMBOL IN DEATH
“Monica and Thomas are the face of thousands of men and woman whose children have been left without parents because of the violence of Venezuela,” a TV personality tweeted.
6. PLUGGING `SCHOOL-TO-PRISON’ PIPELINE
New recommendations aim to end apparent disparities in how students of different races are punished for violating school rules.
7. FALLUJAH THEN AND NOW
The Iraqi city’s recent fall to al-Qaida-linked forces triggers deep emotions for U.S. forces who secured the city in 2004 in intense urban combat.
8. HONORING TUCSON MASS SHOOTING VICTIMS
Ceremonies and church events mark the third anniversary of the shootings that killed six and injured 12, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
9. WHY MORSI’S TRIAL IS ADJOURNED UNTIL FEBRUARY
Bad weather prevents Egypt’s former Islamist president, facing charges of inciting murder, from getting to court.
10. HOW BASEBALL HALL OF FAME VOTING IS SHAPING UP
Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas appear to be on track to gain election from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, and Craig Biggio could join them.