Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Friday, Nov. 29, 2013. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers:
1. BLACK FRIDAY GETS OFF TO EARLY START
Shoppers eager to score a good deal rush to stores that were open on Thanksgiving Day.
2. WHAT RETAILERS KNOW ABOUT YOU
Companies use advanced technology to help you shop and to learn more about your spending habits.
3. BUDGET CUTS ARE HURTING THE MILITARY’S PREPAREDNESS
While experts are not yet sounding the alarm bells, some analysts say two or three more years of cutbacks could leave the military unprepared for war.
4. U.N. ISSUES WARNING ON SYRIAN CHILDREN
The raging war in Syria has forced over a million kids to become refugees and to provide for their families through manual labor.
5. THAI PROTESTERS STORM ARMY HEADQUARTERS
Demonstrators continue targeting high-level government offices in the sixth consecutive day of unrest.
6. HOW A MORMON BISHOP TAUGHT HIS FLOCK A LESSON
Disguised as a homeless man, he tested compassion at a church in Utah and then, to loud gasps, revealed himself to the worshippers.
7. WHY SOME DEMOCRATS ARE DISTANCING THEMSELVES FROM OBAMA
The president’s health care overhaul woes have left members of his own party wary of their 2014 fate.
8. EUROPE LOSES OUT ON UKRAINE BUT ATTRACTS OTHER FORMER SOVIET REPUBLICS
After this week’s snub from Kiev, the EU reached association agreements with the smaller countries of Georgia and Moldova.
9. SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER HELPS DEAF FANS CONNECT TO FAVORITE SINGERS
The 33-year-old Maine resident signs at concerts of Eminem, Jay-Z and Bruce Springsteen.
10. RAVENS MOVE INTO PLAYOFF POSITION
Baltimore stops a 2-point conversion attempt by Pittsburgh with just over a minute remaining to hold off the Steelers 22-20.