Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know today, Friday, Oct. 18, 2013. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers:
BONUS – Ten Things to See:
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/10-things-see-week-top-ap-photos-29
1. BART WORKERS GO ON STRIKE
Transit workers walk off the job in the San Francisco Bay area after labor talks break down.
2. OBAMA HAS THREE-ITEM TO-DO LIST FOR CONGRESS
The president wants to tackle immigration, farm legislation and the budget by the end of the year.
3. GOVERNMENT GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
The crab boats are at sea, the loggers are in the forest and the panda cam is on as furloughed employees return to work.
4. WHY ARCHAEOLOGISTS ARE DIGGING UNDER A FORT IN INDIA
A popular Hindu holy man said a former king appeared to him in a dream and told him that there is a $50 billion treasure hidden there.
5. OBAMA TAPS EX-PENTAGON LAWYER AS HOMELAND SECURITY CHIEF
An administration official says the president will nominate Jeh Johnson because of his experience as a national security leader.
6. WHAT SET OFF A MANHUNT IN FLORIDA
Forged documents led to the mistaken release of two convicted killers serving life in prison, authorities say.
7. SCIENTIST BELIEVES HE’S SOLVED MYSTERY OF THE YETI
DNA analysis suggests the elusive ape-like creature in the Himalayas is really a bear.
8. HOW A SKULL SHEDS LIGHT ON EARLY HUMANS
Researchers say the 1.8 million-year-old fossil provides the earliest evidence of human ancestors moving out of Africa and spreading north.
9. GRUESOME DISCOVERY IN NYC TEENAGER’S BAG
After autopsy results are revealed, police will decide if they will file more charges against a teenager who was carrying a dead fetus.
10. NOLAN RYAN DECIDES TO STEP DOWN
The Hall of Fame pitcher says this is the right time for him to retire after six years as CEO of the Texas Rangers.