Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers:
1. AGREEMENT TO SLOW IRAN’S NUCLEAR ACTIVITIES IS REACHED
The deal struck Sunday between Iran and six world powers would freeze much of its nuclear program for six months in exchange for an easing of sanctions. Israel, which contends Iran cannot be trusted, warned that the pact is a “historic mistake.”
2. AFGHAN PRESIDENT AND U.S. ARE AT ODDS OVER SECURITY PACT
Hamid Karzai is resisting U.S. pressure to promptly sign an agreement that would allow thousands of American troops to stay in the country beyond 2014. He is demanding an end to all airstrikes and foreign raids on Afghan homes.
3. MOTIVE IN CONNECTICUT SCHOOL MASSACRE STILL A MYSTERY
Adam Lanza, 20, had “significant mental health issues” and an obsession with mass murder, investigators said Monday, nearly a year after the tragedy. But precisely why he went on the rampage that left 20 children and six educators dead may never be known, they said.
4. BLACK FRIDAY BEGINS ON A THURSDAY
Many stores across the U.S. opened on Thanksgiving even before the leftovers had gotten cold. And while some people complained about the early start to the holiday madness, others rushed to take advantage of the deals.
5. PEACE TALKS ARE SET IN SYRIA’S CIVIL WAR
The first negotiations between Syria’s government and opposition will be held Jan. 22 in Geneva, the United Nations announced Monday. Exactly who will participate is up in the air. The nearly 3-year-old war has killed more than 100,000 people.
6. SUPREME COURT AGREES TO HEAR ANOTHER CHALLENGE TO OBAMA HEALTH CARE LAW
The question to be decided: Can for-profit businesses refuse on religious grounds to cover birth control for employees? One of the cases to be heard involves Hobby Lobby, a Christian-owned chain of arts-and-crafts stores that is closed on Sundays.
7. COMET THAT FLEW TOO CLOSE TO THE SUN IS DESTROYED — OR IS IT?
Scientists initially pronounced Comet ISON dead after it came within 1 million miles of the sun on Thursday. But later, they said smudgy streaks of light suggest the celestial snowball may still be out there.
8. TENSIONS ARE RISING BETWEEN CHINA AND U.S. OVER DISPUTED ISLANDS
The U.S. flew two unarmed B-52 bombers over a swath of the East China Sea on Tuesday, days after China claimed the area was part of its air defense zone. Later in the week, China said it sent fighter planes into the area.
9. CRANE COLLAPSE AT A 2014 WORLD CUP STADIUM IN BRAZIL KILLS 2 WORKERS
The construction accident Wednesday in Sao Paulo raised more questions about whether Brazil will be ready for the start of soccer’s premier event in June. The preparations have been plagued by cost overruns, delays, accidents, labor strife and street protests.
10. O.J. SIMPSON IS DENIED A NEW TRIAL IN ARMED ROBBERY CASE
A judge in Las Vegas rejected the former football star’s claim that his original lawyer botched the case. Simpson, 66, has been in prison for five years for an ill-fated attempt to seize sports memorabilia he claimed had been stolen from him. He faces at least four more years behind bars.
