Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Tuesday, May 5, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers:
1. PORTRAITS OF TEXAS GUNMEN EMERGE
One of the suspects had been on the FBI radar for years for possible terror ties — but authorities say they had no indication he was plotting an attack.
2. ANOTHER MIGRANT TRAGEDY REPORTED IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
The Save the Children aid group says dozens of passengers fell out of their rubber boat and likely drowned as a rescue vessel neared.
3. KERRY VISITS SOMALIA
The secretary of state makes an unannounced trip to the African country in a show of solidarity with a government trying to defeat al-Qaida-allied militants.
4. WHY REFORMING BALTIMORE POLICE WILL BE HARD
Critics wonder whether city leaders can implement the change the city needs without the direct oversight that comes with a full-fledged civil rights investigation.
5. OBAMA PICKS MARINE TO CHAIR JOINT CHIEFS
Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr. gained attention in 2013 when he was chosen to take over the job as top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan.
6. WHO IS POISED TO LAUNCH 2ND WHITE HOUSE BID
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee returns to his hometown of Hope, Arkansas to make official what the local newspaper calls “the worst kept secret” in the state.
7. SUBSTANCE OR STYLE
Labour leader Ed Miliband is nerdy, awkward and shy, but those traits may not stop him from becoming Britain’s next prime minister.
8. AFGHAN POPPY FARMERS LAUD NEW SEEDS
The variety is said to boost yield of the resin that produces heroin, makes the plants grow faster and gives up to twice as much opium.
9. RIHANNA SHUTS DOWN MET GALA CARPET
The singer swoops in wearing a fur-trimmed yellow cape with floral swirls of gold and a train so long it requires three wranglers.
10. WHAT CAN TAINT CHEMISTRY CRITICAL FOR BASEBALL SUCCESS
Many players download video clips of past games to an iPad to study their swings or deliveries, but team building can be hindered by the staring at screens instead of discussions in the clubhouse.