Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers
1. RUSSIA, IRAN CRITICIZE TEHRAN SNUB FOR SYRIA TALKS
Both countries criticize the U.N. chief’s decision to withdraw Iran’s invitation to join this week’s peace conference on Syria.
2. CAR BOMB STRIKES BEIRUT SUBURB
The blast killed at least two people and appears to be the latest attack targeting Shiites in Lebanon, apparently in retaliation for Hezbollah’s support for Assad.
3. ITALIAN POLICE RE-ARREST VATICAN MONSIGNOR
The clergyman already on trial for allegedly plotting to smuggle $26 million from Switzerland to Italy is arrested for allegedly using his Vatican bank accounts to launder money.
4. CHICAGO PRIEST SEX ABUSE DOCUMENTS GOING PUBLIC
Victims’ attorneys are posting the papers online, and say they’ll show the archdiocese concealed the abuse for decades.
5. GET THE SHOVELS AND SCARVES READY
Another batch of heavy snow and frigid temperatures is forecast from Virginia to New England, and the U.S. government is shutting down for the day as the storm bears down.
6. HOW A SNOWDEN TRIAL COULD PLAY OUT
Some legal experts say even more classified information could come out in court, but the government wants to press ahead.
7. WHY ISRAEL IS WORRIED ABOUT ANCIENT HOLY LAND TREASURES
After five earthquakes in October, experts started using technology to determine structural weaknesses at historical sites.
8. WHERE TV SOAP OPERAS ARE UNDER FIRE
In Venezuela, the president says the hugely popular shows glamorize violence, guns and drugs and play a part in the country’s high crime.
9. WHO’S IN THE SUNDANCE SPOTLIGHT
Lindsay Lohan chose the festival to announce a new film and a “fresh start” after her drug and legal troubles.
10. PRICIER NUPTIALS SPUR INSURANCE MARKET
With the cost of the average American wedding reaching about $26,000, insurers are selling policies to protect against losses from extreme weather, illness – even a sudden change of heart.