Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. TOUGH ISSUES REMAIN FOLLOWING GAZA TRUCE DEAL
Israel and Hamas agree to an open-ended cease-fire after seven weeks of fighting, but barriers to lasting peace persist — such as Palestinian appeals for the end of a Gaza blockade.
2. FREED AMERICAN JOURNALIST BACK HOME
Peter Theo Curtis who was held by a Syrian extremist group of nearly two years is reunited with his family in Boston.
3. EX-FLA. GOV. CRIST CONTINUES POLITICAL COMEBACK
Democratic voters select him as their nominee to challenge Republican Gov. Rick Scott in the Sunshine State.
4. WHY CORPORATE INVERSIONS ARE RISING
More and more U.S. companies are merging with foreign ones to avoid American taxation.
5. WHO GIVES ‘POSITIVE ASSESSMENT’ OF UKRAINE SUMMIT
Russian President Putin suggested he was encouraged following talks for a peace plan in Eastern Ukraine, while Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko also voiced support.
6. TWITCH SALE SHOWS VIDEO GAMES HAVE COME OF AGE
Amazon’s commitment to buy the online gaming community for $1 billion highlights the value of revenue streams coming from gamers.
7. AFGHANISTAN’S FINANCES SLOW DOWN AHEAD OF TROOP WITHDRAWAL
A rise in violent attacks combined with fears over the country’s political future is hurting its lopsided economy.
8. WHERE FOOD SHORTAGE MEANS BULGING WAISTLINES
Most Venezuelans can’t find enough to eat so they are binging on empty calories.
9. FIFA, CANADA FACE HEAT OVER WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
Athletes and fans including Tom Hanks are criticizing plans to hold the 2015 soccer tournament on artificial turf and not grass.
10. NEW FALL TV SHOWS WORTHY OF FIRST-NIGHT LOOK
FOX’s “Red Band Society” and ABC’s “Black-ish” are among the fresh autumn crop of programs.
