Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. FIGHTING CONTINUES IN EASTERN UKRAINE AHEAD OF TALKS
Russia’s Putin and Ukrainian President Poroshenko will meet in Belarus to try to hammer out a peace deal that’s brokered by Germany and France.
2. GOP-CONTROLLED CONGRESS SET TO PASS KEYSTONE BILL
The legislative plan will be sent to President Barack Obama who has vowed to veto it.
3. DEATH OF US CAPTIVE CONFIRMED
Her parents and U.S. officials announce that Kayla Jean Mueller, who traveled the world on a quest to help others, died while in the hands of Islamic State militants.
4. CLOSING GUANTANAMO COMPLICATED BY EX-DETAINEE’S TERROR TIES
Abdul Rauf, who spent six years at the detention center, was released in 2007 but went on to become the top recruiter for the Islamic State in Afghanistan. He was killed in a drone strike this week.
5. BRIAN WILLIAMS GIVEN 6-MONTH SUSPENSION WITHOUT PAY
NBC says the anchor’s misstatements were inexcusable and jeopardized the trust he has built up with viewers.
6. JON STEWART LEAVING ‘THE DAILY SHOW’
It’s a fresh blow for Comedy Central. The network lost another major host last year when Stephen Colbert left to take over David Letterman’s late-night show on CBS.
7. WHERE A WINTER WONDERLAND IS A DREARY GUEST
More snow is on its way to New England which could see up to six inches in Cape Cod before a bigger storm hits Sunday.
8. HOW A ‘FROZEN ZOO’ COULD HELP SAVE SPECIES
The San Diego Zoo has amassed a vast genetic collection that could be the hope of saving endangered animals such as the northern white rhinoceros.
9. WHO’LL BE AMONG FIRST WITNESSES AT ‘AMERICAN SNIPER’ TRIAL
Chris Kyle’s widow, Taya, will take the stand as trial begins in Texas for the ex-Marine accused of killing her husband.
10. CRITIC: ‘FIFTY SHADES’ FILM FAILS TO MATCH HYPE
There have been perfume commercials with more depth and story arc, writes the AP’s Lindsey Bahr.
