Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. EX-MARINE FOUND GUILTY IN ‘AMERICAN SNIPER’ TRIAL
Eddie Ray Routh, 27, faces life in prison without parole in the deaths of Chris Kyle and his friend, Chad Littlefield.
2. PRESSURE MOUNTS ON GOP ON HOMELAND SECURITY BILL
The ball is in the House Republicans’ court as their fellow senators agree to fund the department without linking it to rolling back the president’s immigration action.
3. CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE HAS CRIME HISTORY
Sean Hosman, whose company is a key player in the national movement to overhaul the incarceration system, is a repeat offender himself.
4. WHERE OVERFISHING IS BREEDING SLAVE LABOR CONDITIONS
Thailand’s seafood industry is using migrant laborers who are sold onto boats that trawl international waters following a decline in the local fish population.
5. WHO IS FAVORED TO WIN BRITAIN’S VOTE
No one, really. Voter disillusionment with the two major political parties means the May poll is truly a “lottery election.”
6. OBAMA VETOES KEYSTONE OIL PIPELINE
Boehner says Republicans are “not even close” to giving up the fight for the $8 billion project.
7. WHY SAGGING OIL PRICES ARE SENDING COLOMBIANS PACKING
Thousands of people who were employed by a thriving petroleum industry in the Latin American country are now facing a harsh new reality.
8. GEORGE ZIMMERMAN WON’T FACE FEDERAL CHARGES
The Justice Department says there isn’t enough evidence to prove the former neighborhood watch volunteer killed Trayvon Martin, a black teen, on account of his race.
9. EMANUEL FACES RUNOFF IN CHICAGO
The mayor of the nation’s third largest city is facing a stiff challenge from a commissioner who has the backing of teachers, unions and many residents.
10. STUDY DETAILS CHALLENGES FACING LGBT HOMELESS YOUTH
A unique federal survey finds that many lesbian, gay and transgender teens resort to earning money through “survival sex” to find shelter.