Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. WHERE TRUMP IS FACING AN EARLY TEST
Lawmakers want to investigate Russian interference in the November election and issue warnings over the incoming president’s potential pick for secretary of state.
2. WHAT BEIJING IS SAYING ABOUT TRUMP’S ONE-CHINA TAKE
China has “serious concern” about the president-elect’s latest comments suggesting he is reconsidering America’s relationship with the island nation.
3. NOOSE TIGHTENS ON EAST ALEPPO
Syria’s military says it has gained control of 98 percent of the besieged eastern enclave, leaving only a few neighborhoods packed with rebels and civilians.
4. MANSLAUGHTER VERDICT IN WILL SMITH TRIAL
Cardell Hayes faces a possible sentence of up to 40 years in prison for the slaying of the retired New Orleans Saints defensive star.
5. MOSUL DOCTORS STRUGGLE TO SAVE CIVILIANS
Without the ability to perform surgery, physicians they say they can only hope to stabilize the wounded as Iraqi forces battle to recapture the city from IS.
6. HOW DISMANTLING ‘OBAMACARE’ MIGHT PLAY OUT
Republican lawmakers likely will face angry voters, spooked health insurers and the possibility of tumbling off a political cliff.
7. FOR TECH HUB IN RUSSIA’S RUSTBELT, RECESSION’S A GODSEND
The financial downturn even allowed the country’s nascent tech sector in Voronezh to start competing with India and China for outsourcing contracts.
8. MIGRANTS ARRESTED IN ITALY FOR SMUGGLING MAY BE VICTIMS
Professional traffickers force them, sometimes at gunpoint, to drive the boats and navigate to Italy.
9. GREAT LAKES, NORTHEAST BRACE FOR WINTRY BLAST
Snow, freezing rain and rain could make for a mess morning commute as a winter storm pushes further east.
10. GOLDEN GLOBES NODS TO BE UNVEILED
Damien Chazelle’s nostalgic Los Angeles musical “La La Land” and Barry Jenkins’ lyrical coming-of-age tale “Moonlight” expected to be among the favorites.
