10 things to know for today, Jan. 2, 2015
Published 8:04 am Friday, January 2, 2015
- Indonesian Muslim men pray during a special prayer for the victims of AirAsia Flight 8501 at Al Akbar Mosque in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, Friday, Jan. 2, 2015. More ships arrived Friday with sensitive equipment to hunt for the fuselage of the flight and the more than 145 people still missing since it crashed into the sea five days ago. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
By The Associated Press
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:
1. MARIO CUOMO DIES AT 82
Obama praises the former New York governor as “an unflinching voice for tolerance, inclusiveness, fairness, dignity, and opportunity.”
2. “LIVING HELL” FOR SLAVES IN REMOTE SOUTH KOREA
The disabled and homeless are forced to work on islands off the country’s southwest coast, but no local officials who know about slavery will face punishment.
3. SEARCHERS RECOVER 7 MORE BODIES FROM AIRASIA CRASH SITE
The investigation turns to the ocean floor, with more sonar equipment and metal detectors deployed to scour the seabed for wreckage.
4. WHAT POSES CHALLENGE FOR LEGAL POT STATES
Washington and Colorado wrestle with competition from medical marijuana or even outright black market sales.
5. IRAQ’S BIRDS OF MERCY TAKE FLIGHT FROM DIN OF WAR
Trappers sell captured European starlings at the market in Irbil, with most buyers purchasing their freedom to bring good luck – but the campaign against the Islamic State group appears to have scared many of the birds away.
6. FAMILIES OF SHANGHAI VICTIMS SEEK ANSWERS
Authorities still investigate the cause of the stampede that killed 36 people during a New Year’s celebrations.
7. IF NOT HILLARY, THEN WHO?
If the former secretary of state decides not to run for president, Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren are among other possible top candidates.
8. PIANO STORES CLOSING AS FEWER CHILDREN TAKING UP INSTRUMENT
Some blame computers and others opt for a less expensive electronic keyboard, but what’s clear is that a long-term decline in sales has accelerated.
9. WHY GOVERNMENT SCIENTISTS RUN A FAKE BAR
In a laboratory complete with bar stools and tap, National Institutes of Health researchers test new treatments to help people cut back on alcohol.
10. OHIO STATE BEATS ALABAMA
The winner and Pac-12 champion Oregon will meet in Arlington, Texas, on Jan. 12 in the first College Football Playoff championship game.