Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Thursday, April 7, 2016. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. FRONT-RUNNERS RECALIBRATE AFTER LOSSES IN WISCONSIN
Trump signals a shift toward “more meat on the bone” in his policy speeches, while Clinton embraces a tougher approach toward Sanders.
2. US OPENNESS TO FOREIGN TAX EVADERS UNDER NEW SCRUTINY
America is emerging as a top tax haven alongside the likes of Switzerland, the Cayman Islands and Panama, those seeking reform of the international tax system say.
3. MERLE HAGGARD DEAD AT 79
The country music giant rose from poverty and prison to international fame through his songs about outlaws, underdogs and an abiding sense of national pride.
4. US LAWMAKERS PUSHING RELIGIOUS PROTECTIONS
Bills are advancing in numerous states that would strengthen protections for businesses and others who, based on their religious beliefs, decline to provide services to same-sex couples.
5. EX-COAL COMPANY BOSS SENTENCED IN BLAST THAT KILLED 29
A judge hands Don Blankenship the stiffest sentence allowed for his misdemeanor conviction — a year in prison and a $250,000 fine — for the explosion six years ago at West Virginia’s Upper Big Branch Mine.
6. WHY PARENTS SHOULD MONITOR THEIR KIDS’ CREDIT
Children can be victims of identity theft, too, and it often goes unnoticed until they grow up and get rejected for a student loan or can’t get a credit card.
7. COLLAPSE OF PFIZER-ALLERGAN DEAL A WIN FOR OBAMA
The president and others contend these so-called “tax inversions” shortchange the country because corporations fail to pay their fair share of taxes.
8. WHICH DISEASE IS INCREASING ALARMINGLY
The world has seen a nearly four-fold increase in diabetes cases over the last quarter-century, the World Health Organization reports.
9. KERRY SETS TRAVEL RECORD FOR US SECRETARIES OF STATE
A trip to Bahrain pushes him past 1.06 million miles as America’s top diplomat, surpassing Condoleezza Rice by about 1,000 miles.
10. WHO’S SAYING GOODBYE TO AUGUSTA
This will be two-time champ Tom Watson’s final appearance in the Masters.