The regional bureau of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Friday, Feb. 8, 2019. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. WHO WAS THE TARGET OF THREATS BY TABLOID
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos says he was the target of “extortion and blackmail” by the publisher of the National Enquirer, which he said threatened to publish revealing personal photos of him.
2. VIRGINIA DEMOCRATS BRACE FOR POLITICAL FALLOUT OF SCANDAL
The political crisis in Virginia threatens to turn a state that has trended Democratic back into a battleground, a development that could complicate the party’s effort to defeat President Donald Trump next year.
3. HOW NEAR IS CONGRESS TO A DEAL ON BORDER SECURITY
Congressional bargainers seem close to clinching a border security agreement that would avert a fresh government shutdown.
4. JOHN DINGELL KNOWN FOR DRY WIT
The longest-serving Congress member, who has passed away, caught people by surprise with musings on Twitter which kept him au courant.
5. OIL WORKERS FLEE VENEZUELA FOR A BETTER LIFE
Thousands of Venezuelan oil workers are fleeing poverty wages and dangerous working conditions, taking lucrative jobs in far-flung parts of the world.
6. WHITE HOUSE RELEASE REPORT ON OBAMA-CARE
A new White House report says changes made to the Affordable Care Act under President Donald Trump didn’t amount to “sabotage.”
7. WHITAKER PREPARES TO FACE CONGRESS
Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker is testifying before Congress for the first time, with Democrats eager to press him on his interactions with President Donald Trump and his oversight of the special counsel’s Russia investigation.
8. DESCENDANTS FROM THE LAST U.S. SLAVE SHIP GATHER
Relatives of the 110 people who were kidnapped in West Africa, shipped to the U.S. on a bet and sold into slavery are organizing a get-together called the “Spirit of Our Ancestors” festival, set for Feb. 9.
9. LONG LINES TO BUY MEAT ILLUSTRATE IRAN’S ECONOMIC WOES
Iran faces several economic struggles as it marks the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution with Inflation continuing to rise as its currency depreciates.
10. BASEBALL HALL OF FAMER FRANK ROBINSON DIES
Frank Robinson was the first black manager in Major League Baseball and the only player to earn the MVP award in both leagues. He was 83.
