Dorothy Abernathy, regional media director of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. OBAMA TO HAIL CLINTON
The U.S. president once told the Democratic nominee for the White House, “You’re likable enough” — but now the incumbent is prepared to endorse the woman who hopes to replace him.
2. KAINE’S FLUENCY IN SPANISH NOT A BE-ALL, END-ALL
But while some Latinos say there’s a practical value to the U.S. vice presidential nominee’s skills, they add the days are gone when that alone is enough to win over Hispanic voters.
3. HOLLANDE HOLDS MEETINGS AFTER CHURCH ATTACK
The French president is trying to avert religious tensions and new violence after Islamic State extremists attacked a Catholic church and slit the throat of an elderly priest.
4. JAPAN STABBING SPREE SUSPECT’S TROUBLED TIMELINE
Satoshi Uematsu stated his intent to kill in a letter, was committed to a psychiatric hospital, but doctors deemed him safe to release after just 12 days. Five months later, he killed 19 mentally disabled people.
5. REPORT: SHOOTING DEATHS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT INCREASE
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund says shooting deaths of officers spiked 78 percent in the first half of 2016 compared to last year.
6. HOW FED IS EXPECTED TO REACT TO IMPROVING ECONOMY
Most analysts think the U.S. central bank will signal that it wants to see further gains before raising interest rates again.
7. LAWMAKER EXPLORES MEDICARE DRUG ‘EXPLOITATION’
Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, wants to know if the government’s prescription drug benefit is vulnerable to price manipulation by drugmakers.
8. EFFORT LAUNCHED TO DIGITIZE ALL FISH
Scientists are using a powerful CT scanner at a University of Washington lab on the San Juan Islands to begin digitally cataloging thousands of species.
9. TOUGH ROOM, ELIZABETH BANKS
You could’ve heard crickets in the Democratic convention hall when the “Pitch Perfect” and “Hunger Games” actress attempted a joke or two in introducing a short video about Clinton.
10. WHERE CARIBBEAN ISLAND IS COMING UP SHORT
Jamaica’s sprinters are obviously elite, but the tiny nation is still a long way from that level in other track and field events.
