Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Thursday, July 9, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers:
1. FLAG’S DAYS ARE NUMBERED IN SOUTH CAROLINA AFTER HISTORIC VOTE
After 54 years flying over the state Capitol, the Confederate battlefield standard will be pulled down after the House passed a bill that it should be removed.
2. DEADLINE DAY FOR GREECE
Athens is racing to finalize a plan of reforms for its third bailout, hoping to stave off a potentially catastrophic exit from the euro.
3. POPE HALFWAY THROUGH SOUTH AMERICA PILGRIMAGE
Francis will celebrate his first Mass in Bolivia and meet with indigenous groups and other grassroots organizations that work with the poor.
4. JOINT CHIEFS NOMINEE SAYS HE WILL ASSESS IS STRATEGY
Gen. Joseph Dunford says the U.S. and its coalition partners are making moderate progress in the fight against the extremist group.
5. WHO IS BEING HELD IN GAZA
Israeli authorities say two Israeli citizens are being detained, at least one of them by Hamas, but the circumstances remain murky.
6. BALTIMORE FIRES POLICE COMMISSIONER
Anthony Batts is let go by the mayor amid the worst crime spike in the city since the 1970s and plummeting morale among officers.
7. BIG GOP FIELD SEEKS FACETIME ON FOX NEWS
The political ad wars have begun, and the overflowing Republican presidential field means big demand for time on the cable news channel.
8. COSBY ACCUSER ASKS FOR TESTIMONY TO BE MADE PUBLIC
The comedian’s first accuser asks a judge to release his full deposition in her sex-assault lawsuit, saying his legal team broke the confidentiality agreement that sealed the 2006 court settlement.
9. AC/DC DRUMMER SENTENCED
Phil Rudd is sentenced to eight months of home detention for threatening to kill a man who used to work for him and drug possession.
10. SERENA MARCHES TOWARD TENNIS HISTORY
Now it’s Maria Sharapova’s turn at Wimbledon to try to put an end to Williams’ bid for the third leg of the Grand Slam — and a fourth consecutive major title.
