Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Tuesday, July 29, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.
1. ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR ENTERS FOURTH WEEK — DURATION, DEATHS MATCH FIRST CONFLICT
Heaviest bombardment in Gaza yet as Israeli aircraft, tanks and navy gunboats hit symbols of Hamas control and a power plant.
2. ‘A VERY SERIOUS MATTER’
In an escalation of tensions, the Obama administration accuses Russia of conducting tests in violation of a 1987 nuclear missile treaty.
3. WHAT IS BECOMING A KEY ISSUE IN MAINE
In the whitest U.S. state, thousands of miles from Mexico, the debate over immigration is becoming a focal point in a closely watched governor’s race.
4. HOW EXPENSIVE HEPATITIS C TREATMENT HAS BECOME
A $1,000-per-pill drug from Sovaldi has become a popular prescription for a liver-wasting viral disease that affects more than 3 million Americans.
5. JUDGE CLEARS WAY FOR SALE OF LA CLIPPERS
The ruling is a defeat for Donald Sterling, who sought to block his estranged wife from selling the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer for $2 billion.
6. LONDONERS INVITED TO CHANGE INSULAR WAYS
A new campaign called “Talk To Me” wants to change London’s image as one of the loneliest places in Britain.
7. WHOSE BOTTOM LINE LOOKS BRIGHTER
Medicare should be solvent until 2034, four years later than had been projected, the U.S. government says.
8. SCHOOL’S OUT, BUT MEALS PROGRAM ROLLS ON
A food truck delivers meals to New York City kids to make sure those that qualify for free or reduced-price fare during the academic year don’t lose out.
9. WHERE CAN YOU NOW SEND YOUR KIDS TO SUMMER CAMP
North Korea’s International Children’s camp welcomes some 300 foreign children this year with giant water slides, a private beach, video games and volleyball courts.
10. WHY ‘SHARKNADO 2’ IS MUST-SEE TV
The sequel shifts to Gotham and is wiser than the original and unabashedly awash with fun, the AP’s Frazier Moore reports.