Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers:
1. DEATH TOLL IN NORTHEASTERN CHINA CLIMBS TO AT LEAST 44
Hundreds are injured in the port city of Tianjin after blasts at a warehouse for dangerous materials sent up massive fireballs, turning the night sky into day.
2. TRUCK BOMB IN BAGHDAD MARKET KILLS 62
Islamic State Sunni extremists claim responsibility for the explosion which wounded at least 125 people in a predominantly Shiite neighborhood.
3. WHO NABS CARGO SHIP LOADED WITH SLAVE-CAUGHT FISH
The Indonesian navy seizes it and brings to shore after an AP report alerted authorities about its presence in the country’s waters.
4. FAIR TIME IN IOWA
A presidential candidate’s visit to the Iowa State Fair may be the purest distillation of the campaign experience in the state that starts the voting in the race for the White House.
5. WHY U.S. LAWMAKERS SLAM CHINA CURRENCY DROP
They see it as damaging for American businesses and workers, but the Obama administration takes a more sanguine approach.
6. JIMMY CARTER SAYS HE HAS CANCER
Determining what treatment to pursue for the former president’s tumor will depend on its type, its origin and other factors, doctors say.
7. EXPERTS SEE LONG-TERM RISKS FROM COLORADO MINE SPILL
It will almost certainly cost untold millions in economic disruption and environmental damage in three states — to rafting companies, Native American farmers and municipal water systems.
8. U.S. CULTURE ALREADY WIDESPREAD IN CUBA
Cuban music, literature and fashion are steeped in American influence that has survived a half-century of official hostility.
9. WHAT JAPANESE WORLD OF SUSHI CHEFS HIGHLIGHTS
The almost exclusively male domain betrays a gender gap based on stereotypes and belief that women’s warmer body temperature leads to inferior taste.
10. SAN FRANCISCO TRIES TO FIGHT PUBLIC URINATION
The city paints nine walls with a repellant paint that makes pee spray back on the offender.
