Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know today, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers:
1. WHOSE RELEASE COULD FURTHER ROIL EGYPT
A court ruling means that Mubarak might be freed from jail. He was widely hated for abuses and repression during his years as president.
2. OBAMA PUSHES WALL STREET REFORM — AGAIN
His latest prodding comes three years after he signed a sweeping overhaul of financial rules. Execution of the law is way behind schedule.
3. ‘AN UNPRECEDENTED INFLUX OF REFUGEES’
The exodus of 30,000 Syrians into Iraq to escape the civil war in their homeland is creating desperate conditions.
4. SUPERSTORM TASK FORCE FINISHES ITS WORK
The group’s recommendations focus on a simple warning: coastal communities need to start planning now for future storms in an age of climate change and rising sea levels.
5. HOW NSA REPORTER SAYS HE’LL RETALIATE
“I’m going to publish many more things about England,” vows Glenn Greenwald, writer of stories based on leaked documents, after his partner is detained for hours at a London airport.
6. UNEMPLOYMENT UP IN MOST STATES IN JULY
The U. S. Labor Department says unemployment rose in 28 states — a sign the job market may be losing momentum.
7. AL-JAZEERA AMERICA HOPING TO WOO US VIEWERS
The news channel, which debuts Tuesday, says it will offer a bolder-but-less-opinionated alternative to other networks.
8. CALL IT ‘GRAVESITE NIGHT’ AT THE BALLPARK
The Lehigh Valley, Pa., IronPigs are giving fans a chance to win a free funeral — complete with casket, flowers and headstone.
9. ACTOR UNHURT AFTER CAR CATCHES FIRE
Passers-by quickly help 87-year-old Dick Van Dyke from his flaming Jaguar along a Los Angeles freeway.
10. A-ROD’S LAWYER DECLINES MLB’S CHALLENGE
The attorney rejects a call to waive his client’s confidentiality and release the evidence that triggered Rodriguez’s 211-game drug suspension.