The regional bureau of The Associated Press, shares 10 things you need to know Wednesday, July 18, 2018. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. TRUMP WALKS BACK POSITION ON US INTELLIGENCE
The U.S. president contends his summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin was a “great success” and backs off earlier remarks undermining U.S. intelligence agencies.
2. TRUMP TAKES ‘AMERICA FIRST’ TO UNSEEN LEVELS
The president’s tumultuous trip across Europe, historians say, smashed the conventions of American leaders on the world stage.
3. THE CURIOUS PATH A SIBERIAN TOOK TO ALLEGED SPYHOOD IN US
Maria Butina appeared to have a budding political career in her remote Russian hometown before she left to pursue her passion for gun rights — and, prosecutors say, to be a covert agent in the U.S.
4. ALABAMA LAWMAKER WINS RUNOFF TURNING ON LOYALTY TO TRUMP
U.S. Rep. Martha Roby fights through the fallout from her years-old criticism of the then-presidential candidate to defeat Democrat-turned-Republican Bobby Bright.
5. SOCCER TEAM RESCUED FROM CAVE EXPECTED TO LEAVE HOSPITAL
The youth soccer teammates rescued from a flooded complex in Thailand are expected to speak about their ordeal with doctors and psychologists present.
6. ELON MUSK APOLOGIZES FOR CALLING RESCUE DIVER A PEDOPHILE
In a series of tweets, the Tesla CEO says he’d “spoken in anger” after Vern Unsworth accused Musk of orchestrating a “PR stunt” by sending a small sub to help rescue a Thai youth soccer team.
7. ‘IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE FOCUS ON THE LESSONS’
Three officials who played key roles in combating the 2008 financial crisis say they worry that the lessons from the banking system’s near-collapse a decade ago may be forgotten.
8. WHAT JAMES COMEY IS URGING
Declaring that “history has its eyes on us,” the fired FBI director — dismayed by Trump’s summit with Putin — is urging voters to support Democrats in midterm elections.
9. COMIC-CON WITHOUT MARVEL, HBO GIVES OTHERS A CHANCE TO POP
Over 130,000 pop culture devotees are descending on San Diego for the annual comic book convention and corporate sponsors are vying for their attention — and money.
10. ALL-STAR GAME AN ALL-OR-NOTHING AFFAIR
There were a record 10 home runs — including the go-ahead blast by MVP Alex Bergman of Houston — and 25 strikeouts as the American League outlasted the National League 8-6.
