CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The regional bureau of The Associated Press shares 10 things you need to know Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items and much more in West Virginia newspapers.
1. IMPEACHMENT WITNESS SAYS KEY WORD OMITTED FROM TRANSCRIPT
Alexander Vindman, an Army colonel with the National Security Council, tells lawmakers that he was unsuccessful in getting “Burisma” — a reference to the company linked to the Bidens — restored the White House’s rough transcript of Trump’s call to Ukraine’s leader.
2. WHAT HAS AMERICAN OFFICIALS CONCERNED
They’re sounding the alarm about efforts by China and Iran — along with Russia — to disrupt the 2020 election.
3. CALIFORNIANS STRUGGLE WITH WINDS, FIRES, BLACKOUTS
The state’s largest utility begins its third round of power cuts in a week aimed at preventing its electrical equipment from being fouled by wind-whipped branches or toppling and sparking wildfires.
4. MIGRANTS’ TRAVEL THROUGH YEMEN FRAUGHT WITH PERIL
Scores of African migrants en route to Saudi Arabia are raped or otherwise tortured by traffickers who demand more money from the families they left behind, AP finds.
5. MIDEAST PROTESTS POSE CHALLENGE TO IRAN
Protests in Iraq and Lebanon are being fueled by local grievances directed at political elites but also pose a challenge to the Islamic Republic.
6. CLERGY REMEMBER NURSING WOUNDED AT BERLIN WALL
A group of now retired Lutheran sisters who ran a hospital next to the wall say they often witnessed the escapes and helped those who were wounded before it fell 30 years ago.
7. SCHOOLKIDS GET MIXED REPORT CARD
America’s eighth graders are falling behind in math and reading, while fourth graders are doing slightly better in reading.
8. WARREN’S FUNDRAISER PLEDGE INCLUDES BIG CAVEAT
The presidential candidate has been cheered by progressives for vowing to swear off big-money fundraisers, but she continues to raise money for the Democratic Party at fundraisers featuring top-dollar donors.
9. ‘FRIDAY’ ACTOR-COMEDIAN DIES
John Witherspoon, who memorably played Ice Cube’s father in the trilogy, was 77.
10. NATIONALS FORCE DECIDING GAME 7
Stephen Strasburg and Anthony Rendon lead Washington to a 7-2 win over Houston, continuing a pattern where the road team has won every game in the World Series.
The Associated Press
