News In Brief

Reagan kicks off campaign with Fourth of July speech

President Reagan Wednesday renewed his criticism of the Soviet Union and other communist countries at the start of a reelection campaign trip that mixed politics and Independence Day patriotism.

''We still stand for freedom throughout the world,'' Mr. Reagan said before flying here to watch the final laps of the Firecracker 400 stock car race.

''No one emigrates to Cuba or jumps over the wall into East Berlin or seeks refuge in the Soviet Union,'' Reagan added. ''Those who look for freedom seek sanctuary here.''

Thousands of spectators cheered him at the race here and thousands more were expected to join him at a ''Spirit of America'' festival and picnic in a park in Decatur, Ala., Wednesday night.