AP News Digest 6:10 p.m.
Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EDT. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan at https://newsroom.ap.org.
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NEW & DEVELOPING
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Adds: OIL-MARKETS, VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVY-GUAM, VIRUS-OUTBREAK-MEAT-PLANT, VIRUS OUTBREAK-TRUMP’S FRIEND, SEVERE WEATHER-SOUTH, VIRUS OUTBREAK-MASK SCAM, OBIT-WILHELMSEN, GAS PRICES.
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VIRUS OUTBREAK — Christians around the world celebrated Easter Sunday isolated in their homes by the coronavirus while pastors preached the faith’s joyous news of Christ’s resurrection to empty pews. In Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the first major world leader to test positive for the virus, was released from the hospital after a week, though he is not immediately returning to work. By David Crary and Nicole Winfield. SENT: 1,090 words, photos. WITH: VIRUS OUTBREAK-EASTER — Some found novel ways to mark the holy day. Others still assembled in groups, but took precautions. A look at the holiday around the world. SENT: 770 words, photos; VIRUS OUTBREAK-EASTER-PHOTO GALLERY, VIRUS OUTBREAK-THE LATEST, VIRUS OUTBREAK-WHAT’S HAPPENING (all sent).
VIRUS OUTBREAK-TRUMP-MISSED SIGNS — By the time President Trump first spoke publicly about the coronavirus, it may already have been too late. Interviewed at a gathering of global elites in the Swiss Alps, the president on Jan. 22 played down the threat posed by the respiratory virus from China, which had just reached American shores in the form of a solitary patient in Washington state. In the 11 weeks since that interview, the coronavirus has reached every corner of the globe. When Trump spoke in Switzerland, weeks’ worth of warning signs already had been raised. In the ensuing month, before the president first addressed the crisis from the White House, key steps to prepare the nation for the coming pandemic were not taken. By Jonathan Lemire, Zeke Miller, Jill Colvin and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar. SENT: 1,680 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-TESTING WILD WEST -- Blood tests for the coronavirus could play a key role in helping Americans return to work and school. But public health officials warn that the current “wild west” of tests on the market is creating confusion among patients and physicians. Under an emergency policy, the Food and Drug Administration has allowed dozens of companies to launch blood tests for COVID-19 that have not been reviewed. Some companies are falsely claiming that their products are “FDA approved.” Other products have accuracy problems that local officials say could result in faulty results that risk further spreading the virus. By Health Writer Matthew Perrone. SENT: 1,100 words, photos. This is the Monday Spotlight.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-NURSING HOMES — More than 3,300 deaths nationwide have been linked to coronavirus outbreaks in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, an alarming rise in just the past two weeks, according to the latest count by The Associated Press. Because the federal government has not been releasing a count of its own, the AP has kept its own running tally based on media reports and state health departments. The latest count is up from about 450 deaths just 10 days ago. By Bernard Condon and Randy Herschaft. SENT: 510 words, photos.
OIL MARKETS — OPEC, Russia and other oil-producing nations on Sunday finalized an unprecedented production cut of nearly 10 million barrels, or a tenth of global supply, in hopes of boosting crashing prices amid the coronavirus pandemic and a price war, officials say. By Jon Gambrell. SENT: 870 words, photos.
VIRUS-OUTBREAK-EXPERTISE-RESURGENT — Suddenly, expertise matters. In the time of coronavirus, America turns its worried eyes to Dr. Anthony Fauci and other experts. That’s a big shift after decades of the public and its leaders downplaying the advice from scientists and other experts on everything from climate change to disaster planning. By John Flesher and Seth Borenstein. SENT: 1,200 words, photos.
Find more all-format coverage on the Virus Outbreak featured topic page in AP Newsroom.
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MORE ON THE VIRUS OUTBREAK
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VIRUS OUTBREAK-NAVY-GUAM — People in Guam are used to a constant U.S. military presence on the strategic Pacific island, but some are nervous as hundreds of sailors from a coronavirus-stricken Navy aircraft carrier flood into hotels for quarantine. Officials insist they have enforced strict safety measures. SENT: 830 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-BRITAIN — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed his gratitude to the staff of the National Health Service for saving his life when his treatment for the coronavirus could have “gone either way” as the U.K. became the fourth European country to surpass 10,000 virus-related deaths. SENT: 1,000 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-IMMIGRANT AID — The $2.2 trillion package that Congress approved to offer financial help during the coronavirus pandemic has one major exclusion: millions of immigrants who do not have legal status in the U.S. but work here and pay taxes. SENT: 820 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-STALLED ROADWORK — America’s roads are a lot less congested, due to coronavirus shutdowns that have kept millions of commuters, shoppers and vacationers parked at their homes. While that makes it easier to patch potholes, it also could spell trouble for road and bridge projects. The longer motorists remain off the roads, the harder it will be for states to afford repairs in the months and years ahead. Reduced traffic volumes are expected to cause a sharp drop in state revenue from fuel taxes, tolls and other user fees that could force delays for thousands of projects nationwide unless the federal government intervenes. SENT: 1,100 words, photos.
VIRUS-OUTBREAK-RESCUE-AID-DELAYS — It’s been two weeks since President Donald Trump signed into law a $2.2 trillion economic rescue package that will distribute money to struggling individuals and businesses. The administration is in a race against time, trying to provide families and businesses with enough money to survive the devastating economic plunge caused by the pandemic. Neither the White House nor the Treasury Department could say when asked late last week how much of the $2.2 trillion has actually reached needy Americans. SENT: 1,080 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF — Desperate small business owners who hoped for a quick government lifeline to help them survive the coronavirus crisis are still without funds, instead battling red tape, wary banks and swamped computer systems. SENT: 990 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-OLDER STATES — Across the U.S., states with older populations face special challenges during the global pandemic. Advocates for the elderly are worried about the toll of isolation on the fragile population, the difficulty of getting food and medicine to shut-ins, and the number of hospital beds. That’s especially true in Maine, which has the nation’s oldest and most rural population. SENT: 1,030 words, photos.
VIRUS-OUTBREAK-RESTAURANTS-GROCERIES — Stay-at-home orders and social distancing requirements tied to the pandemic have put restaurant dining on hold, forcing many to close and leaving others barely hanging on. From large chains to mom-and-pop eateries, many restaurants have opened make-shift grocery stores. SENT: 690 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-LIVES LOST-A POLICE MENTOR — Lenard “Lenny” Wells had wide influence in his decades in law enforcement. He mentored generations of officers and community activists who went on to become police leaders and lawmakers. He helped ensure African Americans had equal access to promotions in the desegregated Milwaukee Police Department. Wells died March 21 at age 69 of complications from the coronavirus. By SCOTT BAUER. SENT: 740 words, photos.
VIRUS-OUTBREAK-ONE-GOOD-THING-GENEROUS-COMMUTERS — Commuters who are stuck working from home during the coronavirus pandemic have suddenly found themselves with extra money — and many are spending it to help others who’ve been laid off. Their contributions come as charities overall are taking a hit. SENT: 520 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-MILITARIES — The coronavirus pandemic has forced militaries and militias to adapt to an invisible enemy, even as traditional conflicts grind on. Armies had to enforce social distancing rules among troops, while helping with national outbreak containment and postponing maneuvers. SENT: 980 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-MIDEAST — The Israeli government has approved a tight quarantine in several areas of Jerusalem, including the historic Old City, in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the city’s most susceptible neighborhoods. SENT: 520 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-TURKEY — Turkey introduced a new coronavirus lockdown over the weekend that took many by surprise and led to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu offering his resignation late Sunday. SENT: 960 words, photo
VIRUS-OUTBREAK-MEAT-PLANT — Virginia-based Smithfield Foods has announced that it is closing its pork processing plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, until further notice after hundreds of employees tested positive for the coronavirus, a step the head of the company warned could hurt the nation’s meat supply. SENT: 700 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-TRUMP'S FRIEND — President Donald Trump’s friend and donor, real estate developer Stanley Chera, has died after becoming infected with the coronavirus. SENT: 500 words, photo.
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WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT
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VIRUS OUTBREAK-TV-SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — ‘SNL’ returns for work-at-home version with host Tom Hanks. SENT: 590 words, photos.
BOOKS-CITY LIGHTS-GOFUNDME — City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco launches successful GoFundMe campaign. SENT: 350 words, photo.
BRITAIN-OBIT-BROOKE-TAYLOR — British Comedian Tim Brooke-Taylor of the comedy trio The Goodies dies of COVID-19 at age 79. SENT: 290 words, photos.
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WASHINGTON/POLITICS __________________
VIRUS OUTBREAK-WASHINGTON — The United States’ top infectious disease expert says the economy in parts of the country could have a “rolling reentry” as early as next month, provided health authorities can quickly identify and isolate people who will inevitably be infected with the coronavirus. Dr. Anthony Fauci also says he “can’t guarantee” that it will be safe for Americans to vote in person on Election Day, Nov. 3. By Mark Sherman and Darlene Superville. SENT: 780 words, photos.
FACT CHECK-WEEK — Man bites watchdog. In firing one inspector general, sidelining another and assailing a third, President Donald Trump in recent days has put his aversion to agents of federal accountability on stark display in a country consumed by the coronavirus. By Hope Yen and Calvin Woodward. SENT: 2,620 words, photos. Find AP Fact Checks at http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd
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INTERNATIONAL __________________
ISRAEL-POLITICS — Israel’s president turned down a request from Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz for a two-week extension to form a new coalition government. The announcement by President Reuven Rivlin means that Gantz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have a midnight deadline Monday night to reach a power-sharing deal. If they fail, the country could be forced into a fourth consecutive election in just over a year. SENT: 500 words, photo.
AFGHANISTAN — The Taliban announced it will be releasing 20 Afghan government prisoners the group has been holding, in the first phase of its commitment under its historic peace deal with the United States. The deal calls for the government to release 5,000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for 1,000 government officials held by the Taliban insurgents. SENT: 420 words, photos.
BRITAIN-ASSANGE — Julian Assange’s partner revealed that she had two children with him while he lived inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London and she issued a plea for the WikiLeaks founder to be released from prison over fears for his health during the coronavirus pandemic. SENT: 350 words, photos.
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NATIONAL __________________
SEVERE WEATHER-SOUTH — Strong storms have been pounding parts of the Deep South. Winds damaged buildings and toppled trees Sunday in Monroe, Louisiana. There were no immediate reports of injuries. SENT: 300 words, photo.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-MASK SCAM — A major California labor union that claimed to have discovered a stockpile of 39 million masks for health care workers fighting the coronavirus was duped in an elaborate scam uncovered by FBI investigators. SENT: 520 words.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-SURFING — If you’re a surfer and the surf is up but the beach is closed what do you do? A few are seeking out-of-the way breaks or areas where sunbathers are banned from the sand but those carrying boards are tolerated as long as they stay at least six feet apart in the water. SENT: 1,000 words, photos.
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VIRUS OUTBREAK-RETAIL PIVOT — Long before there was a global coronavirus pandemic, brick-and-mortar retailers struggled to get people to walk through their doors instead of shopping online. Now those retailers are faced with an even more Herculean task: how to stay on people’s minds — and more importantly their pocketbooks — when many of their store doors are closed. SENT: 900 words, photos.
OBIT-WILHELMSEN — A founder of Royal Caribbean Cruises who helped shape the modern cruise industry has died. Arne Wilhelmsen was 90. SENT: 300 words.
GAS PRICES — Average US gas price drops 14 cents over 2 weeks to $2.01. SENT: 130 words.
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GLF-MASTERS-ONE YEAR LATER — Tiger Woods was a Masters champion for the fifth time, a major champion for the 15th time. But last year’s Masters brought a sensation he had never felt. It showed in the way he scooped up his son and practically hugged the breath out of him. Even more telling were the players who waited for him outside the clubhouse. They felt the way the rest of the golfing world felt. Was it his biggest win? By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. SENT: 860 words, photos.
SPORTS-DESERTED ICONS-WCWS — Smaller cities and communities are dealing with the cancellation of showcase sporting events. For Oklahoma City, that means losing the Women’s College World Series. The annual event determines the NCAA softball championship. It has been hosted by Oklahoma City every year but one since 1990. Last year, it brought in an estimated $14 million to the city and its businesses. Even more was expected this year because of a stadium seating expansion. SENT: 840 words, photos.
PARALYMPICS-SYNCHRO SWIMMING-PHOTO GALLERY — The “Progetto Filippide” team is a group of Italian synchronized swimmers with Down syndrome who are promoting their sport for inclusion in the Paralympics. The team is planning to perform at the Para Artistic Swimming Festival & International Friendly Games held between the Olympics and Paralympics. The performance will now likely be held in 2021 due to the year-long postponement of the Tokyo Games. SENT: 320 words, photos.
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HOW TO REACH US
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