AP News Digest 3:10 a.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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VIRUS OUTBREAK — As countries consider how to restart their virus-halted economies, the early experiences in China and parts of Europe show it will be no easy task. Workers back on the job are wary of spending much or going out. Shoppers are staying away from the few stores reopening. Masks and social distancing measures are not fading. And pervasive is the fear the coronavirus could return if lockdowns meant to stop its spread are eased too much, too quickly. By Nick Perry Joe McDonald. SENT: 700 words, photos.
VIRUS-OUTBREAK-OTHER-DISEASES — Doctors fear that the focus on the coronavirus pandemic could waylay efforts to combat other diseases. Resources to fight illnesses like tuberculosis, HIV and cholera that kill millions every year could be depleted by the pandemic’s toll on hospitals, medical workers and supplies. The first signs of the cascading impact of COVID-19 are showing up in countries with fragile health care systems, where experts fear “indirect” deaths from other diseases. By Aniruddha Ghosal and Victoria Milko. SENT: 900 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-NURSES SUSPENDED — Ten nurses were suspended from their jobs at a Santa Monica hospital after refusing to care for COVID-19 patients without protective N95 face masks. They are among hundreds of doctors, nurses and other health care workers across the country who say they’ve been asked to work without proper protective equipment. By Martha Mendoza and Kimberlee Kruesi. SENT: 890 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-WASHINGTON — President Trump says he’s prepared to announce new guidelines allowing some states to quickly ease up on social distancing. At same time, though, business leaders are telling Trump they need more coronavirus testing and personal protective equipment before people can safely go back to work. By Zeke Miller, Aamer Madhani and Kevin Freking. SENT: 940 words, photos, video. With VIRUS OUTBREAK-TRUMP-NOMINEES — Trump threatens unprecedented action — adjourning both houses of Congress — to push the Senate to approve more of his nominees. SENT: 360 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-SAO PAULO GOVERNOR — The governor of the Brazilian state at the epicenter of the country’s coronavirus outbreak is done keeping quiet about his disagreements with the president. Sao Paulo Gov. João Doria tells The Associated Press that he and the nation’s 26 other governors are fighting not just the coronavirus but the “Bolsonaro-virus,” a reference to President Jair Bolsonaro. By Mauricio Savarese and David Biller. SENT: 900 words, photos.
Find more all-format coverage on the Virus Outbreak featured topic page in AP Newsroom.
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WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT
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VIRUS OUTBREAK-CHRIS CUOMO — Chris Cuomo says his wife Cristina has been diagnosed with the coronavirus. SENT: 120 words, photo.
UNITED STATES-IRAN-NAVY — US accuses Iran of ‘dangerous’ harassment of US warships. SENT: 390 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-SAT EXAMS — A home version of the SAT college entrance exam is being prepared in case schools remain closed into the fall. SENT: 310 words.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-TRAIN HORNS — Trains across the U.S. will sound their horns to honor the transportation employees who are considered essential workers during the coronavirus crisis. SENT: 130 words.
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MORE ON THE VIRUS OUTBREAK
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VIRUS OUTBREAK-MEDICAL INTELLIGENCE — In late February, when President Donald Trump was urging Americans to not panic over the coronavirus, alarms were sounding at a little-known intelligence unit situated on a U.S. Army base near Washington. Intelligence, science and medical professionals at the National Center for Medical Intelligence monitor and track global health threats that could endanger U.S. troops abroad and civilians across America. SENT: 940 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-RURAL FLORIDA — For weeks, there had been chatter across Liberty County in Florida’s Panhandle about how the coronavirus could devastate the 8,300 people who live there. As the coronavirus spread across Florida, Liberty became the last county without a case. In the county’s only incorporated city, residents prided themselves on being friendly. But amid a deadly pandemic, outsiders aren’t entirely welcome these days. SENT: 820 words, photos, video.
VIRUS-OUTBREAK-RETIREMENT-PLAN-WITHDRAWALS — Many Americans are struggling financially due to the coronavirus. A recent federal relief package makes it easier for people financially harmed by the coronavirus outbreak to tap into their retirement savings for cash by loosening rules for withdrawals and loans. But should they use them? Experts say it’s an option of last resort and should be done with great caution. SENT: 820 words, photo.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-SKOREAN ELECTIONS — The ruling liberal party secured a resounding victory in South Korea’s parliamentary elections, which had the highest turnout in nearly three decades despite the coronavirus sickening thousands and forcing social distancing at polling places. SENT: 680 words, photos
VIRUS-OUTBREAK-ASIA — Foreigners working in Singapore’s trade-dependent economy and living in crowded dormitories now account for half of the tiny city-state’s virus cases after new infections spiked for a third day. SENT: 570 words, photos.
VIRUS-OUTBREAK-POST-CARD-FROM-CALIFORNIA — Summertime in California won’t look the same. Gov. Gavin Newsom has outlined a road map for easing coronavirus restrictions that’s leading to empty stadiums, amusement parks, fairgrounds and most beaches. His news has dimmed hopes for many who looked forward to a more typical summer after spending a month largely indoors and away from friends, coworkers and others. SENT: 820 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-LIVES LOST-SPANISH PATRIARCH — Julián Iglesias tucked newspaper clippings into his books, earned two degrees and loved walking in nature and collecting gadgets. The father and husband died in a Madrid hospital March 26 of the coronavirus. The 89-year-old had dementia and lived in a nursing home. His daughter says the family is sorrowful that the patriarch they often visited died alone. The family has been separated since the pandemic plunged Spain into a lockdown last month. SENT: 630 words, photos.
VIRUS-OUTBREAK-IRAN-MUSICIANS-PHOTO-ESSAY — Performance halls in Iran are closed and many residents are isolated in their homes amid the Mideast’s worst virus outbreak. But some Iranian musicians are finding performance spaces where they can. That includes rooftops dotted with water tanks and littered with debris, empty front porches and opened apartment windows. Their music floats down on others stuck in their homes, fearful of the COVID-19 illness the virus brings. SENT: 500 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-US CASE COUNTING — The U.S. tally of coronavirus cases and deaths might jump, because federal health officials will now count illnesses that are not confirmed by lab testing. SENT: 260 words, photos. With VIRUS OUTBREAK-NEW YORK — New York to require face coverings in busy public places. SENT: 690 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-MEAT PLANT WORKERS — A cluster of coronavirus cases at a South Dakota pork plant has highlighted the susceptibility of meat processing workers, who stand shoulder-to-shoulder on the line and congregate in crowded spaces. SENT: 1,000 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-HEARING AWRY — It's a court hearing gone awry in the time of the coronavirus: Legal arguments are repeatedly interrupted by hold music, background noise and failures of the mute button. SENT: 500 words.
GROUND GAME — AP’s coronavirus podcast, “Ground Game: Inside the Outbreak,” today focuses on an AP interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the federal government’s top infectious disease expert, and the daily press briefings at the White House. Listen to the podcast at https://appodcasts.com/category/ground-game/. Embed code is available on AP Coverage Plan.
A separate wire advisory has been sent outlining the AP’s complete coronavirus coverage.
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VIRUS OUTBREAK-REPUBLICANS — GOP allies, including big money business interests, religious freedom conservatives and small-government activists, are supporting President Trump’s effort to accelerate the U.S. economic reopening during the coronavirus pandemic. By Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro. SENT: 950 words, photos. With VIRUS OUTBREAK-CONGRESS — Talks are accelerating on a stopgap coronavirus relief bill aimed at helping small businesses. SENT: 840 words, photos.
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UNITED NATIONS-SYRIA CHEMICAL WEAPONS — Syria’s close ally Russia clashed with European nations in the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday over a report from the global chemical weapons watchdog blaming the Syrian air force for a series of attacks using sarin and chlorine on a rebel-held town in 2017. SENT: 620 words, photos.
KOREAS-DEFECTORS ELECTION — A former senior North Korean diplomat won a constituency seat in South Korea’s parliamentary elections, the first such achievement among tens of thousands of North Koreans who have fled their authoritarian, impoverished homeland. SENT: 390 words, photos.
BANGLEDESH-ROHINGYA — Bangladesh’s coast guard has rescued 382 starving Rohingya refugees who had been drifting at sea for weeks after failing to reach Malaysia, officials say. The refugees, mostly women and children, were attempting to land on Bangladesh’s coast in the Teknaf area in Cox’s Bazar, the local head of the coast guard says. SENT: 260 words.
ISRAEL-POLITICS — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his chief rival are in last-ditch talks to form an emergency government to tackle the coronavirus threat and prevent another costly and divisive election. SENT: 620 words, photo.
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FINANCIAL MARKETS — Asian stocks were mostly lower Thursday after unexpectedly weak U.S. retail and other data added to gloom about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Benchmarks in Tokyo and Hong Kong declined while Shanghai gained. By Business Writer Joe McDonald. SENT: 590 words, photos.
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VIRUS OUTBREAK—WOMEN’S SPORTS — Linked to the rising call for gender equity worldwide, women’s sports were enjoying unprecedented attention and support before the coronavirus pandemic. Any momentum women’s sports had worldwide has seemingly been halted by the pandemic. Now the question is whether women will lose the gains they had made when life returns to normal. By Anne M. Peterson. SENT: 870 words, photos.
HALLADAY-CRASH REPORT — A federal report says baseball Hall of Famer Roy Halladay had drugs in his system and was doing extreme acrobatics in his small plane when it crashed into Tampa Bay in 2017, killing him. SENT: 500 words, photo.
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HOW TO REACH US
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