AP News Digest 2 p.m.
Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All Times EST. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan at https://newsroom.ap.org.
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VIRUS OUTBREAK-EUROPE — Doctors, nurses and the elderly rolled up their sleeves across the European Union to receive the first doses of the coronavirus vaccine in a symbolic show of unity and moment of hope for a continent confronting its worst health care crisis in a century. Weeks after the U.S., Canada and Britain began inoculations with the same vaccine, the 27-nation bloc staged a coordinated rollout aimed at projecting a unified message that the shot was safe and Europe’s best chance to emerge from the pandemic. By Nicole Winfield. SENT: 1,100 words, photos. With VIRUS OUTBREAK-THE LATEST (sent).
EXPLOSION-NASHVILLE — Police officers provided harrowing details of responding to a Christmas morning bombing in downtown Nashville, at times getting choked up reliving the moments that led up to the blast and offering gratitude that they were still alive. Meanwhile, Nashville Metro Police spokesman Don Aaron told The Associated Press that 63-year-old Anthony Q. Warner was under investigation relating to the explosion. He did not provide any more details. By Kimberlee Kruesi, Michael Balsamo and Eric Tucker. SENT: 740 words, photos. With EXPLOSION-NASHVILLE-THE LATEST (sent).
VIRUS OUTBREAK-TRUMP-CONGRESS — President Donald Trump appears no closer to signing an end-of-year COVID relief and spending bill as unemployment aid expires, the government barrels toward a mid-pandemic shutdown and lawmakers implore him to break the impasse he created after Congress approved the deal. By Jill Colvin. SENT: 900 words, photo.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-VACCINES-THE POOREST — The task of vaccinating millions of people in poor and developing countries against COVID-19 faces monumental obstacles, and it’s not just a problem of affording and obtaining doses. In many countries, wars and insurgencies endanger vaccinators. Poor infrastructure often means roads are treacherous and electricity is sporadic for the refrigerators vital to preserving vaccines. Corruption can siphon away funds, and vaccination campaign planners must sometimes navigate through multiple armed factions. Suspicions of vaccinations flourish in some places. By Kathy Gannon, Andrew Meldrum and Lee Keath. SENT: 1,140 words, photos. This is the Monday Spotlight.
YE--FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR — Tennis star Naomi Osaka has been selected by The Associated Press as the Female Athlete of the Year. Osaka won the U.S. Open in September for her third Grand Slam title. She also became a leading voice in her sport by speaking out about racial injustice and police brutality. By AP Tennis Writer Howard Fendrich. SENT: 820 words, photos.
Find more year-end coverage on the featured topic page in AP Newsroom.
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WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT
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BBO-OBIT-NIEKRO — Baseball Hall of Famer Phil Niekro, who pitched well into his 40s with a knuckleball that baffled big league hitters for more than two decades, mostly with the Atlanta Braves, has died after a long fight with cancer. He was 81. SENT: 470 words, photo.
UTAH FOOTBALLER-DEATH — Ty Jordan, a star freshman running back for the University of Utah, died at a Dallas-area hospital after accidentally shooting himself, authorities say. SENT: 250 words, photos.
IRAN-AVALANCHE — Avalanches kill 12 in mountainous area near Iran’s capital. SENT: 160 words, photos.
REL-VATICAN-FAMILY — Pope proclaims year of families, offers advice to keep peace. SENT: 200 words, photo.
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MORE ON THE VIRUS OUTBREAK
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VIRUS-OUTBREAK-BRITAIN — The head of drugmaker AstraZeneca, which is developing a coronavirus vaccine widely expected to be approved by U.K. authorities this week, said that researchers believe the shot will be effective against a new variant of the virus driving a rapid surge in infections in Britain. SENT: 410 words, photo.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-FRANCE — While governments across Europe kicked off their virus vaccination plans this weekend with fanfare, France took a more low-key approach because of widespread skepticism among its citizens around the vaccines. SENT: 680 words, photos.
VIRUS-OUTBREAK-SOUTH-AFRICA — South Africa’s COVID-19 spike has taken the country to more than 1 million confirmed cases and President Cyril Ramaphosa called an emergency meeting of the National Coronavirus Command Council. SENT: 400 words, photos.
VIRUS-OUTBREAK-NATIVE-ELDERS — Across the nation, Native American tribes are working to protect their oldest members from the coronavirus. The effort is about more than protecting lives. Tribal elders serve as honored links to the past and often possess unique knowledge of language, history and culture. SENT: 890 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-ASIA — Japan is barring entry of all nonresident foreign nationals as a precaution against a new and potentially more contagious coronavirus variant that has spread across Britain. The Foreign Ministry says the entry ban will start Monday and last through Jan. 31. SENT: 520 words, photos.
Find more coverage on the Virus Outbreak on the featured topic page in AP Newsroom.
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ELECTION-2020-SENATE-GEORGIA — When Georgia Republican Kelly Loeffler and Democrat Raphael Warnock advanced to the Jan. 5 U.S. Senate runoff, they faced the immediate challenge of winning over the 2 million voters who chose one of the 18 other candidates in November’s election. Polls show they have largely succeeded, and that could give Loeffler, the incumbent, a small advantage. SENT: 770 words, photos.
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SUDAN — The death of a Sudanese man who was snatched while sitting at a coffee shop has sparked controversy around the scope of a paramilitary force whose members once formed the backbone of a militia that rights groups say committed war crimes in Darfur. SENT: 710 words, photo. With SUDAN-CAR CRASH — Sudan says provincial governor killed in car crash. SENT: 200 words.
CENTRAL-AFRICAN-REPUBLIC-ELECTIONS — Central African Republic held presidential and legislative elections amid fears of violence after a campaign period marked by fighting between rebels and government forces. SENT: 890 words, photos.
EGYPT-LIBYA — Egyptian diplomats and intelligence officials arrived in the Libyan capital of Tripoli, Libyan officials said, the most senior Egyptian delegation to visit the western part of the conflict-stricken country in years. SENT: 500 words, photo.
NIGER-ELECTIONS — Niger voted in presidential and legislative elections that could see the West African country’s first democratic transition of power since independence amid a growing threat from jihadists in the region. SENT: 530 words.
UGANDA-ELECTION-VIOLENCE — A bodyguard for Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine was killed and two journalists injured amid violent confrontations between security forces and followers of the singer and lawmaker who is challenging the country’s long-time leader. SENT: 520 words.
LEBANON-SYRIAN REFUGEES — More than 300 Syrian refugees were forced to flee an informal camp in northern Lebanon as a blaze raged through and burnt tents to the ground, U.N. and Lebanese officials say. SENT: 320 words.
PAKISTAN MILITANT ATTACK — At least seven Pakistani security men were killed when a group of militants attacked a paramilitary checkpoint in a province rocked for years by an insurgency, a statement from Pakistan’s army said. SENT: 210 words.
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BOWLING ALLEY SHOOTING — A U.S. serviceman from Florida has been charged in a shooting at an Illinois bowling alley that left three people dead and three wounded, authorities say. SENT: 540 words, photos.
MEN SHOT-MUSIC VIDEO — One of the six men who were shot near Boston while filming a music video has died. Lynn police Lt. Michael Kmiec says police found the six victims Saturday scattered along a dead-end street. SENT: 170 words.
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OBIT-TONY RICE — Tony Rice, the master bluegrass picker who drew fans worldwide for the chance to hear the quick, fluid sounds he conjured from his storied Martin D-28 guitar, has died at age 69. SENT: 630 words.
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FBC--CFP-MATCHUPS — Alabama is about a three-touchdown favorite against Notre Dame when they play Jan. 1 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, to open the semifinal doubleheader. Clemson is favored by seven to beat Ohio State in the nightcap at the Superdome in New Orleans. With help from ESPN analyst Greg McElroy and the SEC Network’s Cole Cubelic, a look at some of the key matchups that could decide which teams play for the national championship on Jan. 11 in South Florida. By College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo. SENT: 970 words, photos.
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HOW TO REACH US
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At the Nerve Center, Dave Clark can be reached at 800-845-8450 (ext. 1600). For photos, (ext. 1900). For graphics and interactives, (ext. 7636). Expanded AP content can be obtained from http://newsroom.ap.org. For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, contact apcustomersupport(at)ap.org or call 877-836-9477.