AP News Digest 5:45 a.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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ELECTION-2020-PENNSYLVANIA-TRUMP — A federal judge has issued a scathing order dismissing the Trump campaign’s futile effort to block the certification of votes in Pennsylvania, shooting down claims of widespread irregularities with mail-in ballots. The case was always a long shot to stop President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, but it was President Donald Trump’s best hope to affect the election results through the courts. By Mark Scolforo and Collen Long.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-ANTIBODY-DRUG — U.S. health officials agree to allow emergency use of a second antibody drug to help the immune system fight COVID-19, an experimental medicine that President Donald Trump was given when he was sickened last month. By Chief Medical Writer Marilynn Marchione. SENT: 530 words, photos. With VIRUS OUTBREAK-THE LATEST.
LEBANON-MILITARY TRIALS — Human rights lawyers say dozens of Lebanese protesters tried before military courts face proceedings that grossly violate due process and fail to investigate allegations of torture and abuse. The defendants say the system is used to intimidate protesters and prop up Lebanon’s ruling elite. By Amir-Hussein Radjy. SENT: 1,030 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK RUSSIA — Russia’s health care system has been under severe strains in recent weeks, as a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic has swept the country. Across Russia, 81% of hospital beds that have been set aside for virus patients were full last week. Reports in Russian media have painted a bleak picture. By Daria Litvinova. SENT: 1,010 words, photos.
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WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT
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BURKINA FASO-AMERICAN KILLED — American citizen killed in Burkina Faso, US State Dept says. SENT: 200 words.
TAIWAN-US-PORK-PROTEST — Thousands march in Taiwan streets against US pork imports. SENT: 250 words, photos.
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ELECTION 2020-WISCONSIN-RECOUNT — Election officials in Wisconsin’s largest county accused observers for President Trump of trying to obstruct a recount of the presidential results, in some instances by objecting to every ballot tabulators pulled to count. President-elect Joe Biden won the state by 20,600 votes. SENT: 490 words, photos.
ELECTION-2020-GEORGIA — President Donald Trump’s campaign requested a recount of votes in the Georgia presidential race on Saturday, a day after state officials certified results showing Democrat Joe Biden won the state, as his legal team presses forward with attacks alleging widespread fraud without proof. SENT: 470 words, photos.
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VIRUS OUTBREAK-ASIA —The daily tally of confirmed coronavirus cases in Japan has hit a record for the fourth straight day at 2,508, the Health Ministry says. Japan has had fewer than 2,000 coronavirus-related deaths so far, avoiding the toll of harder hit nations. But fears are growing about another surge. SENT: 650 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK — Many mourners in Belgrade paying their respects to Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch Irinej didn’t wear masks and even kissed the glass shield covering his remains. Irinej himself died three weeks after leading prayers at the funeral of another cleric in nearby Montenegro. In the United States, there have been recent reports of more coronavirus cases and deaths linked to religious services - 12 from one North Carolina church. SENT: 1,030 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-BRITAIN —British Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to end an England-wide lockdown as scheduled on Dec. 2 and will announce a return to regional restrictions as statistics show that coronavirus infections have stabilized. SENT: 500 words, photos.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-LOEFFLER — U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler is quarantining after receiving mixed results from recent coronavirus tests, a day after she campaigned with Vice President Mike Pence and U.S. Sen. David Perdue in the state’s hotly contested twin Senate races. SENT: 290 words, photos.
Find more coverage on the Virus Outbreak on the featured topic page in AP Newsroom.
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AZERBAIJAN-LOOKING HOMEWARD — As Azerbaijan regains control of land it lost to Armenian forces a quarter-century ago, civilians who fled the fighting decades ago wonder if they can go back home now — and if there’s still a home to go back to. SENT: 640 words, photos.
GUATEMALA-PROTESTS — Hundreds of protesters have broke into Guatemala’s Congress and burned part of the building amid growing demonstrations against President Alejandro Giammattei and the legislature for approving a controversial budget that cut educational and health spending. SENT: 540 words, photos.
BURKINA-FASO-ELECTION — Voters have gone to the polls in Burkina Faso for a presidential and legislative election that have been marred by ongoing extremist violence in this landlocked West African nation. SENT: 560 words, photos.
NIGERIA POLICE-PROTEST — The Nigerian Army has admitted for the first time that soldiers were given live bullets when they went to disperse a large crowd at the Lekki Toll Plaza in Lagos, where several peaceful protesters were killed in late October. SENT: 300 words, photos.
HONDURAS-HURRICANE VICTIMS — Shelters for people whose homes were flooded or damaged by hurricanes Eta and Iota in Honduras are now so crowded that thousands of victims have taken refuge under highway overpasses or bridges. SENT: 470 words, photos.
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MALL SHOOTING-WISCONSIN — Police have said that they’re still searching for a man suspected in a shooting at a Wisconsin mall that injured eight people. SENT: 170 words, photos.
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MUSIC-AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS — Get ready to listen to the smooth sounds of Kenny G and ... the Weeknd. The saxophonist will join the pop star for a live rendition of his hit song “In Your Eyes” at the 2020 American Music Awards. The Weeknd — who scored eight nominations and ties rapper Roddy Ricch for most nominations — will also perform “Save Your Tears.” ByMusic Writer Mesfin Fekadu. SENT: 230 words, photos.
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BKN--NBA-FREE AGENCY - A person with direct knowledge of the discussions tells The Associated Press that guard Fred VanVleet has agreed to a four-year, $85 million contract to remain with the Toronto Raptors. Gordon Hayward, meanwhile, is heading to a new home. The ex-Celtic has been someone Charlotte has wanted for years. On Saturday, the agency that represents the veteran forward said the Hornets finally landed him. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds. SENT: 1,510 words, photos.
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HOW TO REACH US
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