AP News Digest 7 a.m.

| October 13, 2020 4:06 AM

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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ONLY ON AP

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AP POLL-VIRUS OUTBREAK-CAREGIVING — A new poll finds that the coronavirus pandemic has thrust many Americans into the role of caring for an older or disabled loved one for the first time. Caregivers overall say they’re encountering unforeseen risks and demands as a result of the virus, which has required them to devote greater time and effort to their mission. Still, they’re more worried about the relatives and friends whom they are helping than about themselves. By Emily Swanson and Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar. UPCOMING: 1,040 words, photo by 8 a.m.

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TOP STORIES

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SUPREME COURT-BARRETT — Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett presents her conservative approach to the law at the start of a fast-tracked confirmation hearing. Democrats, powerless to stop her, try to cast Barrett’s likely ascent to the high court as a threat to Americans’ health care. By Mark Sherman, Lisa Mascaro and Mary Clare Jalonick. SENT: 1,150 words, photos, video. UPCOMING: 990 words after hearings resume at 9 a.m. With SUPREME COURT-BARRETT-AFFORDABLE CARE ACT — Health care law on line at court, but is it likely to fall?

ELECTION 2020-HARRIS — President Donald Trump and his Republican allies are intensifying their focus on Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris — arguing that Harris, the first Black woman on a major party ticket, would really be in charge if Democrats win the White House. It’s an effort laced with sexist and racist undertones. By Kathleen Ronayne. SENT: 930 words, photos.

Find more coverage on the 2020 U.S. Elections featured topic page in AP Newsroom.

VIRUS-OUTBREAK-VACCINE — A late-stage study of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate has been paused while the company investigates whether a study participant’s “unexplained illness” is related to the shot. The company says that illnesses, accidents and other so-called adverse events “are an expected part of any clinical study, especially large studies,” but that its physicians and a safety monitoring panel would try to determine what might have caused the illness. SENT: 300 words, photo.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-VIRTUAL SCHOOL RULES — Toys that look like weapons. Barefoot students. Disruptive imagery in the background. Pets roaming the room. All a clear violation of rules inside most American classrooms. But that was when most American students were inside schools. How do standards like these translate when everyone is logging on from home? Schools are struggling to figure it out this fall — yet another adaptation demanded of educators during the coronavirus pandemic. By Kathleen Foody. SENT: 940 words, photos.

MICHIGAN-GOVERNOR-KIDNAPPING-PLOT — Five men accused in a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will appear in federal court for a hearing on whether they should be detained before trial. SENT: 300 words, photos.

SUDAN-FILMMAKER — More than a year after the overthrow of Sudanese strongman Omar al-Bashir, amid the promise of new leadership, Sudanese film director Hajooj Kuka was arrested during a theater workshop by the security forces that had served al-Bashir for years. He was tried and sentenced to prison on vague charges often used by the former government to enforce its conservative interpretation of religion. By Samy Magdy. SENT: 1,030 words, photo.

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