Jones scores 23 to lift UNC Asheville past Longwood 80-73

FARMVILLE, Va. (AP) — Tajion Jones had 23 points as UNC Asheville defeated Longwood 80-73 on Wednesday.

AP News in Brief at 6:04 p.m. EST

California has nation's 2nd confirmed case of virus variant

Chargers' Herbert looking for strong finish to rookie season

Considering the way 2020 has gone, it might seem like ages since Justin Herbert made his first NFL start.

The Latest: Louisiana sees new coronavirus infections record

THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:

Longtime Pacers executive Donnie Walsh announces retirement

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Longtime Indiana Pacers executive Donnie Walsh, the architect of the franchise's turnaround, announced his retirement on Wednesday.

AP News Digest 6 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

Nearly half of Tier 1 vaccinated for virus in Washoe County

RENO, Nev. (AP) — Washoe County Health District Officer Kevin Dick said Wednesday nearly half of the hospital workers, first-responders and others in the priority category have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Reno-Sparks area but it’s unrealistic to think the shots will be available to the general public before late spring or early summer.

Merkel to Germans: Keep up anti-virus discipline in 2021

BERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel is telling her country's people that they will need to keep up their discipline in fighting the coronavirus pandemic well into 2021, even as vaccinations fuel new hope.

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Police on report man was making bombs: 'Hindsight is 20/20'

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — More than a year before Anthony Warner detonated a Christmas Day bomb in downtown Nashville, officers visited his home after his girlfriend told police he was building bombs in a recreational vehicle at his residence, according to documents. But they did not make contact with him, or see inside his RV.

Speedy Sir: Lewis Hamilton knighted in year-end royal honors

LONDON (AP) — Lewis Hamilton is now a “Sir” as well as a seven-time Formula One champion.

Coyotes sign veteran forward Brassard to 1-year deal

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Coyotes have signed veteran forward Derick Brassard to a one-year contract.

The Latest: California reports first case of virus variant

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced the first known case of the new and apparently more contagious variant of the coronavirus in the nation’s most populated state, following the first reported U.S. case in Colorado.

Eichel draws on NFL Bills' success to motivate NHL Sabres

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Jack Eichel doesn’t have to search far back or long to see what it’s like to win in Buffalo.

A year like no other: cellphone images tell the 2020 story

A year like no other: Americans shambled through it, doing the best they could under circumstances that were uneven at best — and sometimes downright punishing.

Warren scores 31 to carry Hampton past Gardner-Webb 80-69

HAMPTON, Va. (AP) — Davion Warren had a career-high 31 points as Hampton defeated Gardner-Webb 80-69 on Wednesday.

Hoyer insists Cubs plan to compete after dealing Darvish

CHICAGO (AP) — Jed Hoyer insists this time won't be like 2011 for the Chicago Cubs.

California announces first confirmed case of virus variant

California on Wednesday announced its first confirmed case of the new and apparently more contagious variant of the coronavirus, the second case documented in the United States in a day.

Browns close facility, delay practice after 2 positive tests

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns didn't begin preparing for the Steelers on the field but rather via Zoom calls.

Judge: $28.5M bail package for Epstein ex not a close call

NEW YORK (AP) — A $28.5 bail package proposed by lawyers for the late Jeffrey Epstein’s ex-girlfriend only strengthened the reasoning for keeping her locked up until her July trial, a judge said in a written ruling unsealed Wednesday.