NHL schedule: 868 games in 116 days, back-to-backs and more

The Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Chicago Blackhawks in one of five games to open the NHL’s coronavirus pandemic-shortened 2021 season on Jan. 13.

Man charged with voting-related threats against House member

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Federal authorities on Wednesday arrested a man accused of threatening to kill a member of Congress from Maryland earlier this month if the lawmaker tried to ”mess" with the man's vote.

Editorial Roundup: Recent excerpts from Wisconsin editorials

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, Dec. 22

The Latest: Jets put TE Ryan Griffin on COVID-19 list

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:

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

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

'Mom's worth it': US holiday travel surges despite outbreak

Gov. eases virus school restrictions, urges February reopen

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Gov. Kate Brown has set a target date of Feb. 15, 2021, for when more Oregon students, especially elementary level, will return to in-person learning.

The Latest: Pace of vaccinations may be slower than hoped

WASHINGTON — U.S. officials say they are on track to deliver 20 million vaccine doses by the first week of January, but how quickly those shots will get into arms isn’t clear.

West Virginia governor: Be 'super careful' with COVID

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice on Wednesday urged caution during holiday celebrations amid record-breaking coronavirus cases and deaths.

Sentence of nonviolent drug offender commuted by Parson

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A nonviolent drug offender who argued that a change in state law should have made him eligible for parole is among nearly 30 people whose sentences were commuted or who were pardoned by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson.

Derek Carr upgraded to full participant for Raiders

Quarterback Derek Carr was a full participant in practice less than a week after leaving a game with a groin injury and could be on target to play this week for the Las Vegas Raiders.

California sees near-record deaths, modest signs of hope

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California had a near record number of daily coronavirus deaths as pandemic cases strained hospitals and reduced normal intensive care space to a record low, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday, yet there were faint hints that residents may be heeding medical officials’ increasingly desperate calls for caution during the holidays.

Browns to face Jets team that has finally achieved liftoff

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns are heading back to the New York area for their second visit around Christmastime. There won't be any holiday-season sightseeing in Manhattan this time, either.

OKC-Houston game postponed, Harden out after COVID violation

HOUSTON (AP) — The James Harden soap opera in Houston now comes with a canceled season opener — and a $50,000 fine for the league's leading scorer.

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Mets hire Scott from Boston as assistant general manager

NEW YORK (AP) — The Mets have hired Zack Scott as senior vice president and assistant general manager, reuniting the former Boston Red Sox executive with New York GM Jared Porter.

The Latest: Big West basketball tourneys moving to Vegas

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:

Dolphins leading rusher Gaskin activated from COVID-19 list

MIAMI (AP) — Miami Dolphins running back Myles Gaskin was activated off the COVID-19 reserve list Wednesday.

The Latest: Arizona's largest hospital chain above capacity

PHOENIX — The top doctor for Arizona's largest hospital chain said Wednesday that three Banner Health hospitals are operating above capacity as the state confronts a surge in coronavirus cases.

Studies find having COVID-19 may protect against reinfection

Two new studies give encouraging evidence that having COVID-19 may offer some protection against future infections. Researchers found that people who made antibodies to the coronavirus were much less likely to test positive again for up to six months and maybe longer.