Virginia policy change offers employers $200M in tax relief

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — State officials announced a temporary policy change Tuesday that will provide about $200 million in payroll tax relief next year to Virginia businesses that laid off workers amid the pandemic.

Trump threatens to torpedo COVID relief with new demands

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump late Tuesday threatened to torpedo Congress’ massive COVID-19 relief package in the midst of a raging pandemic and deep economic uncertainty, suddenly demanding changes fellow Republicans have opposed.

Legals for December, 23 2020

A season of fear, not cheer, as virus changes Christmas

Montserrat Parello lost her husband eight years ago, and Christmas gatherings with children and grandchildren had helped her deal with her loneliness. But this year, the 83-year-old will be alone for the holiday at her home in Barcelona, due to the risk of infection from the coronavirus.

The Latest: UAE Islamic body OKs vaccines even with pork

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The United Arab Emirates’ highest Islamic authority, the UAE Fatwa Council, has ruled that coronavirus vaccines are permissible for Muslims even if they contain pork gelatin.

Heflin at home helping anchor No. 17 Iowa's defensive line

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa defensive tackle Jack Heflin is right where he always wanted to be.

George scores 33, Clippers beat Lakers 116-109 on ring night

LOS ANGELES (AP) — After the Los Angeles Lakers got their championship rings, the Los Angeles Clippers gave a performance that showed this retooled team is determined to contend for its own jewelry several months from now.

250 Chinese moved amid violence in Central African Republic

BEIJING (AP) — China evacuated about 250 nationals to a safer area after eight Chinese mining company vehicles were stolen during armed conflict ahead of an election in the Central African Republic, its embassy said Wednesday.

200 Chinese moved amid violence in Central African Republic

BEIJING (AP) — China evacuated more than 200 nationals to a safer area after eight Chinese mining company vehicles were stolen during armed conflict ahead of an election in the Central African Republic, its embassy said Wednesday.

George, Clippers beat Lakers 116-109 on NBA's opening night

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paul George scored 26 of his 33 points in the second half, Kawhi Leonard added 26 points and the Los Angeles Clippers rallied past the Los Angeles Lakers on the NBA champions’ ring ceremony night for a 116-109 victory Tuesday.

George's 33 sends Clippers past Lakers 116-109 on ring night

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paul George scored 26 of his 33 points in the second half, Kawhi Leonard added 26 points and the Los Angeles Clippers rallied past the Los Angeles Lakers on the NBA champions' ring ceremony night for a 116-109 victory Tuesday.

UC San Diego routs Saint Katherine College 77-51

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Jake Killingsworth posted 15 points and UC San Diego opened its season with a 77-51 victory over NAIA-member Saint Katherine College on Tuesday night.

Trump's presidential legacy, by the numbers

WASHINGTON (AP) — Words matter. But numbers tell stories, too.

No. 18 DePaul women turn it up late to beat Creighton 90-81

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Sonya Morris scored 22 points and Dee Bekelja scored 16 to lead 18th-ranked DePaul past Creighton 90-81 on Tuesday night.

Miles, Nembhard help TCU battle past N. Dakota St. 89-82

FORTH WORTH, Texas (AP) — Mike Miles scored a career-high 26 points and RJ Nembhard added 22 as TCU battled past North Dakota State 89-82 Tuesday night.

California health system buckling under COVID-19 pandemic

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California's health care system is buckling under the strain of the nation's largest coronavirus outbreak and may fracture in weeks if people ignore holiday social distancing, health officials warned as the number of people needing beds and specialized care soared to previously unimagined levels.

Oregon State holds off Portland State late, wins 67-62

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) — Zach Reichle and Jarod Lucas each scored a season-high 15 points and Oregon State held off Portland State for a 67-62 victory on Tuesday night.

Mensah carries San Diego St. past Saint Mary’s 74-49

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (AP) — Nathan Mensah recorded 18 points and 13 rebounds to lead San Diego State to a 74-49 win over Saint Mary’s on Tuesday night in a game played at a neutral site because of coronavirus restrictions.

Far from the capital, Iran struggles to bury virus victims

GHAEMSHAHR, Iran (AP) — Deep in the lush valleys of northern Iran, where the Alborz Mountains crumble toward the sea, Ali Rahimi takes up his grisly work.

The Latest: Coronavirus cases keep rising in South Korea

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea has added 1,092 new coronavirus cases in a resurgence that is erasing hard-won epidemiological gains and eroding public confidence in the government’s ability to handle the outbreak.