AP News Digest 3 a.m.
Columbia Basin Herald | UPDATED 5 years AGO
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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TRUMP-IMPEACHMENT — Senate Republicans are signaling they will reject the idea of simply voting to dismiss the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. By Lisa Mascaro, Alan Fram, Mary Clare Jalonick and Laurie Kellman. SENT: 670 words, photos. With TRUMP-IMPEACHMENT-MCCONNELL —Trump needs Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell more than ever.
Full coverage of the impeachment inquiry in AP Newsroom.
TRUMP-IRAN-IMMINENT THREAT — The Trump administration has insisted the threat of an “imminent” attack led to the drone strike on Iran’s top general. But U.S. officials behind the scenes say the strike was motivated as much, if not more, by a broader effort to rein in a dangerously emboldened Iran. By Zeke Miller. SENT: 1,030 words, photos. Also see MORE ON IRAN below.
IRAQ-PROTESTS-CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE — Young Iraqis who drove mass protests demanding sweeping political reforms are worried that the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which is playing out in part on Iraqi soil, is killing their momentum. By Samya Kullab and Qassem Abdul-Zahra. SENT: 940 words, photos.
ELECTION 2020-DEBATE-QUESTIONS — Tuesday marks the last time the leading Democratic presidential contenders will face a national audience on the debate stage before primary voting begins, making it the most significant moment of the 2020 primary season to date. By National Political Writer Steve Peoples. SENT: 830 words, photos. With ELECTION 2020-DEBATE — Six candidates look for a way to break out of the crowded pack at the top; Trump's Milwaukee rally kicks off election year in Wisconsin. UPCOMING: Updates throughout the day; debate begins at 9 p.m.
Find more coverage on the 2020 U.S. Elections featured topic page on APNewsroom.
PHILIPPINES-VOLCANO — A volcano near the Philippine capital spews lava into the sky and trembles constantly, possibly portending a bigger and more dangerous eruption, as tens of thousands of people fled villages darkened and blanketed by heavy ash. By Joeal Calupitan and Jim Gomez. SENT: 510 words, photos.
AUSTRALIA-WILDFIRES-VILLAGE — The tiny village of Nerrigundah in southeastern Australia has been among the places hardest hit by the country's devastating wildfires, with about two-thirds of the homes destroyed. Like many small communities that have been scorched by the fires, the town will never be the same. Residents are still coming to terms with what they have lost and trying to figure out whether they will stay. By Nick Perry and Sam McNeil. SENT: 1,050 words, photos.
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MORE ON IRAN
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TRUMP-IRAN-DELICATE BALANCE — Trump's embrace of anti-government protesters in Iran is another departure from his predecessors, who feared such overt support could backfire and inadvertently help hard-liners in the Islamic Republic. SENT: 930 words, photos. With IRAN-US — U.S. warns vessels transiting Gulf amid tensions with Iran.
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TRUMP-FOOTBALL — Trump cheered loudly at college football title game. SENT: 430 words, photos, video.
TV-SOPHIA MACY — Sophia Macy moves on from college scandal to “Twilight Zone.” SENT: 250 words, photo.
MEXICO-LEGION OF CHRIST — Legion of Christ accused abuser removed from priesthood. SENT: 380 words.
RACHEL BLOOM — Rachel Bloom to work in front, behind camera in Pop TV pilot. SENT: 110 words, photos.
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WASHINGTON/POLITICS _________________
ELECTION 2020-WARREN-SANDERS — Elizabeth Warren says fellow Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders told her during a private meeting two years ago that he didn’t think a woman could win the White House, an accusation Sanders denies. SENT: 650 words, photos.
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NATIONAL __________
IMMIGRATION-SEPARATING FAMILIES — A U.S. judge rules that the Trump administration is operating within its authority when separating families stopped at the Mexico border, rejecting arguments that it was quietly returning to widespread practices that drew international condemnation. SENT: 520 words, photos.
CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES-UTILITY — Tensions between the U.S. government and Pacific Gas & Electric are boiling over as the two sides battle over whether a taxpayer-funded agency should be allowed to stake a claim on a $13.5 billion settlement covering most of the losses from catastrophic wildfires blamed on the bankrupt utility. By Business Writer Michael Liedtke. SENT: 800 words, photos.
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RUSSIA HACK-UKRAINE SCANDAL — A U.S. cybersecurity company says Russian military agents have successfully hacked the Ukrainian gas company at the center of the scandal that led to Trump's impeachment. By Technology Writer Frank Bajak. SENT: 750 words, photo.
CHINA-US-TRADE — China’s global exports ended 2019 up 0.5% despite a tariff war with the United States as Beijing and Washington prepare to sign an interim trade deal. By Business Writer Joe McDonald. SENT: 500 words, photo. With FINANCIAL-MARKETS Asian shares rise ahead of U.S.-China “Phase 1” trade deal.
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SPORTS ____________
CFP-CHAMPIONSHIP — From small-town Ohio kid to Louisiana Legend, Joe Burrow caps his record-breaking, Heisman-winning season by bringing a national championship to LSU. By College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo. SENT: 1,160 words, photos. With COLLEGE-FOOTBALL-POLL — With Champs! LSU finishes No. 1 in AP Top 25 for third time.
TIM DAHLBERG-CHEATING ASTROS — Don't expect to see AJ Hinch managing in the big leagues any time soon. By Sports Columnist Tim Dahlberg. With ASTROS-SIGN-STEALING — Hinch, GM fired for Astros sign stealing after MLB bans pair.
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