AP News Digest 3 a.m.

APTOPIX Myanmar

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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ONLY ON AP

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VIRUS OUTBREAK-RUSSI -VILLAGE VACCINATIONS — Russia’s rollout of its coronavirus vaccine is beginning to pick up speed in some of its more remote regions, but experts say the campaign is still moving slowly. The experts blame the slow rollout on limited supplies of the vaccine, logistical difficulties in distribution and continued hesitance among some Russians. By Daria Litvinova. SENT: 1,200 words, photos.

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TOP STORIES

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VIRUS-OUTBREAK-APPROACHIN -500K-DEATHS — The U.S. stands at the brink of 500,000 deaths from the coronavirus. A year into the pandemic, America’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci calls the looming milestone horrible and historic. By John Raby. SENT: 520 words, photos. With VIRUS-OUTBREAK-THE-LATEST.

BIDEN-ECONOMY-DEMOCRATS — Democratic leaders have a potent dynamic on their side as Congress preps for its first votes on the party’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill: Would any Democrat dare cast the vote that scuttles new President Joe Biden’s leadoff initiative? By Alan Fram. SENT: 960 words, photos.

BIDEN-ATTORNEY GENERAL — The last time Merrick Garland was nominated by the White House for a job, Republicans wouldn’t even meet with him. Now, the once-snubbed Supreme Court pick comes before the Senate as Biden’s choice for attorney general and is widely expected to sail through his confirmation process. By Michael Balsamo. SENT: 1,050 words, photos. UPCOMING: Hearing scheduled for 9:30 a.m.

MYANMAR — Protesters gathered in Myanmar’s largest city despite the ruling junta’s thinly veiled threat to use lethal force if people answered a call for a general strike opposing the military takeover three weeks ago. Despite roadblocks around the U.S. Embassy in Yangon, more than a thousand protesters gathered there, while 20 military trucks with riot police had arrived nearby. SENT: 570 words, photos.

PARADISE-DIVIDED — A northern Michigan community known for sandy beaches and cherry orchards is grappling with some of the issues that have ignited protests in bigger cities around the nation. During an online meeting last month, a local official in Grand Traverse County displayed a rifle as a caller raised concerns about right-wing extremism. The provocative act drew widespread criticism and inspired soul-searching as people of color in the area said they had experienced racism. Northern Michigan is known as a tourist haven but also has a history of anti-government paramilitary activity. By John Flesher. SENT: 1,200 words, photos, video.

EMERGENCY LANDING-ENGINE FAILURE — Federal aviation regulators are ordering United Airlines to step up inspections of all Boeing 777s equipped with the type of engine that suffered a catastrophic failure over Denver. SENT: 560 words, photo.

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WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT

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NEW ZEALAND-WHALE STRANDING — Volunteers in New Zealand try to rescue 40 stranded whales. SENT: 220 words.

PRISON ATTACK-GUARD DEATH — Indiana inmate accused of attacking guards, killing one. SENT: 150 words, photo.

EAST-TIMOR-US-CLERGY-ABUSE — East Timor postpones child sex abuse trial of ex-US priest . SENT: 190 words, photo.

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MORE ON THE VIRUS OUTBREAK

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VIRUS-OUTBREAK — One month into Biden’s presidency, the government is on a glide path to reach his initial goal of administering 100 million vaccine doses in his first 100 days in office. SENT: 1,350 words, photos.

INDIA-VIRUS OUTBREAK — Cases of COVID-19 are increasing in some parts of India after months of a steady nationwide decline, prompting authorities to impose lockdowns and other virus restrictions. SENT: 480 words, photos.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-BLACK MINISTERS — Health officials in the nation’s capital are hoping that Black religious leaders will serve as community influencers to overcome what officials say is a persistent reluctance in the Black community to get a coronavirus vaccine. SENT: 1,130 words, photos, video.

HONG-KONG-VACCINES — Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam and other government officials received a COVID-19 vaccine as the city begins its inoculation program. SENT: 140 words, photos.

Find more coverage on the Virus Outbreak on the featured topic page in AP Newsroom.

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NATIONAL

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WINTER-WEATHER-ELECTRICITY-PRICES-Q&A — After unusual icy weather left millions of Texans without power, some are facing another crisis: Sky-high electricity bills. SENT: 520 words, photo.

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INTERNATIONAL

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CHINA-US — China’s top diplomat calls for the Biden administration to lift restrictions on trade and people-to-people contacts while ceasing what Beijing considers unwarranted interference in the areas of Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet. SENT: 760 words, photos.

CHINA-LATIN-AMERICA — New research shows that for the first time in 15 years, China’s two biggest policy banks made no new loans to Latin America in 2020. By Joshua Goodman. SENT: 1,060 words, photos.

NEW-ZEALAND-EARTHQUAKE-10-YEARS-MEMORIAL — New Zealand lowered its flags and made special note of those who couldn’t travel as it marked the 10th anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake that killed 185 people. SENT: 620 words, photos.

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BUSINESS/ECONOMY

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FINANCIAL MARKETS — Asian shares were mixed, with Japan’s benchmark rising but others slipping, amid some hopes for a recovery from the coronavirus pandemic with the global rollout of vaccines. By Business Writer Yuri Kageyama. SENT: 500 words, photos.

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