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.
TOP STORIES
VIRUS-OUTBREAK — South Korea reported another large jump in new virus cases a day after the the president called for “unprecedented, powerful” steps to combat the outbreak that is increasingly confounding attempts to stop the spread. The 161 new cases bring South Korea's total to 763 cases, and two more deaths raise its toll to seven. China also reported 409 new cases, raising the mainland's total to 77,150 after a zigzag pattern of increases in recent days. By Kim Tong-Hyung. SENT: 1,020 words, photos.
ELECTION 2020-SANDERS – In running for president again, Sen. Bernie Sanders was convinced his most fervent supporters were as energized as ever, ready to rally around the political insurgency flag he planted in 2016. This time the Sanders movement has a political machine to propel it. By Will Weissert. SENT: 1,545 words, photos. With ELECTION 2020 — Bernie Sanders’ commanding Nevada caucus victory made him a top target for his Democratic rivals and a growing source of anxiety for establishment Democrats. SENT: 1,200 words, photos.
Find more coverage on the 2020 U.S. Elections featured topic page in AP Newsroom.
TRUMP — Kicking off a whirlwind 36-hour visit to India that emphasizes pageantry over policy, President Donald Trump received a warm welcome Monday on the subcontinent — including a mega-rally named after the traditional Indian greeting — meant to reaffirm ties between the two nations while providing enviable overseas imagery for a president in a re-election year.By Jill Colvin and Jonathan Lemire. 870 words, photos. DEVELOPING.
MALAYSIA POLITICS — Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad tendered his resignation to Malaysia's king while his political party quit the ruling alliance in a shocking political upheaval less than two years after his election victory. The prime minister's office said Mahathir submitted his resignation to the palace at 1 p.m. but gave no further details. SENT: 490 words, photos.
ISRAEL-SETTLER SUPPORT — Just ahead of national elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s longtime alliance with the influential West Bank settler movement is suddenly at risk because of President Donald Trump’s Mideast plan. Settlers initially hailed the plan’s vision of allowing Israel to annex its scores of settlements but the euphoria has given way to disappointment over Netanyahu’s reluctance to follow through with annexation immediately, potentially stripping him of key votes and denying him a hoped-for surge in the polls. By Tia Goldenberg. SENT: 1,060 words, photos, video.
WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT
NORTH MACEDONIA-DEADLY EXPLOSION — North Macedonia authorities say four people, including three children, have been killed when a gas tank for cooking exploded in the living room of their home. SENT: 190 words.
NEPAL-EVEREST — Four experienced Sherpa guides are attempting to climb to the top of Mount Everest in less than a week during the final days of winter to set a new climbing record on the world's highest peak. SENT: 330 words, photos
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CHINA-OUTBREAK
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VIRUS OUTBREAK-EUROPE — Italian authorities have announced they are shutting down Venice's famed Carnival events in a bid to stop the spread of the new virus, as the number of infected people in the country soars to at least 152, the most outside Asia. By Luca Bruno and Frances D'Emilio. SENT: 1,350 words, photos.
CHINA-VIRUS-OUTBREAK ECONOMY — Regulators have promised tax cuts and other aid to help companies recover from China’s virus outbreak and expressed confidence the ruling Communist Party’s growth targets can be achieved despite anti-disease controls that have shut down much of the economy. At a news conference Monday, finance and planning officials said they are looking at how to channel aid to companies after President Xi Jinping publicly promised over the past week ensure food production and other industries recover quickly. By AP Business Writer By Joe McDonald. SENT: 500 words, photos.
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WASHINGTON/ POLITICS
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ARMY TRAINERS-AFRICA — The Army, for the first time, will send soldiers from one of its new training brigades to Africa in the coming weeks, expanding the use of the new specialized units as the Pentagon looks at possible troop cuts on the continent. By Lolita C. Baldor. SENT: 970 words, photos.
DEMOCRATS-AFTER IMPEACHMENT — President Donald Trump’s impeachment might not be the political weapon Republicans have hoped to wield. Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin's town hall last week featured none of the booing or rowdy chanting that characterized five of her public events during the impeachment proceedings. By Laurie Kellman. SENT: 980 words, photos.
FACT CHECK-WEEK — In their boisterous presidential debate, several Democrats sold short the health care plans of rivals and Mike Bloomberg distorted his position on the “stop and frisk" police strategy when he was New York mayor. In an audacious league of his own, President Donald Trump celebrated the elimination of a tax that still exists. By Calvin Woodward, Hope Yen and Josh Boak. SENT: 2,180 words, photos.
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INTERNATIONAL
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IRAN-ELECTION — Iran’s interior ministry said voter turnout in last week's parliamentary elections stood at 42.57%, the lowest ever since the country's 1979 revolution that ushered in a Shiite clerical government to power. SENT: 790 words, photos.
SYRIA-ISRAEL — Israel struck multiple targets near the Syrian capital late Sunday, killing two members of a Palestinian militant faction and triggering anti-aircraft fire from the country's air defenses that shook Damascus. SENT: 430 words.
HAITI VIOLENCE — Off-duty police officers and their supporters exchanged fire for nearly two hours on Sunday with members of the newly reconstituted Haitian army in front of the national palace, in a dangerous escalation of protests over police pay and working conditions. SENT: 600 words.
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NATIONAL
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KOBE BRYANT-MEMORIAL — Thousands of mourners will gather in Staples Center on Monday to say farewell to Kobe and Gianna Bryant. The basketball superstar and his 13-year-old daughter will be honored in a public memorial at the arena where Bryant played for the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe and Gianna Bryant died along with seven others on Jan. 26 in a helicopter crash. SENT: 360 words, photos. DEVELOPING. WITH KOBE BRYANT MEMORIAL-VICTIMS — The six passengers traveling with Kobe Bryant and his daughter in the helicopter that crashed into a Southern California mountainside last month were joined by their love of basketball. SENT: 900 words, photos. KOBE BRYANT MEMORIAL-TIMELINE (sent).
JUSSIE SMOLLET — Actor Jussie Smollett is due to make his first court appearance on a new set of charges accusing him of lying to Chicago police about being the victim of a racist and homophobic attack last year. The former “Empire” actor is expected to plead not guilty to the six felony counts of disorderly conduct during Monday's hearing. SENT: 490 words, photo.
SUPREME COURT-ATLANTIC COAST PIPELINE — The U.S. Supreme Court is set to wade into a long-running battle between developers of a 605-mile natural gas pipeline and environmental groups who oppose the project. On Monday, the high court will hear arguments on a critical permit needed by developers of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. SENT: 420 words, photos.
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BUSINESS
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US-NABE-SURVEY-OF-ECONOMISTS — Nearly two-thirds of business economists say that the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy is “about right,” a sharp contrast to President Donald Trump's criticism of the Fed. A survey by the National Association for Business Economics found that just 4% of economists consider the Fed's interest rate policies to be “too restrictive,” meaning they believe the central bank's benchmark rate should be lower. By AP Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber. SENT: 280 words.
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SCIENCE
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MICROPLASTICS RISK — Most people are familiar with the growing crisis caused by plastic bags, water bottles and other large plastic debris contaminating oceans worldwide. But another type of plastic is causing alarm among researchers and conservationists. Scientists say “microplastics” are turning up everywhere in oceans, from the water itself to the guts of fish and the poop of sea otters and giant killer whales. By Gillian Flaccus. SENT: 890 words, photo.
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ENTERTAINMENT
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FILM-BOX OFFICE — “Sonic: The Hedgehog” zoomed to the top of the box office with a take of $26.3 million in its second weekend while audiences also heard “The Call of the Wild” as the Harrison Ford CGI dog flick finished a close second with $24.8 million. SENT 610 words, photos.
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SPORTS
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OILERS-KINGS — Connor McDavid had a goal and two assists in his return after missing six games because of a quad injury and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Los Angeles Kings 4-2. Leon Draisaitl scored on the power play, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a goal and Edmonton moved ahead of idle Vancouver into second place in the Pacific Division. SENT: 770 words, photos.
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HOW TO REACH US
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