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AP News Digest 6 p.m.

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AP News Digest 6 p.m.
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AP News Digest 6 p.m.

2025-01-13 07:01 Last Updated At:07:12

Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EST. Find the AP’s top photos of the day in Today’s Photo Collection. For up-to-the-minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan in AP Newsroom.

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More Images
The sun rises behind the U.S. Capitol as a rehearsal takes place on the West Front ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

The sun rises behind the U.S. Capitol as a rehearsal takes place on the West Front ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

The sun rises behind a home destroyed by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades community of Los Angeles on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

The sun rises behind a home destroyed by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades community of Los Angeles on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee celebrates his winning goal in a penalty kick shootout during during the English FA Cup soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates stadium in London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee celebrates his winning goal in a penalty kick shootout during during the English FA Cup soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates stadium in London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

The winner United States' Lauren Macuga celebrates with the team - Lindsey Vonn at right - after an alpine ski, women's World Cup super G race, in St. Anton, Austria, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)

The winner United States' Lauren Macuga celebrates with the team - Lindsey Vonn at right - after an alpine ski, women's World Cup super G race, in St. Anton, Austria, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)

Milan Engel rides on the sand dunes during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Milan Engel rides on the sand dunes during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Zeytin, a 5-month-old male gorilla infant who was rescued at Istanbul Airport, walks in a specially created section of a zoo, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Zeytin, a 5-month-old male gorilla infant who was rescued at Istanbul Airport, walks in a specially created section of a zoo, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

People on board a tube as they take part in the annual event "No Trousers Tube Ride" in London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

People on board a tube as they take part in the annual event "No Trousers Tube Ride" in London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

A man sleeps on a public transport bench as protesters walk during a rally organized by the right wing Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), calling for free elections after Romania' s Constitutional Court annulled the first round of presidential elections last December, in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

A man sleeps on a public transport bench as protesters walk during a rally organized by the right wing Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), calling for free elections after Romania' s Constitutional Court annulled the first round of presidential elections last December, in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Lee Hodges hits a fairway shot on the 17th hole during the third round of the Sony Open golf tournament, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Lee Hodges hits a fairway shot on the 17th hole during the third round of the Sony Open golf tournament, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Zheng Qinwen of China plays a backhand return to Anca Todoni of Romania during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Zheng Qinwen of China plays a backhand return to Anca Todoni of Romania during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Demonstrators sit on the road and hold a sign during a protest demanding a cease-fire deal and the immediate release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Demonstrators sit on the road and hold a sign during a protest demanding a cease-fire deal and the immediate release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Palestinians queue at a food distribution center in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Friday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians queue at a food distribution center in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Friday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The body of Dima Eid, 5, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike, is brought to Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The body of Dima Eid, 5, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike, is brought to Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Ella Venne, front, holds a cup she found in the remains of her family's home destroyed by the Eaton Fire as she searches with Glendale Fire Department captain Chris Jernegan, left, and his wife Alison in Altadena, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Ella Venne, front, holds a cup she found in the remains of her family's home destroyed by the Eaton Fire as she searches with Glendale Fire Department captain Chris Jernegan, left, and his wife Alison in Altadena, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Firefighters watch water drops on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Firefighters watch water drops on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

NEW/DEVELOPING

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MIDEAST-WARS; CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES-BEHIND THE BARRICADES; BRITAIN-NO TROUSERS TUBE; CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES-NBA; AFGHANISTAN-DETAINEES; AUSTRALIAN-OPEN.

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WEEKEND COVERAGE

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For weekend stories, please click here for the Weekend Lookahead digest.

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TOP STORIES

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CALIFORNIA-WILDFIRES — Firefighters scrambled to make further progress against wildfires that have destroyed thousands of homes and killed 16 people in the Los Angeles area as forecasters again warned of dangerous weather with the return of strong winds this week. At least 16 people were missing, and authorities said that number was expected to rise. By Christopher Weber and Holly Ramer. SENT: 1,280 words, photos, videos, audio. With CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES-BEHIND THE BARRICADES — A dad and daughter help evacuees learn whether their homes survived the California wildfires; CALIFORNIA-WILDFIRES-EDUCATION — Fires burn Los Angeles schools and destroy outdoor education sanctuaries; CALIFORNIA-WILDFIRES-INEQUALITY — The California wildfires could be leaving deeper inequality in their wake; CALIFORNIA-WILDFIRES-TREE-CANOPY — Los Angeles tree advocates wait and hope that fire damage won’t be too severe; CALIFORIA-WILDFIRES-THINGS-TO-KNOW; Find all of the AP’s California Wildfires coverage plan here.

MIDEAST WARS — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden spoke about efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal in the Israel-Hamas war, a sign of the intensifying push to reach a deal before Donald Trump’s inauguration next week. By Wafaa Shurafa and Natalie Melzer. SENT: 540 words, photos. With MIDEAST-WARS-LEBANON RECONSTRUCTION — Lebanese whose homes were destroyed in the war want to rebuild. Many face a long wait.

TRUMP-CABINET-SENATE-SCHEDULE — Senate hearings are set to begin for Donald Trump’s picks for his Cabinet. Many have been meeting with senators individually. Now, they’ll go this week before the committees overseeing the agencies that Trump wants them to run. By Meg Kinnard. SENT: 910 words, photos.

BIDEN-TO-DO-LIST — If President Joe Biden is looking for ideas for retirement, he need look no further than past presidents. He could fundraise for his future presidential library or try to bolster his White House legacy. He could write another memoir and try speaking gigs. He’s even suggested, perhaps only partly joking, that he could try his hand at show business. By Will Weissert. SENT: 1,080 words, photos.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-NORTH-KOREAN-TROOPS — North Korean troops have been deployed to bolster Russian forces in the Kursk border region with Ukraine, where they are gaining battlefield experience despite initial heavy losses. Their involvement marks a deepening alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow as Russia struggles to maintain troop numbers in its nearly three-year war against Ukraine. By Hanna Arhirova. SENT: 1,190 words, photos.

STATES-IN-2025-EXPLAINER — As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, in many cases elected officials in Republican and Democratic states are preparing to either aid or oppose his policies. From immigration to education to transgender rights, a red-state-blue-state divide has become common in the U.S. For example, Republican state officials are pledging to aid Trump’s deportation efforts, while many Democratic state officials remain wary or vocally resistant. By David A. Lieb and Geoff Mulvihill. SENT: 1,190 words, photos.

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MIDEAST WARS

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SYRIA — European Union foreign ministers will meet in late January to discuss easing sanctions imposed on Syria, the bloc’s foreign policy chief said. SENT: 740 words, photos.

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MORE NEWS

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PATRIOTS-VRABEL-HIRED — The New England Patriots hire Mike Vrabel as their next head coach. SENT: 350 words, photo.

BRITAIN-NO TROUSERS TUBE — No pants? No problem. London subway riders bare their legs to brighten a gray winter day. SENT: 520 words, photos, video.

BOX-OFFICE — “Den of Thieves 2” opens at No. 1 as “Better Man” flops. SENT: 570 words, photos.

BIRD-FLU-CATS — California man says two of his cats died after drinking raw milk recalled for bird flu. SENT: 690 words, photos.

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES-NBA — Clippers, Lakers to resume their wildfire-delayed schedules on Monday. SENT: 810 words, photos.

TURKEY-GORILLA — A young gorilla rescued from aircraft hold recovers at Istanbul zoo. SENT: 240 words, photos, video.

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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TRUMP-VANCE-PARDONS — Vice President-elect JD Vance says people responsible for the violence during the Capitol riot “obviously” should not be pardoned, as President-elect Donald Trump is promising to use his clemency power on behalf of many of those who tried on Jan. 6, 2021, to overturn the results of the election that Trump lost. SENT: 350 words, photos, audio.

AFGHANISTAN-DETAINEES — President Joe Biden spoke with relatives of three Americans the U.S. government is looking to bring home from Afghanistan, but it was unclear from the call if a deal to bring them back that is now on the table could be completed before the he leaves office next week. SENT: 650 words, photos.

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NATIONAL

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WINTER-BLASTS — After a freezing winter storm shut schools, cut power and cancelled or delayed flights, the South was slowly thawing. SENT: 500 words, photos, audio.

SAFESPORT-FIRED-INVESTIGATOR — An ex-cop who was fired from his job as an investigator at the U.S. Center for SafeSport for allegedly stealing money seized at a drug bust has been arrested again, this time charged with rape and sex trafficking. By National Writer Eddie Pells. SENT: 450 words, photo.

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INTERNATIONAL

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CROATIA-ELECTIONS — Exit polls published after polls closed in Croatia’s presidential runoff show incumbent Zoran Milanović winning reelection with an overwhelming majority against a candidate from the ruling conservative party. SENT: 600 words, photos, video.

ITALY-IRAN — Italy has released an Iranian citizen wanted by the U.S. over a drone attack in Jordan that killed three Americans a year ago. SENT: 320 words, photo.

FRANCE-MAYOTTE-TROPICAL-STORM — The French territory of Mayotte is battered by a new tropical storm just weeks after the worst cyclone to hit the islands in nearly a century laid waste to entire neighborhoods and villages and left authorities facing a huge recovery effort. SENT: 720 words, photos.

SERBIA-ROOF-COLLAPSE-PROTEST — Serbia’s striking university students protest outside the Balkan country’s top court to draw attention to what they say have been violations of their civil rights under the populist authorities, including pressure from the secret service. SENT: 550 words, photos.

CZECH-FIRE — A fire in a restaurant in the northern Czech Republic has killed six people and left six others with serious injuries. SENT: 130 words, photos.

RUSSIA-OIL-SPILL — An emergency task force arrives in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region as an oil spill in the Kerch Strait from two storm-stricken tankers continues to spread a month after it was first detected, officials say. SENT: 440 words, photos.

SWEDEN-NATO-BALTIC — Sweden will contribute up to three warships to a NATO effort to increase the alliance’s presence in the Baltic Sea as it tries to guard against sabotage of underwater infrastructure, the government says. SENT: 220 words, photo.

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SPORTS

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AUSTRALIAN-OPEN — Zheng Qinwen’s tennis resume is quite different from what it was when she showed up at the Australian Open a full year ago. No matter everything she accomplished in 2024 — a runner-up finish at Melbourne Park; an Olympic gold medal for China — she felt jitters before entering Rod Laver Arena. By Tennis Writer Howard Fendrich. SENT: 670 words, photos. Developing, will be updated.

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HOW TO REACH US

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At the Nerve Center, Jerome Minerva can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1600. For photos, ext. 1900. For graphics and interactives, ext. 7636. Expanded AP content can be obtained from AP Newsroom. For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, contact apcustomersupport@ap.org or call 844-777-2006.

The sun rises behind the U.S. Capitol as a rehearsal takes place on the West Front ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

The sun rises behind the U.S. Capitol as a rehearsal takes place on the West Front ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

The sun rises behind a home destroyed by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades community of Los Angeles on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

The sun rises behind a home destroyed by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades community of Los Angeles on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee celebrates his winning goal in a penalty kick shootout during during the English FA Cup soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates stadium in London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee celebrates his winning goal in a penalty kick shootout during during the English FA Cup soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates stadium in London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

The winner United States' Lauren Macuga celebrates with the team - Lindsey Vonn at right - after an alpine ski, women's World Cup super G race, in St. Anton, Austria, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)

The winner United States' Lauren Macuga celebrates with the team - Lindsey Vonn at right - after an alpine ski, women's World Cup super G race, in St. Anton, Austria, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)

Milan Engel rides on the sand dunes during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Milan Engel rides on the sand dunes during the seventh stage of the Dakar Rally with start and finish in Al Duwadimi, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Zeytin, a 5-month-old male gorilla infant who was rescued at Istanbul Airport, walks in a specially created section of a zoo, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Zeytin, a 5-month-old male gorilla infant who was rescued at Istanbul Airport, walks in a specially created section of a zoo, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

People on board a tube as they take part in the annual event "No Trousers Tube Ride" in London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

People on board a tube as they take part in the annual event "No Trousers Tube Ride" in London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

A man sleeps on a public transport bench as protesters walk during a rally organized by the right wing Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), calling for free elections after Romania' s Constitutional Court annulled the first round of presidential elections last December, in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

A man sleeps on a public transport bench as protesters walk during a rally organized by the right wing Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), calling for free elections after Romania' s Constitutional Court annulled the first round of presidential elections last December, in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Lee Hodges hits a fairway shot on the 17th hole during the third round of the Sony Open golf tournament, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Lee Hodges hits a fairway shot on the 17th hole during the third round of the Sony Open golf tournament, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Zheng Qinwen of China plays a backhand return to Anca Todoni of Romania during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Zheng Qinwen of China plays a backhand return to Anca Todoni of Romania during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Demonstrators sit on the road and hold a sign during a protest demanding a cease-fire deal and the immediate release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Demonstrators sit on the road and hold a sign during a protest demanding a cease-fire deal and the immediate release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Palestinians queue at a food distribution center in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Friday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians queue at a food distribution center in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Friday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The body of Dima Eid, 5, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike, is brought to Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The body of Dima Eid, 5, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike, is brought to Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Ella Venne, front, holds a cup she found in the remains of her family's home destroyed by the Eaton Fire as she searches with Glendale Fire Department captain Chris Jernegan, left, and his wife Alison in Altadena, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Ella Venne, front, holds a cup she found in the remains of her family's home destroyed by the Eaton Fire as she searches with Glendale Fire Department captain Chris Jernegan, left, and his wife Alison in Altadena, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Firefighters watch water drops on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Firefighters watch water drops on the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

PHOENIX (AP) — When a police officer gave state Sen. Mark Finchem a speeding ticket, the Arizona Republican didn't need to worry about the consequences.

That's because the Arizona Constitution shields state lawmakers from any civil process and arrest for anything but treason, felony and breach of peace during legeslative sessions and the 15 days before. Legislative immunity exists in most states and allows lawmakers to brush aside lawsuits and low-level infractions like traffic tickets.

Legal experts say the privilege is a form of separation of powers. It originated centuries ago in the English Bill of Rights as monarchs tried to intimidate legislators and it's been invoked over the years in a variety of situations, not always with success.

In 2019, a politician in West Virginia invoked immunity after having a violent outburst. In 2022, a Wisconsin lawmaker argued he didn’t have to comply with a subpoena ordering him to testify about a conversation he had with President Donald Trump about overturning the 2020 election. And last year, it shielded Kansas lawmakers who shared social media posts that falsely accused a man of being among those who opened fire at a rally celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory.

In Arizona, the perk doesn't have unanimous support in the Legislature. Republican Rep. Quang Nguyen has introduced a resolution to end immunity for traffic violations. If passed, it would become a ballot measure for voters to decide in 2026.

“The people we serve are expected to follow traffic laws, and legislators should be no different," Nguyen said in a statement. "If a lawmaker is caught speeding, running a red light, or committing any other traffic violation, they should face the same consequences as everyone else.”

Nguyen represents a legislative district two hours north of Phoenix that includes the city of Prescott, the same district that Finchem represents and where he was cited on a recent Saturday by an officer who said he was driving 48 mph (77 kph) in a 30 mph (48 kph) zone.

Finchem wrote to Prescott's police chief two days later, asking for the citation to “be voided and stricken from the record.” It was dismissed Feb. 4 without prejudice, meaning it can be refiled, court records show.

Finchem declined to comment through a spokesperson.

Immunity generally falls into two categories, one protecting speech and debate and the other protecting lawmakers from arrest, according to the nonpartisan National Conference of State Legislatures.

In the U.S., 43 state constitutions offer protection to lawmakers for speech and debate, and about 45 provide legislative immunity from arrest related to legislative service. However, the specific provisions can vary significantly, said Mick Bullock, a spokesperson for the group.

In New Mexico, for example, the constitution says lawmakers are protected from arrest when they commute to and from the Legislature. Arizona doesn't have location restrictions.

Members of Congress also have legislative immunity but courts have narrowly interpreted it. Former Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey tried to claim immunity in his bribery case last year, but ended up being sentenced to 11 years in prison.

In a speech Tuesday on the House floor, Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina accused her ex-fiancé of assaulting her and raping others. She argued she had immunity through the “speech and debate” clause, providing her protection from any civil lawsuits.

While it's unclear how many times legislative immunity has been invoked since it was written into the Arizona Constitution in 1912, Finchem is far from the first to claim it.

In 2012, then-state Sen. Scott Bundgaard invoked it after he and his girlfriend were pulled over on a Phoenix freeway amid a violent domestic dispute. Bundgaard was allowed to go home while his girlfriend spent a night in jail. Bundgaard was later prosecuted and pleaded no-contest to a misdemeanor charge.

In 2018, then-state Rep. Paul Mosely was caught on camera bragging about going as fast as 140 mph (225 kph) to a sheriff's deputy who said he pulled him over because he was speeding. Mosely later apologized. Finchem was serving in the House at the time and filed an ethics complaint, asking the committee to take whatever action it deemed necessary.

Past efforts to repeal legislative immunity in Arizona have failed. Former Republican Gov. Doug Ducey supported a repeal in 2019, but it lacked traction among lawmakers. Steve Gallardo, a former state lawmaker, introduced a bill to do the same in 2012, but it met the same fate.

Gallardo, a Democrat who now serves on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, said he understands the thinking behind legislative immunity during the early days of statehood. He doesn't believe it's needed today.

“Anyone who is utilizing that type of privilege is really doing a disservice to the institution, and really a big disservice to his constituency," Gallardo said. “They're telling the greater public that they are above the law."

Associated Press writer Morgan Lee contributed from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Sandoval is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

FILE - The dome of the Arizona Capitol building is illuminated in blue as buildings and structures around the state are lit in blue as a symbol of support for Arizona's frontline medical workers and emergency responders battling the coronavirus Wednesday, April 15, 2020, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

FILE - The dome of the Arizona Capitol building is illuminated in blue as buildings and structures around the state are lit in blue as a symbol of support for Arizona's frontline medical workers and emergency responders battling the coronavirus Wednesday, April 15, 2020, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

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