AP News Digest 3 am

Wednesday 16 March 2022 04:42 GMT

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EDT. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan at https://newsroom.ap.org.

————————-

TOP STORIES

—-———————-

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR — Ukraine’s president was preparing to make a direct appeal for more help in a rare speech by a foreign leader to the U.S. Congress, even as Russia continued its bombardment of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. In the war’s third week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested there was still some reason to be optimistic that negotiations with the Russian government might yet yield an agreement. By Andrea Rosa. SENT: 1,110 words, photos, videos. With RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-THE-LATEST; RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-THINGS TO KNOW.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-CONGRESS — Zelenskyy will address the U.S. Congress, his latest video stop as he employs the West’s legislative bodies as global stages to orchestrate support against Russia’s crushing invasion. By Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro. SENT: 930 words, photo, video. UPCOMING: 1,100 words after 9 a.m. speech. Also see MORE ON RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR below. For full coverage.

KOREAS-TENSIONS — A North Korean missile fired from its capital region exploded soon after its liftoff in an apparent failed weapons launch, South Korea’s military said, amid speculation that the North has been preparing to launch its longest-range missile in its most significant provocation in years. By Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung. SENT: 970 words, photos.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-HONG KONG-LIMBO — Hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong residents have had their lives turned upside down as authorities struggle to control the city’s worst outbreak of the coronavirus. For the city’s over 7 million residents, life in Hong Kong has in recent weeks been suspended in limbo. Panicked residents have stockpiled daily necessities amid a flip-flop in government communications about mass-testing exercises and a potential lockdown, as residents bemoan Hong Kong’s lack of an exit strategy from the pandemic. By Alice Fung and Zen Soo. UPCOMING: 1,040 words, photos by 5 a.m.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-EUROPE SURGE — After dropping most coronavirus restrictions last month, Britain is now ending some COVID-19 testing and monitoring programs, a move some scientists fear will complicate efforts to track the virus and detect worrisome new variants. By Medical Writer Maria Cheng. UPCOMING: 670 words, photos by 8 a.m.

ELECTION 2022-GEORGIA-PERDUE FUNDRAISING — Former Georgia Sen. David Perdue has Donald Trump’s backing as he challenges Gov. Brian Kemp, but Perdue’s fundraising has lagged, raising questions in a key primary race being watched for signals about the direction of the Republican Party. By Jeff Amy and Will Weissert. SENT: 1,250 words, photos.

————————-

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

AP News Digest 3 am