AP News Digest 5:30 a.m.

Sunday 12 March 2023 09:31 GMT

AP News Digest 5:30 a.m.

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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.

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TOP STORIES

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EARNS-ARAMCO — Oil giant Saudi Aramco has said it earned a $161 billion profit last year, attributing its earnings to higher crude oil prices. The firm, known formally as the Saudi Arabian Oil Co., said in its annual report that the profit represented “its highest annual profits as a listed company.” By Jon Gambrell. SENT: 740 words, photos.

PENCE-TRUMP — Former Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday harshly criticized former President Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, widening the rift between the two men as they prepare to battle over the Republican nomination in next year’s election. By Zeke Miller and Chris Megerian. SENT: 480 words, photo.

SILICON-VALLEY-BANK — It was called Silicon Valley Bank, but its collapse is causing shockwaves around the world. From winemakers in California to startups across the Atlantic Ocean, companies are scrambling to figure out how to manage their finances after their bank suddenly shut down Friday. The meltdown means distress not only for businesses but also for all their workers whose paychecks may get tied up in the chaos. By Stan Choe and Bobby Caina Calvan. SENT: 970 words, photos, video. With SILICON-VALLEY-BANK-EXPLAINER — A major bank failed. Here’s why it’s not 2008 again (sent).

ARGENTINA-POPE-FRANCIS — When Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina became Pope Francis, much of his home country celebrated as if it had just won a soccer World Cup championship. A decade later, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church generates divided opinions and much less fervor. Francis, who still likes to listen to tango, left Argentina in February 2013 to attend the conclave that elected him as the successor to Benedict XVI on March 13. He never returned. Argentine journalist Sergio Rubin, who recently co-wrote a book about Francis, agrees with other observers who say that the pope is keeping his home country at arm’s length to avoid being drawn into Argentina’s political polarization of the past two decades. By Alumudena Calatrava and Debora Rey. SENT: 980 words, photos.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR — Russian forces have made progress in their campaign to capture the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, the focus of the war’s longest ground battle, but their assault will be difficult to sustain without more significant personnel losses, British military officials said. By Karl Ritter. SENT: 710 words, photos.

OSCARS — It’s almost time to give the Academy Awards a big hand. OK, maybe we should rephrase that. A year after Will Smith strode on stage at the Dolby Theatre and slapped Chris Rock in the face, the Oscars will reconvene for a ceremony that will try to move past one of the most infamous moments in Academy Awards history. By Film Writer Jake Coyle. SENT: 810 words, photos. With OSCARS-REHEARSALS — Glimpse into Oscars rehearsals shows stars at Dolby Theatre; OSCARS-LIVE-UPDATES — Latest news from carpet, show; OSCARS-CHANEL-DINNER — Hollywood stars spend Oscars eve at annual Chanel dinner (all sent).

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AP News Digest 5:30 a.m.