AP News Digest 3:30 a.m.

APTOPIX Virus Outbreak California (© 2020, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

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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FRUITS OF LABOR-WOMEN — On vast plantations across Indonesia and Malaysia, an AP investigation has found that women are burdened with some of the most dangerous duties in the production of palm oil, which is contained in almost three out of every four personal care products. Some of the women are sexually harassed and raped. They also spray toxic chemicals with little or no protective gear. Using the latest company data and U.S. Customs records, the AP was able to line the abuse to the supply chains of giant Western beauty brands that tout their commitment to sustainability and human rights. By Margie Mason and Robin McDowell. SENT: 4,050 words, photos An abridged version of 1,370 words is also available. With FRUITS-OF-LABOR-WOMEN-KEY-FINDINGS.

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TOP STORIES

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ELECTION SECURITY — President Donald Trump fires the nation’s top election security official, a widely respected member of the administration who had dared to refute the president’s unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud. The dismissal of the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Christopher Krebs, was abrupt but not a surprise. By Ben Fox. SENT: 910 words, photo.

ELECTION 2020-MICHIGAN — Michigan’s largest county, which includes Detroit, reverses course and unanimously certifies its presidential election results after Republicans first blocked the move in a party-line vote that threatened to temporarily stall official approval of Democrat Joe Biden’s win in the state. By Ed White. SENT: 500 words, photos.

VIRUS-OUTBREAK-HOME-TEST — U.S. regulators allowed emergency use of the first rapid coronavirus test that can be performed entirely at home and delivers results in 30 minutes. The announcement by the Food and Drug Administration represents an important step in U.S. efforts to expand testing options for COVID-19 beyond health care facilities and testing sites. However, the test will require a prescription, likely limiting its initial use. By Health Writer Matthew Perrone. SENT: 780 words, photo.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-ITALY-SOUTH’S ILLS — The coronavirus pandemic has heightened the urgency of the plight of those seeking medical care in public hospitals in Italy’s economically underdeveloped south. But recent glimpsed moments of drama are nothing new to people here who depend on such care. Many in the Naples area resign themselves to what has been decried as hellish, “Dantesque” waits to receive treatment for COVID-19. By Frances D’Emilio. SENT: 1,030 words, photos.

ISRAEL-POMPEO-SETTLEMENT VISIT — U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s expected tour of a West Bank winery this week will be the first time a top American diplomat has visited an Israeli settlement, a parting gift from an administration that has taken unprecedented steps to support Israel’s claims to war-won territory. By Joseph Krauss. SENT: 1,120 words, photos.

TRACKING SANTA — The North American Aerospace Defense Command has announced it will track Santa Claus on Dec. 24, just as it has done for 65 years. But not every child will be able to get through to a volunteer at NORAD’s call center to check on Santa’s whereabouts, as they have in years before. By Lolita C. Baldor. SENT: 510 words, photo.

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WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

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PEOPLE-SEXIEST-MAN-ALIVE — People magazine names Michael B. Jordan as Sexiest Man Alive. SENT: 440 words, photos.

RAPTORS CANADA PANDEMIC — Canada reviewing NBA plan to play in Toronto amid pandemic. SENT: 520 words, photo.

FLINT-WATER-SETTLEMENT — Flint water lawsuit settlement now totals about $641 million. SENT: 300 words, photo.

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MORE ON THE VIRUS OUTBREAK

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VIRUS OUTBREAK-HUNTING SURGE — Wildlife officials in many states are issuing lots more hunting and fishing licenses this year — apparently because of the coronavirus. SENT: 870 words, photos.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County imposes new restrictions on businesses and is readying plans for a mandatory curfew for all but essential workers if coronavirus cases keep spiking. SENT: 510 words, photos.

VIRUS-OUTBREAK-AFRICA-SECOND-SURGE — As Africa is poised to surpass 2 million confirmed virus cases, it is Kenya’s turn to worry the continent with a second surge in infections well under way. SENT: 860 words, photos.

VIRUS-OUTBREAK-JAPAN — Authorities in Tokyo announce nearly 500 new cases of the coronavirus, the biggest daily increase in the Japanese capital since the pandemic began. SENT: 260 words, photos. With VIRUS-OUTBREAK-THE-LATEST.

VIRUS-OUTBREAK-ASIA — South Korea records its largest daily increase in coronavirus infections in nearly three months as it gets set to tighten social distancing rules in the greater Seoul area. SENT: 640 words, photos.

EXPLAINING VIRUS OUTBREAK-MASKS — A look at how what we know about masks has changed, and how government officials are increasingly getting behind the idea of mandating the use of masks. SENT: 730 words, photos.

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

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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CONGRESS-DEMOCRATS — House Democrats seem certain to nominate Nancy Pelosi for two more years as speaker, but she’ll lead a smaller majority that’s divided along ideological lines as it tries shepherding Biden’s agenda toward enactment. SENT: 920 words, photo. UPCOMING: 990 words after Democrats vote, timing uncertain. With CONGRESS-REPUBLICANS — Trump ally McCarthy reelected leader of House Republicans.

BIDEN — Blocked by the current president, Biden is forced to seek extraordinary workarounds to prepare the best he can for the exploding public health threat and evolving national security challenges he will inherit in just nine weeks. SENT: 920 words, photos, video.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-GRASSLEY — Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, the longest-serving Republican senator and third in the line of presidential succession, says he has tested positive for the coronavirus. SENT: 640 words, photos.

ELECTION 2020-GIULIANI — Representing a client inside a courtroom for the first time in nearly three decades, Rudy Giuliani showed some rust as he tried to make the case that Trump has been robbed of re-election. SENT: 720 words, photos, video.

ELECTION-2020-GEORGIA — Election officials across Georgia are staring down a deadline to complete a hand tally of the presidential race in the state. SENT: 510 words, photos.

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INTERNATIONAL

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TROPICAL-WEATHER — Hurricane Iota battered Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast and flooded some stretches of neighboring Honduras that were still under water from Hurricane Eta two weeks earlier, leaving authorities struggling to assess damage after communications were knocked out in some areas. SENT: 760 words, photos, video.

ETHIOPIA-MILITARY CONFRONTATION-HUNGER — People are going hungry in Ethiopia’s rebellious northern Tigray region as roads are blocked, airports are closed and the federal government marches on its capital in a final push to win a two-week war. SENT: 740 words, photos.

HONG KONG-FORMER LAWMAKERS ARRESTED — Hong Kong police arrest three former opposition lawmakers for disrupting legislative meetings several months ago, as concerns grow over a crackdown on the city’s pro-democracy camp. SENT: 510 words, photos.

ISRAEL-SYRIA — Israeli warplanes struck Iran-linked targets in Syria after troops uncovered roadside bombs along the frontier in the Golan Heights, the Israeli military says. SENT: 430 words.

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BUSINESS/ECONOMY

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FAA-BOEING — The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to clear Boeing’s 737 Max to fly again after grounding the jet for nearly two years due to a pair of crashes that killed 346 people. By Business Writers David Koenig and Tom Krisher. SENT: 950 words, photos.

FINANCIAL MARKETS — Asian stock markets were mostly higher after Wall Street declined as hopes for a possible coronavirus vaccine were tempered by worries about the pandemic’s lingering impact. By Joe McDonald. SENT: 540 words, photos.

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SPORTS

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NBA DRAFT PREVIEW — The NBA draft finally arrives with no consensus No. 1 pick. By Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney. SENT: 850 words, photos.

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HOW TO REACH US

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