AP News Digest 3:15 a.m.

Thursday 25 February 2021 03:17 EST

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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 at https://newsroom ap.org.

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ONLY ON AP

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ISRAEL-NUCLEAR — A secretive Israeli nuclear facility at the center of the nation’s undeclared atomic weapons program is undergoing what appears to be its biggest construction project in decades, satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press show. By Jon Gambrell. SENT: 1,060 words photos.

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TOP STORIES

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VIRUS-OUTBREAK — A crisis over the supply of medical oxygen for coronavirus patients has struck nations in Africa and Latin America, where warnings went unheeded at the start of the pandemic and doctors say the shortage has led to unnecessary deaths. It takes about 12 weeks to install a hospital oxygen plant and even less time to convert industrial oxygen manufacturing systems into a medical-grade network. But in Brazil and Nigeria, as well as in less-populous nations, decisions to fully address inadequate supplies only started being made last month, after hospitals were overwhelmed and patients started to die. By Carley Petesch and Lori Hinnant. SENT: 1,200 words, photos, graphic.

VIRUS-OUTBREAK-PFIZER-VACCINE-EFFECTIVENESS — A real-world test of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in more than half a million people confirms that it’s very effective at preventing serious illness or death, even after one dose. The published results, from a mass vaccination campaign in Israel, give strong reassurance that the benefits seen in smaller, limited testing persisted when the vaccine was used much more widely in a general population with various ages and health conditions. By Chief Medical Writer Marilynn Marchione. SENT: 680 words, photo. With VIRUS OUTBREAK-J&J VACCINE — FDA says single-dose shot from J&J prevents severe COVID-19.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-FLU SEASON — Flu has virtually disappeared from the U.S., with reports coming in at far lower levels than anything seen in decades. By Medical Writer Mike Stobbe. SENT: 630 words, photos.

MYANMAR — Facebook announced it was banning all accounts linked to Myanmar’s military as well as ads from military-controlled companies in the wake of the army’s seizure of power on Feb. 1. It said in a statement that it was treating the post-coup situation in Myanmar as an “emergency,” explaining that the ban was precipitated by events since the coup, including “deadly violence.” SENT: 890 words, photos.

BIDEN-ECONOMY — Republicans rallied solidly against Democrats’ proposed $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill as lawmakers awaited a decision by the Senate’s parliamentarian that could bolster or potentially kill a pivotal provision hiking the federal minimum wage. By Alan Fram. SENT: 760 words, photos.

MEXICO-US-EL CHAP ’S WIFE — After Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán was sent to prison for life, his wife suddenly embraced public life. Emma Coronel Aispuro’s actions did not go unnoticed. And in the wake of her arrest Monday as she arrived in the United States, there were some who wondered: Had Coronel put a target on her own back? By Andrés Villarreal, Claudia Torrens and Christopher Sherman. SENT: 1,290 words, photos.

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WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT

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EUROPE-MIGRANTS-PHOTO-GALLERY — Migrants evade Libyan coast guard to reach Europe. SENT: 460 words, photos.

INDIA-BATHING FESTIVAL-PHOTO GALLERY — Hindu festival draws crowds of bathers to rivers. SENT: 290 words, photos.

2032-AUSTRALIA-BRISBANE BID — Brisbane already preparing for 2032 Olympics. SENT: 690 words, photos.

ARKANSAS-THREE-DEAD-BABY-ABDUCTED — Three adults slain in Arkansas home, abducted baby found safe. SENT: 260 words, photo.

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AP News Digest 3:15 a.m.

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