AP News Digest 3:25 am

Thursday 31 March 2022 01:49 EDT

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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.

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ONLY ON AP

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OCEAN-FISHERIES-ARMED-CONFLICT — An Associated Press review of conflict databases compiled by non-governmental organizations, government data, and media reports found in the past five years more than 360 instances of state authorities ramming or shooting at foreign fishing boats, sometimes leading to deaths. In that same time, another 850 foreign fishing boats were seized by authorities and systematically crushed, blown up, or sunk. By Helen Wieffering. SENT: 2,350 words, photos. An abridged version of 1,750 words is also available.

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TOP STORIES

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR — The Ukrainian president said his country’s defense against the Russian invasion is at a “turning point” and again pressed the United States for more help, hours after the Kremlin’s forces reneged on a pledge to scale back some of their operations. Russian bombardment of areas around Kyiv and the northern city of Chernihiv and intensified attacks elsewhere in the country further undermined hopes for progress toward ending the brutal war. Talks between Ukraine and Russia were set to resume Friday by video. By Nebi Qena and Yuras Karmanau. SENT: 1,150 words, photos, videos. With RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-THE-LATEST.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE INVASION-US REFUGEES — As the United States prepares to accept 100,000 Ukrainian refugees following Russia’s invasion, existing communities in cities like Sacramento and Seattle are already mobilizing to provide food, shelter and support to those fleeing the war. Ukrainian groups in the U.S., including churches, are already providing support to people entering the country through informal channels, including on visas that will eventually expire or by flying to Mexico and crossing over the border. By Kathleen Ronayne. SENT: 990 words, photos, video. Also see MORE ON RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR below. For full coverage.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-UNWINDING COVID — When the end of the COVID-19 pandemic comes, it could create major disruptions for a cumbersome U.S. health care system made more generous, flexible and up-to-date technologically through a raft of temporary emergency measures. Winding down those policies could begin as early as the summer. By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar. SENT: 1,080 words, photos.

BIDEN-OIL RESERVES — President Joe Biden is preparing to order the release of up to 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve in a bid to control energy prices, according to two people familiar with the decision who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview it. By Zeke Miller and Josh Boak. SENT: 340 words, photo. UPCOMING: 700 words after 1:30 speech.

FEDERAL RESERVE-INCLUSIVE RECOVERY — America’s hiring boom of the past year has narrowed racial disparities in unemployment. Yet the Federal Reserve’s ongoing interest rate hikes — shaping up to be the steepest in 15 years — threaten to reverse that progress. The Fed’s rate hikes will mean higher borrowing rates that could hobble the job market and undercut a goal the Fed unveiled two years ago: To keep rates ultra-low for as long as possible, to help less advantaged workers, who often don’t benefit much from job growth until late in an economic expansion. By Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber. SENT: 1,320 words, photos.

OSCARS-CHRIS ROCK — Chris Rock received several standing ovations before he told one joke at his first comedy show since Will Smith slapped him in the face onstage at the Oscars. Rock only briefly addressed the slap to the sold out crowd in Boston, saying he was “still kind of processing what happened.” By Michael Casey. SENT: 890 words, photos, video. With OSCARS-WILL SMITH — Academy: Will Smith refused to leave Oscars after Rock slap.

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AP News Digest 3:25 am