AP News Digest 3:50 a.m.

Thursday 12 November 2020 03:52 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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TOP STORIES

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PENTAGON TURMOIL — Abrupt changes in the Pentagon’s top leadership have raised fears about what President Donald Trump may try to do in his final two months of office, and whether the military’s long held apolitical nature could be upended. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley says the military takes an oath to defend the U.S. Constitution, not to “a king or a queen, a tyrant or a dictator.” By Lolita C. Baldor. SENT: 960 words, photos.

ELECTION 2020-TRUMP VOTERS — Across the country, many of the 71.9 million people who voted for Trump are working through emotions in the wake of his loss. Grief, anger and shock are among the feelings being expressed by those who assumed he would win, and many are skeptical of the results. By Tamara Lush, Adam Geller and Michelle Price. SENT: 1,370 words, photos.

VIRUS OUTBREAK-CALIFORNIA-1 MILLION CASES — California is reaching an unwelcome coronavirus milestone: its 1 million confirmed infection. The state's early action to order people to stay at home was successful in curtailing the spread, but each time it has relaxed restrictions, cases have risen. With cases increasing quickly in the state and nationwide, health officials are warning people to limit travel during the holidays and rethink their annual gatherings. By Brian Melley and Amy Taxin. SENT: 1,030 words, photos. With VIRUS-OUTBREAK-US-SURGE — Texas tops 1 million cases as COVID-19 surge engulfs the U.S.

SYRIA-50-YEARS-OF-ASSAD — On Nov. 13, 1970, a young air force officer from the coastal hills of Syria launched a bloodless coup. It was the latest in a succession of military takeovers since independence from France in 1946, and there was no reason to think it would be the last. Yet 50 years later, Hafez Assad’s family still rules Syria. By Zeina Karam. SENT: 1,070 words, photos.

VATICAN-MCCARRICK-NOW-WHAT? — The Vatican’s report into ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick has raised uncomfortable questions the Holy See will have to confront going forward, chief among them what it’s going to do about current and future clergy who abuse their power to sexually abuse adults. By Nicole Winfield. SENT: 1,280 words, photos.

TROPICAL WEATHER — Tropical Storm Eta dumped torrents of blustery rain on Florida’s west coast as it marched over the Gulf of Mexico toward an expected landfall north of the heavily populated Tampa Bay area. By Curt Anderson. SENT: 570 words, photos.

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WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

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PENN-STATE-BROWN — Heart condition forces Penn St. running back Brown to give up football. SENT: 250 words, photo.

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AP News Digest 3:50 a.m.

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