AP News Digest 7 a.m.

Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EDT. Find the AP’s top photos of the day in Today’s Photo Collection. For up-to-the-minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan in AP Newsroom.

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ONLY ON AP

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ELECTION-2024-MARICOPA-COUNTY — Maricopa County, Arizona, has become the nation’s ultimate swing county, a place that could determine whether Democrat Kamala Harris or Republican Donald Trump will be the next U.S. president. Voters, campaigns and people around the world sometimes must wait more than a week to learn who won the county, and with it, statewide races in the swing state of Arizona. This year, election officials warn it could take as long as 13 days to tabulate all of the ballots in Maricopa. By Nicholas Riccardi. SENT: 2,900 words, photos, video. WITH: ELECTION-2024-MARICOPA-COUNTY-TAKEAWAYS — What to know about the Arizona swing county that could decide who wins the White House. (sent).

AP-POLL-MIDEAST — Many American voters are concerned that the ongoing situation in the Middle East will escalate into an even broader conflict. That’s according to a new poll from The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About half of voters are extremely or very worried about the possibility of a wider war in the region. Fewer voters, however — around 4 in 10 — are concerned that the United States will be drawn into a war in the Middle East. This poll was conducted prior to Israel’s strike on military bases in Iran on Friday. By Linley Sanders. SENT: 610 words, photos, audio.

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TOP STORIES

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ELECTION-2024-CLOSING-ARGUMENTS — In the shadow of the White House, Kamala Harris is vowing to put country over party. Inside a New York City sports arena, Trump called his Democratic opponent “a train wreck who has destroyed everything in her path.” Trump’s allies also labeled Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage” and said Harris, who would be the first woman president, had begun her career as a prostitute. Two nights and 200 miles apart, the presidential candidates’ dueling closing arguments outlined in stark terms the choice U.S. voters face on Nov. 5. By Steve Peoples. SENT: 1,130 words, photos.

ELECTION-2024-HARRIS — Kamala Harris stood before an overflowing crowd near the White House and promised Americans she would fight for them every day as she urged voters to reject Donald Trump’s efforts to sow division and fear, declaring, “It doesn’t have to be this way.” By Zeke Miller and Chris Megerian. SENT: 1,300 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: ELECTION-2024-HARRIS-KEY-MOMENTS.

ELECTION-2024-TRUMP-THE-WEAVE — Over the closing weeks of his third presidential campaign, Donald Trump’s presentation has grown as disjointed as ever and notably darker. He has labeled his approach “the weave.” It is a stream of consciousness style whipsawing from dystopian warnings to light-hearted storytelling to policy pronouncements. He wields humor, braggadocio, anecdotes, grievances and grand promises. Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic opponent, encourages voters to see him in person, suggesting doing so only affirms that he is erratic and unfit for office. By Bill Barrow. SENT: 1,220 words, photos. WITH: ELECTION-2024-TRUMP — Trump calls Madison Square Garden rally a ‘lovefest.’

ELECTION-2024-RUSSIA — The U.S. presidential election on Tuesday carries significant stakes for the Kremlin. Vice President Kamala Harris is likely to try to continue the massive military and economic support to Ukraine undertaken by President Joe Biden as it defends itself against the invasion by Russia. Former President Donald Trump brags that his rapport with President Vladimir Putin would help him bring a quick end to the war, although he also has a mixed record with Moscow. SENT: 990 words, photos.

MIDEAST WARS — Gaza’s Health Ministry says two Israeli strikes in the northern Gaza Strip killed at least 88 people. The ministry said a five-story building was hit in one of the strikes, killing at least 60 people, more than half of them women and children. Israel has escalated airstrikes in northern Gaza in recent weeks, saying it is focused on rooting out Hamas militants who have regrouped after more than a year of war. By Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy and Bassem Mroue. SENT: 1,210 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: MIDEAST-WARS-THE-LATEST - Israel issues evacuation warning for the entire Baalbek city in eastern Lebanon. (sent).

LEBANON-ISRAEL-DESTROYED-VILLAGE — Lebanon-Israel border, was leveled by a series of explosions on Oct. 16. Ayman Jaber says his fond memories of growing up in the southern Lebanon village have been blighted by the violence wrought by the Israeli army in recent weeks. Homes, mosques, an ancient shrine, a cemetery; the entire village has been razed to the ground. The scene has been repeated across southern Lebanon since Israel invaded with the aim of pushing Hezbollah militants back from the border. By Sally Abou Aljoud. SENT: 960 words, photos.

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

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NORTH-KOREA-RUSSIA-YOUNG-SOLDIERS — The thousands of young soldiers North Korea has sent to Russia, reportedly to help fight against Ukraine, are mostly elite special forces, but that hasn’t stopped speculation they’ll be slaughtered because they have no combat experience, no familiarity with the terrain and will likely be dropped onto the most ferocious Russian-Ukraine battlefields. That may be true, and soon. SENT: 1,100 words, photos. WITH: RUSSIA-NORTH-KOREA — North Korea’s top diplomat is set to hold talks in Moscow following reports that Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to Russia. (sent).

RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR — Russia and Ukraine have exchanged scores of drone strikes that left at least four dead and dozens injured. Ukraine’s air force said that Russia launched 62 drones and one missile overnight, most of which were intercepted or jammed. SENT: 270 words, photos.

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SPOTLIGHTING VOICES

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ELECTION-2024-MEXICO-MIGRATION — The first place many migrants sleep after entering Mexico from Guatemala is inside a large structure, a roof above and fenced in the sides on a rural ranch. They call it the “chicken coop” and they don’t get to leave until they pay the cartel that runs it. Migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border have reached a four-year low, but days before the U.S. election, migrants continue pouring into Mexico. By Maria Verza. SENT: 1,210 words, photos, video.

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MORE NEWS

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NEW-ZEALAND-GIANT-HAND — A New Zealand city waves goodbye to its giant hand sculpture that many came to love. SENT: 550 words, photos.

AUSTRALIA-BLUEY-COINS — Australian police say they have recovered more than 40,000 stolen limited-edition coins based on the hit children’s animated series “Bluey.” SENT: 280 words, photos.

BEGGARS'-NIGHT-DES-MOINES — In a first since 1938, Des Moines, Iowa, kids will trick-or-treat on Halloween. SENT: 310 words, photos.

CAMBODIA-ANGKOR-ARTIFACTS — Cambodian archaeologists discover a dozen centuries-old sandstone statues at Angkor UNESCO site. SENT: 450 words, photos.

IRAN-SMARTPHONE-BAN — Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on imports of new iPhone 14, 15 and 16 models by the U.S. tech giant Apple. SENT: 340 words, photo.

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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ELECTION-2024-BIDEN-TRUMP — President Joe Biden is reacting to a comic calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage” at a Donald Trump rally by saying, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.” For some, it recalled then-Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton dismissing Trump supporters in 2016 by evoking a “basket of deplorables.” SENT: 830 words, photos, audio.

ELECTION-2024-LATINO-EVANGELICALS — Latinos are the fastest-growing group of American evangelicals. According to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey, 15% of Latinos identify as evangelical Protestants. They are an influential voting bloc, particularly in swing states. Both major parties are vying for their votes this election year when margins in the presidential election are expected to be thin. UPCOMING: 1,300 words, photos by 8 a.m.

ELECTION-2024-CELEBRITIES — Kamala Harris has Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift and Beyonce. Donald Trump has Kid Rock, Waka Flocka Flame and Hulk Hogan. As the 2024 campaign whirls into its final week, Democrats are noticeably leaning on their star power advantage. They’re calling on a diverse range of celebrities to endorse Harris, invigorate audiences and, they hope, spur people to head to the ballot box. SENT: 1,050 words, photos.

ELECTION-2024-MARYLAND-SENATE — Republican and Democratic voters in Maryland largely agree on one thing: the state’s U.S. Senate race between Republican Larry Hogan and Democrat Angela Alsobrooks has unusually high stakes this year. In a deeply blue state where a Republican hasn’t won a Senate race in more than 40 years, Hogan has wide name recognition as a popular two-term governor. SENT: 800 words, photos.

ELECTION-2024-WEST-VIRGINIA-GOVERNOR — The closest West Virginia voters could come to having their say at the ballot box on whether abortion should be legal in the post-Roe v. Wade era might be in this year’s governor’s race. State Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and Huntington Mayor Steve Williams have been leaders and occasional allies in the fight against drug abuse in West Virginia. But when it comes to reproductive rights, the two could hardly be further apart. SENT: 800 words, photos.

For more AP election coverage plans, click here.

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NATIONAL

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REL-PENNSYLVANIA-CAPITOL-CLERGY — Pennsylvania’s State Capitol, in perhaps the most pivotal of swing states, could be a crucial venue if the upcoming election leads to worsening political divisions. UPCOMING: 1,040 words, photos by 8 a.m.

EAGLES-KILLED-BLACK-MARKET — America’s golden eagles face a rising threat from a black market for their feathers used in Native American powwows and other ceremonies, according to wildlife officials, researchers and tribal members. SENT: 1,210 words, photos, video.

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INTERNATIONAL

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SPAIN-FLOODS — Spanish authorities say at least 52 people have died after flash floods swept away cars, turned village streets into rivers and disrupted rail lines and highways. Emergency services in the eastern region of Valencia confirmed the death toll. Rainstorms on Tuesday caused flooding in a wide swath of southern and eastern Spain. SENT: 420 words, photos, video.

ASIA-TYPHOON — Northern Philippine provinces are forcibly evacuating villagers from high-risk areas as a powerful typhoon approached while the country is still recovering from a recent storm that left at least 182 dead and missing and many emergency shelters still crammed with displaced people. SENT: 500 words, photos, video.

KOREAS-TENSIONS — South Korea’s military intelligence agency told lawmakers that North Korea has likely completed preparations for its seventh nuclear test and is close to test-firing a long-range missile capable of reaching the United States. SENT: 410 words, photos.

SLOVAKIA-BATHORY-LEGEND — More than 400 years after her death, the truth about “the Blood Countess,” a Hungarian noblewoman alleged to have been the most prolific female serial killer of all time, remains elusive. From her castle atop a rugged peak in what is today Slovakia, Elizabeth Báthory was alleged to have tortured and killed up to 650 young women and girls. Gruesome legends persist that she delighted in bathing in the blood of the victims, believing it would help retain her youth. SENT: 780 words, photos.

BOTSWANA-ELECTION — Polls have opened in an election in Botswana and voters are deciding if one of Africa’s longest-ruling parties stays on for another five-year term. The Botswana Democratic Party has been in power in the southern African nation for 58 years, since independence from Britain in 1966. SENT: 660 words, photos.

JAPAN-LGBTQ — A second high court has ruled that the Japanese government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. Wednesday’s ruling is the latest in a series of decisions upholding plaintiffs’ demands for marriage equality. The Tokyo High Court called the ongoing ban “a groundless legal discrimination based on sexual orientation.” SENT: 400 words, photo.

GERMANY-GOVERNMENT-WOES — Germany’s economy is struggling and the governing coalition has a lot of ideas on how to fix it. But it can’t agree which the right one is. The latest outbreak of infighting in Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government has raised questions about whether it will get anything done in the 11 months before Germany’s next election is due — and whether it will survive until then. There’s agreement that the state of the German economy, Europe’s biggest, demands action. SENT: 870 words, photo.

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BUSINESS ——————————

ECONOMY-GDP — Powered by consumer spending, the U.S. economy likely kept expanding at a healthy pace from July through September despite the pressure of still-high interest rates. The government is expected to report Wednesday that the gross domestic product grew at a 2.6% annual pace last quarter. That would be down from a 3% annual rate in the April-June period. SENT: 570 words, photo.

JOBS-REPORT-ELECTION — Four days before Election Day, the government will issue its final snapshot of hiring and unemployment in the United States after a presidential race in which voter perceptions of the economy have played a central role. Yet Friday’s report will include some of the most distorted monthly employment figures in years, with job growth having been held down temporarily in October by hurricanes and worker strikes. So just as Americans are looking for a clear read on the economy, they instead will get a muddied one. By Christopher Rugaber. SENT: 1,080 words, photos.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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OBIT-TERI-GARR — Teri Garr, the quirky comedy actor who rose from background dancer in Elvis Presley movies to co-star of such favorites as “Young Frankenstein” and “Tootsie,” has died. She was 79. SENT: 960 words, photos.

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SPORTS

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BBO-WORLD-SERIES — Anthony Volpe’s third-inning grand slam overcame Freddie Freeman’s record-setting home run, and the New York Yankees avoided a World Series sweep with an 11-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers that forced a Game 5. Freeman homered for his sixth straight Series game, hitting a two-run drive in the first inning for the second consecutive night. SENT: 1,000 words, photos. WITH: WORLD-SERIES-FAN-INTERFERENCE — Yankee Stadium fans ejected after one pries ball out of Mookie Betts’ glove at World Series. (sent).

Find a selection of related photos in the World Series photo collection in AP Newsroom.

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HOW TO REACH US

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At the Nerve Center, Richard A. Somma can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1600. For photos, Donald E. King ext. 1900. For graphics and interactives, ext. 7636. Expanded AP content can be obtained from AP Newsroom. For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, contact apcustomersupport@ap.org or call 844-777-2006.

New York Yankees' Anthony Volpe celebrates his grand slam home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning in Game 4 of the baseball World Series, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at PPL Center, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in Allentown, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

An Indian army soldier lights an earthen lamp on a fence to celebrate Diwali, near the Line of Control that divides Kashmir region between India and Pakistan, in Akhnoor sector, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.(AP Photo/Channi Anand)

A woman crosses herself attending a memorial service that commemorates the victims of Soviet-era purges as part of 'the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Political Repressions' at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

People walk through flooded streets in Valencia, Spain, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran wants to negotiate with Washington after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic over its bloody crackdown on protesters, a move coming as activists said Monday the death toll in the nationwide demonstrations rose to at least 544.

Iran had no immediate reaction to the news, which came after the foreign minister of Oman — long an interlocutor between Washington and Tehran — traveled to Iran this weekend. It also remains unclear just what Iran could promise, particularly as Trump has set strict demands over its nuclear program and its ballistic missile arsenal, which Tehran insists is crucial for its national defense.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran, insisted “the situation has come under total control” in fiery remarks that blamed Israel and the U.S. for the violence, without offering evidence.

“That’s why the demonstrations turned violent and bloody to give an excuse to the American president to intervene,” Araghchi said, in comments carried by the Qatar-funded Al Jazeera satellite news network. Al Jazeera has been allowed to report from inside the country live despite the internet being shut off.

Meanwhile Monday, Iran called for pro-government demonstrators to head to the streets in support of the theocracy, a show of force after days of protests directly challenging the rule of 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state television aired chants from the crowd, who shouted “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!”

Trump and his national security team have been weighing a range of potential responses against Iran including cyberattacks and direct strikes by the U.S. or Israel, according to two people familiar with internal White House discussions who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

“The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Sunday night. Asked about Iran’s threats of retaliation, he said: “If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they’ve never been hit before.”

Trump said that his administration was in talks to set up a meeting with Tehran, but cautioned that he may have to act first as reports of the death toll in Iran mount and the government continues to arrest protesters.

“I think they’re tired of being beat up by the United States,” Trump said. “Iran wants to negotiate.”

He added: “The meeting is being set up, but we may have to act because of what’s happening before the meeting. But a meeting is being set up. Iran called, they want to negotiate.”

Iran through country's parliamentary speaker warned Sunday that the U.S. military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if America uses force to protect demonstrators.

More than 10,600 people also have been detained over the two weeks of protests, said the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate in previous unrest in recent years and gave the death toll. It relies on supporters in Iran crosschecking information. It said 496 of the dead were protesters and 48 were with security forces.

With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the toll. Iran’s government has not offered overall casualty figures.

Those abroad fear the information blackout is emboldening hard-liners within Iran’s security services to launch a bloody crackdown. Protesters flooded the streets in the country’s capital and its second-largest city on Saturday night into Sunday morning. Online videos purported to show more demonstrations Sunday night into Monday, with a Tehran official acknowledging them in state media.

In Tehran, a witness told the AP that the streets of the capital empty at the sunset call to prayers each night. By the Isha, or nighttime prayer, the streets are deserted.

Part of that stems from the fear of getting caught in the crackdown. Police sent the public a text message that warned: “Given the presence of terrorist groups and armed individuals in some gatherings last night and their plans to cause death, and the firm decision to not tolerate any appeasement and to deal decisively with the rioters, families are strongly advised to take care of their youth and teenagers.”

Another text, which claimed to come from the intelligence arm of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, also directly warned people not to take part in demonstrations.

“Dear parents, in view of the enemy’s plan to increase the level of naked violence and the decision to kill people, ... refrain from being on the streets and gathering in places involved in violence, and inform your children about the consequences of cooperating with terrorist mercenaries, which is an example of treason against the country,” the text warned.

The witness spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing crackdown.

The demonstrations began Dec. 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at over 1.4 million to $1, as the country’s economy is squeezed by international sanctions in part levied over its nuclear program. The protests intensified and grew into calls directly challenging Iran’s theocracy.

Nikhinson reported from aboard Air Force One.

In this frame grab from video obtained by the AP outside Iran, a masked demonstrator holds a picture of Iran's Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during a protest in Tehran, Iran, Friday, January. 9, 2026. (UGC via AP)

In this frame grab from footage circulating on social media from Iran shows protesters taking to the streets despite an intensifying crackdown as the Islamic Republic remains cut off from the rest of the world in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.(UGC via AP)

In this frame grab from footage circulating on social media from Iran showed protesters once again taking to the streets of Tehran despite an intensifying crackdown as the Islamic Republic remains cut off from the rest of the world in Tehran, Iran, Saturday Jan. 10, 2026. (UGC via AP)