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AP News Digest 6 p.m.

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AP News Digest 6 p.m.
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AP News Digest 6 p.m.

2024-08-02 05:57 Last Updated At:06:02

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 in AP Newsroom.

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Cameron Wood of The United States leads other riders as he competes in the men's BMX racing event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Cameron Wood of The United States leads other riders as he competes in the men's BMX racing event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Kate Douglass, of the United States, celebrates after winning the women's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Kate Douglass, of the United States, celebrates after winning the women's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Simone Biles, of the United States, performs on the balance beam during the women's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Simone Biles, of the United States, performs on the balance beam during the women's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a eulogy for U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, left, listens, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a eulogy for U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, left, listens, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, third right, leads a prayer over the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in an assassination blamed on Israel on Wednesday, during their funeral ceremony at the Tehran University campus, in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian prays at second right. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, third right, leads a prayer over the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in an assassination blamed on Israel on Wednesday, during their funeral ceremony at the Tehran University campus, in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian prays at second right. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

A Russian Plane, believed to be carrying released Russian prisoners, leaves the Ankara Airport, Turkey, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo)

A Russian Plane, believed to be carrying released Russian prisoners, leaves the Ankara Airport, Turkey, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo)

Leon Marchand, of France, competes in the men's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Nanterre, France. Marchand won gold setting a new Olympic record. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Leon Marchand, of France, competes in the men's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Nanterre, France. Marchand won gold setting a new Olympic record. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Shinnosuke Oka, left, and teammate Daiki Hashimoto, of Japan, celebrate after Oka won the gold during the men's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Shinnosuke Oka, left, and teammate Daiki Hashimoto, of Japan, celebrate after Oka won the gold during the men's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Flames rise amid the billowing smoke from a wildland fire burning along the ridges near the Ken Caryl Ranch development Wednesday, July 31, 2024, southwest of Littleton, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Flames rise amid the billowing smoke from a wildland fire burning along the ridges near the Ken Caryl Ranch development Wednesday, July 31, 2024, southwest of Littleton, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump walks off stage after speaking at the National Association of Black Journalists, NABJ, convention, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump walks off stage after speaking at the National Association of Black Journalists, NABJ, convention, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

People protest to condemn the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

People protest to condemn the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

A protester weeps as the others hold an anti-Israeli placard and a poster of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a demonstration to condemn killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, at Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

A protester weeps as the others hold an anti-Israeli placard and a poster of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a demonstration to condemn killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, at Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

President Nicolas Maduro gestures during a news conference at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, three days after his disputed reelection. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

President Nicolas Maduro gestures during a news conference at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, three days after his disputed reelection. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

NEW/DEVELOPING

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Adds: BRITAIN-CHILDREN-STABBED-MISINFORMATION; WILDFIRES; OLY-NBC’S-OLYMPICS; ICE-BUCKET-CHALLENGE; OLY-GYM-WOMEN’S-ALL-AROUND; VENEZUELA-ELECTION; VENEZUELA-ELECTIONS:-PHOTO-COLLECTION; UNITED STATES-RUSSIA-PRISONER SWAP:-PHOTO-COLLECTION; EVAN-GERSHKOVICH:-PHOTO-COLLECTION; INDIA’S ABANDONED ELDERLY PORTRAITS: PHOTO-COLLECTION; OLY-SWM-SWIMMING; BBN-OHTANI-SPORTS-GAMBLING-INVESTIGATION; CALIFORNIA-ANIMALS-BEHIND-THE-FIRE-LINES; JIMMY-CARTER-100TH-BIRTHDAY; RUSSIA-PRISONER-SWAP-THINGS-TO-KNOW; OLY-BKL-GRINER-PRISONER-SWAP

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ONLY ON AP

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AP POLL-ELECTION 2024-DEM VP — As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to announce her running mate, a new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that several of the top potential contenders for the role are largely unknown to voters. Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly stands out as a prospect who has more name recognition — and higher favorability, particularly among Democrats. By Linley Sanders and Seung Min Kim. SENT: 1,060 words, photos, audio.

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TOP STORIES

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UNITED STATES-RUSSIA-PRISONER SWAP — The United States and Russia have completed their biggest prisoner swap in post-Soviet history, with Moscow releasing journalist Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan, along with dissidents including Vladimir Kara-Murza, in a multinational deal that set two dozen people free. By Eric Tucker, Dasha Litvinova and Matthew Lee. SENT: 1,340 words, photos, videos. With UNITED STATES-RUSSIA-PRISONER SWAP-THE LATEST; RUSSIA-PRISONER-SWAP-THINGS-TO-KNOW; RUSSIA-PRISONER SWAP-HISTORY — As a historic prisoner exchange unfolds, a look back at other famous East-West swaps; RUSSIA-PRISONER-SWAP-GLANCE; US-RUSSIA-PRISONER SWAP-KRASIKOV — Putin called him a patriot. But who is Vadim Krasikov, a Russian released in the mass prisoner swap? MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS-UNITED STATES — Israel’s leader is ever more openly at odds with Biden administration efforts to calm the region; OLY-BKL-GRINER-PRISONER-SWAP — Brittney Griner: ‘Head over heels’ for Americans coming home in prisoner swap; UNITED STATES-RUSSIA-PRISONER SWAP:-PHOTO-COLLECTION — 12 photos; EVAN-GERSHKOVICH:-PHOTO-COLLECTION — 18 photos (all sent).

IRAN-HAMAS — Hezbollah’s leader has warned that the conflict with Israel has entered a “new phase,” as he addressed mourners at the funeral of a commander from the group who was killed by an Israeli airstrike this week in Beirut. SENT: 1,030 words, photos, video, audio. With ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS — Israel says it has confirmed that chief of Hamas’ military wing was killed in a July strike in Gaza; IRAN-LEBANON-ISRAEL-RETALIATION — For Iran and Hezbollah, calibrating response to Israeli strikes leaves no room for error; ISRAEL-IRAN-SHADOW WAR — Hamas leader’s assassination sheds light on a long history of alleged Israeli attacks in Iran; MIDEAST-TENSIONS-THE-LATEST (all sent).

HARRIS-TEXAS CONGRESSWOMAN — Vice President Kamala Harris has eulogized longtime U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as a “force of nature” as memorials for the longtime Democratic lawmaker drew to a close. Harris took time away from her presidential campaign to describe Jackson Lee, who represented Houston in Congress, as a coalition builder and expert in the legislative process. By Juan A. Lozano and Chris Megerian. SENT: 600 words, photos, videos.

INDIA'S-ABANDONED-ELDERLY — In its traditions, in its religious tenets and in its laws, India has long cemented the belief that it is a child’s duty to care for his aging parents. But in a land known for revering its elderly, a secret shame has emerged: A burgeoning population of older people abandoned by their own families. By Matt Sedensky. SENT: 2,680 words, photos, video. With INDIA'S ABANDONED ELDERLY PORTRAITS: PHOTO-COLLECTION — 12 photos (sent).

OLY-THE OLYMPIC TRUCE — More than 100 conflicts fester around the world. The Middle East teeters on the brink of a regional war. In Ukraine, Russia advances slowly but steadily in the east, reducing towns to rubble. The “Olympic Truce,” clearly, is not being heeded. By Mallika Sen and Hanna Arhirova. SENT: 1,040 words, photos.

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SPOTLIGHTING VOICES

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-PALESTINIAN-DOCTOR — In Ukraine, he is Alya Shabaanovich Gali. He’s a doctor with lines of patients waiting for him. To family in Gaza, he is Alaa Shabaan Abu Ghali. He’s the one who left. Gali moved decades ago. Through calls, he kept up with family in Gaza. But mostly, their lives played out in parallel. On July 8, wars collided for Gali. Weeks after learning of relatives’ deaths in Gaza, the medical center where he works was hit by a missile. By Samya Kullab. SENT: 1,200 words, photos.

HAWAII-WILDFIRE-COLLEGE-SCHOLARSHIPS — Nearly a year after the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century destroyed their historic Maui town, there’s a bright spot for 13 recent Lahainaluna High School graduates who are receiving scholarships that will cover the cost of attending an out-of-state college. It’s a life-changing opportunity for most any Hawaii high school student, but even bigger for those who survived the fire that left behind so much uncertainty in their lives. By Jennifer Sinco Kelleher. SENT: 720 words, photos.

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PARIS OLYMPICS

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OLY-GYM-WOMEN'S-ALL-AROUND — Simone Biles edges Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade for her second Olympic all-around gymnastics title. SENT: 870 words, photos. OLY-GYM-WOMEN’S-ALL-AROUND-THE-LATEST (sent).

OLY-SWM-SWIMMING — Canada’s Summer McIntosh claims 2nd swimming gold medal of the Paris Olympics. SENT: 200 words, photos.

OLY-NBC'S-OLYMPICS — The Snoop Olympics: Paris proving a boon to NBC after interest waned in Tokyo and Beijing Games. SENT: 770 words.

You can find Summer Olympics 2024-The Daily Rundown in your CMS or in AP Newsroom.

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RUSSIA UKRAINE WAR

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR-F-16S-EXPLAINER — The American-made F-16 is an iconic fighter jet that’s been the front-line combat plane of choice for the NATO alliance and numerous air forces around the world for 50 years. SENT: 1,070 words, photo, video.

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MORE NEWS

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BBN-OHTANI-SPORTS-GAMBLING-INVESTIGATION — Bookmaker to plead guilty in gambling case tied to baseball star Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter. SENT: 610 words.

JIMMY-CARTER-100TH-BIRTHDAY — Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday to be celebrated with musical gala at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre. SENT: 320 words, photos.

FILM-BRITNEY-SPEARS-BIOPIC — Universal Pictures has landed the rights to Britney Spears’ memoir “The Woman in Me” and will develop a biopic of the pop star.SENT: 240 words, photo.

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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ELECTION 2024-TRUMP — The backlash against Donald Trump’s attack on Kamala Harris’ racial identity intensifies. Democrats express new outrage and some Republicans distance themselves from Trump’s comments. Trump is shrugging off the criticism and doubling down. By Steve Peoples and Matt Brown. UPCOMING: 1,020 words, photos, video by 7 p.m. With ELECTION 2024-FUNDRAISING — Trump’s campaign and its related affiliates raised $138.7 million last month — less than what Harris took in during the opening week of her White House bid.

OSPREY-CRASH — A deadly Osprey aircraft crash last November off Japan was caused by cracks in a metal gear and the pilot’s decision to keep flying rather than heed multiple warnings that he should land, according to an Air Force investigation. By Tara Copp. SENT: 1,230 words, photos.

SUPREME-COURT-IMMUNITY-CONGRESS — Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer introduces legislation reaffirming that presidents do not have immunity for criminal actions, an attempt to reverse the Supreme Court’s landmark decision last month. SENT: 520 words, photo. With CONGRESS-CHILD TAX CREDIT — Senate Democrats tee up vote on child tax credit in election-year pitch to families (sent).

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NATIONAL

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WHITEY BULGER — An inmate has been sentenced to more than four years for his role in the 2018 fatal bludgeoning of notorious Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger in a troubled West Virginia federal prison. SENT: 860 words, photos.

ABORTION-UTAH — A near-total abortion ban will remain on hold in Utah after the state Supreme Court ruled that the law should remain blocked until a lower court can assess its constitutionality. SENT: 710 words, photo.

MEXICO-SINALOA-CARTEL — A powerful Mexican drug cartel leader has made his second appearance in federal court in Texas after being taken into U.S. custody last week. SENT: 320 words, photos.

WILDFIRES — A wildfire on the edge of metro Denver has crept within a quarter-mile of evacuated homes, but authorities said Thursday they were hopeful that hundreds of threatened residences could be saved as they grapple with sweltering temperatures and firefighters suffering heat exhaustion. SENT: 630 words, photos, video. With CALIFORNIA-ANIMALS-BEHIND-THE-FIRE-LINES — Behind the lines of red-hot wildfires, volunteers save animals with a warm heart and a cool head (sent).

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INTERNATIONAL

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BRITAIN-CHILDREN-STABBED — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the “tiny mindless minority” behind unrest that has plagued several cities after a horrific stabbing at a children’s dance class and vowed to put a stop to it as the 17-year-old suspect was publicly named in part to counter misinformation blamed as one cause of the fiery clashes. SENT: 1,020 words, photos, video, audio. With BRITAIN-CHILDREN-STABBED-MISINFORMATION — Online misinformation fueled tensions over the stabbing attack in Britain that killed 3 children (sent).

VENEZUELA-ELECTION — Diplomatic efforts are underway to persuade President Nicolás Maduro to release vote tallies from Venezuela’s presidential election, after opposition leaders disputed his claim of victory and amid increasing calls for an independent review of the results, according to officials from Brazil and México. SENT: 620 words, photos, video, audio. With VENEZUELA-ELECTIONS:-PHOTO-COLLECTION — 37 photos (sent).

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HEALTH & SCIENCE

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AFRICA-MPOX-OUTBREAK — African health officials say mpox cases have spiked by 160% so far this year, warning the risk of further spread is high given the lack of effective treatments or vaccines on the continent. SENT: 620 words, photo.

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BUSINESS

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SAGAFTRA-INTERACTIVE-STRIKE —More than 300 video game performers and Hollywood actors have picketed in front of the Warner Bros. Studios building to protest against what they call an unwillingness from top gaming companies to protect union voice actors and motion capture workers equally against the unregulated use of artificial intelligence. SENT: 850 words, photos.

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HOW TO REACH US

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At the Nerve Center, Jerome Minerva can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1600. For photos, 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.

Cameron Wood of The United States leads other riders as he competes in the men's BMX racing event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Cameron Wood of The United States leads other riders as he competes in the men's BMX racing event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Kate Douglass, of the United States, celebrates after winning the women's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Kate Douglass, of the United States, celebrates after winning the women's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Nanterre, France, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Simone Biles, of the United States, performs on the balance beam during the women's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Simone Biles, of the United States, performs on the balance beam during the women's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a eulogy for U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, left, listens, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a eulogy for U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, left, listens, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, third right, leads a prayer over the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in an assassination blamed on Israel on Wednesday, during their funeral ceremony at the Tehran University campus, in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian prays at second right. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, third right, leads a prayer over the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in an assassination blamed on Israel on Wednesday, during their funeral ceremony at the Tehran University campus, in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian prays at second right. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

A Russian Plane, believed to be carrying released Russian prisoners, leaves the Ankara Airport, Turkey, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo)

A Russian Plane, believed to be carrying released Russian prisoners, leaves the Ankara Airport, Turkey, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo)

Leon Marchand, of France, competes in the men's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Nanterre, France. Marchand won gold setting a new Olympic record. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Leon Marchand, of France, competes in the men's 200-meter breaststroke final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Nanterre, France. Marchand won gold setting a new Olympic record. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Shinnosuke Oka, left, and teammate Daiki Hashimoto, of Japan, celebrate after Oka won the gold during the men's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Shinnosuke Oka, left, and teammate Daiki Hashimoto, of Japan, celebrate after Oka won the gold during the men's artistic gymnastics all-around finals in Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Flames rise amid the billowing smoke from a wildland fire burning along the ridges near the Ken Caryl Ranch development Wednesday, July 31, 2024, southwest of Littleton, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Flames rise amid the billowing smoke from a wildland fire burning along the ridges near the Ken Caryl Ranch development Wednesday, July 31, 2024, southwest of Littleton, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump walks off stage after speaking at the National Association of Black Journalists, NABJ, convention, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump walks off stage after speaking at the National Association of Black Journalists, NABJ, convention, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

People protest to condemn the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

People protest to condemn the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

A protester weeps as the others hold an anti-Israeli placard and a poster of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a demonstration to condemn killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, at Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

A protester weeps as the others hold an anti-Israeli placard and a poster of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a demonstration to condemn killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, at Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said early Wednesday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

President Nicolas Maduro gestures during a news conference at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, three days after his disputed reelection. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

President Nicolas Maduro gestures during a news conference at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, July 31, 2024, three days after his disputed reelection. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

The path for the NFL's Washington Commanders to return to the nation’s capital is clear after an on-again, off-again saga in Congress ended early Saturday with a postmidnight reprieve.

The U.S. Senate passed a resolution to transfer the land including old RFK Stadium from the federal government to the District of Columbia. The D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act passed by voice vote at roughly 1:15 a.m. after more than a year of lobbying and support from Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., district Mayor Muriel Bowser, Commanders controlling owner Josh Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

“We are extremely grateful that our elected officials have come together on a bipartisan basis to give Washington, D.C., the opportunity to decide on the future of the RFK Stadium site," Harris said. "This bill will create an equal playing field so that all potential future locations for the home of the Washington Commanders can be fairly considered and give our franchise the opportunity to provide the best experience for all of our fans.”

The RFK Stadium land provision was part of Congress’ initial short-term spending bill Tuesday before it was torpedoed by President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the latter of whom amplified misinformation about the site on his social media platform X. Two versions of the House's slimmed-down bill, including the one that passed Friday night to avoid a government shutdown, did not include it.

Giving the local government control of the land for the next 99 years allows for the decaying husk of the old stadium to be torn down and the site redeveloped for any number of things. One of the possibilities is a football stadium and surrounding entertainment options at the franchise's former home.

Bowser called it “a win for D.C., for our region and for America.”

“Everybody loves a good comeback story — and that’s D.C.’s story,” she said.

All that awaits is President Joe Biden's signature to become law. Comer went as far as saying that Senate passage of the bill is “a historic moment for our nation's capital.”

“If Congress failed to act today, this decaying land in Washington would continue to cost taxpayers a fortune to maintain,” he said. “Revitalizing this RFK Memorial Stadium site has been a top economic priority for the city, and I am proud to have partnered with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to get this bill across the finish line and to the president’s desk. This bipartisan success is a testament to the House Oversight Committee’s unwavering effort to protect taxpayers and our full commitment to ensuring a capital that is prosperous for residents and visitors for generations to come.”

Playing in Washington again is no sure thing. The Commanders are considering places in the district, Maryland and Virginia to build a stadium in the coming years.

Their lease at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, runs through 2027. Harris called 2030 a “reasonable target” for a new stadium.

The team played at RFK Stadium 2 miles (3.22 kilometers) east of the Capitol from 1961-96 before moving to Maryland. Harris and several co-owners, including Mitch Rales and Mark Ein, grew up as Washington football fans during that era, which included the glory days of three Super Bowl championships from 1982-91.

Part of the way the provision got into the bill initially involved an agreement between the team and Maryland to tear down the current stadium in a timely fashion and redevelop the site with a project of equal economic impact, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press earlier this week on condition of anonymity because the deal was not being publicized.

After the Senate greenlit the RFK Stadium land transfer, Maryland Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, both Democrats, said they continued to believe their state's partnership with the team should continue long into the future.

“After working to level the financial playing field, and receiving assurances that should the team move they will redevelop the existing site in a manner that meets the needs of the community, tonight we supported the proposed land transfer legislation,” Cardin and Van Hollen said. "We have always supported the District’s effort to control its own land, and through regional discussions and cooperation, our concerns with this proposal have been addressed.”

The team has played games in Maryland since 1997 and practices in Ashburn, Virginia, not far from Dulles International Airport.

A return to the district would be another victory for Bowser, who on Thursday celebrated the start of an $800 million downtown arena renovation that is keeping the NBA's Wizards and NHL's Capitals in town. At that news conference, she took aim at Musk for sharing incorrect information on X, formerly Twitter, about taxpayers footing the bill for a new stadium.

“It was stated that the (continuing resolution) contains $3 billion for a stadium,” Bowser said. "All wrong. There are no federal dollars related to the transfer of RFK, and in fact the legislation does not require or link at all to a stadium. We’re talking about how the District can invest in removing blight.”

Musk reshared an inaccurate post saying: “Buried in the 1,547-page omnibus bill is a provision to facilitate a $3 billion NFL stadium in Washington, D.C." with the message, “This should not be funded by your tax dollars!”

The bill specifically prohibits the use of federal funds for a stadium on the site, “including training facilities, offices, and other structures necessary to support a stadium.”

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

FILE - A vehicle pushes up pikes of snow after trucks dump their loads of snow in the parking lots of RFK Stadium in Washington, Monday, Jan. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

FILE - A vehicle pushes up pikes of snow after trucks dump their loads of snow in the parking lots of RFK Stadium in Washington, Monday, Jan. 25, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

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