AP News Digest 6 p.m.

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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WEEKEND COVERAGE

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For weekend stories, please click here for the Weekend Lookahead digest.

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NEW/DEVELOPING

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Adds: PERDUE-CHICKEN-RECALL; COLOMBIA-MEGHAN-HARRY

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TOP STORIES

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ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS — Israeli strikes across Gaza killed 29 people including young quintuplets, health officials say, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Israel to try to seal a cease-fire deal that could help ease soaring regional tensions. By Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy. SENT: 870 words, photos, videos, audio. With ISRAEL-UNITED-STATES — Blinken, on ninth Mideast trip since Gaza war began, seeks cease-fire momentum as talks to resume (sent).

ELECTION-2024-DNC-EXPLAINER — It’s been nearly two weeks since Vice President Kamala Harris officially won the Democratic presidential nomination in an online vote. But the roughly 4,700 delegates charged with picking a nominee did so in relative isolation from one other in a process that wasn’t much fun for anyone. Democratic party leaders hope to correct that by holding a ceremonial vote at the Democratic National Convention, which begins Monday in Chicago. By Robert Yoon. SENT: 1,270 words, photos.

ELECTION-2024-HARRIS — Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz have visited small towns and rallied local campaign volunteers while embarking on a bus tour of southwestern Pennsylvania, hoping to ride a wave of enthusiasm for her candidacy to their party’s nominating convention in Chicago this week. By Darlene Superville and Michelle L. Price. SENT: 1,170 words, photos, audio.

ELECTION-DNC-PROTESTS-EXPLAINER — Thousands of activists are expected to converge on Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention, hoping to call attention to abortion rights, economic injustice and the war in Gaza. While Vice President Kamala Harris has energized crowds of supporters as she prepares to accept the Democratic nomination, progressive activists maintain their mission remains the same. By Sophia Tareen. SENT: 1,040 words, photos, video.

ELECTION-2024-WYOMING-DWINDLING-DEMOCRATS — Democrats are flirting with extinction in some rural reaches of the U.S. In Niobrara County, Wyoming, the least-populated county in the least-populated state, Becky Blackburn is one of just 32 left. Some less populated counties have even fewer Democrats but the ones in Niobrara County are more outnumbered than any in the states that track local party affiliation. By Mead Gruver. SENT: 1,280 words, photos, video. Eds: This is the Monday Spotlight.

TROPICAL-STORM-ERNESTO — Tropical Storm Ernesto has become a hurricane again as it churned away from Bermuda and headed further out in the northeastern Atlantic, sending powerful swells toward the U.S. East Coast, generating rip currents associated with at least one death and prompting many rescues. By Ron Todt. SENT: 800 words, photos, audio.

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the daring military incursion into Russia’s Kursk region aims to create a buffer zone to prevent further attacks by Moscow across the border. It was the first time Zelenskyy clearly stated the aim of the operation, which was launched on Aug. 6. SENT: 1,190 words, photos, video, audio.

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MORE NEWS

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FILM-BOX-OFFICE — “Alien: Romulus,” the latest installment in the 45-year-old franchise, opens in first place at the North American box office. The 20th Century Studios release earned an estimated $41.5 million in its first weekend, where it was playing in 3,885 locations in the U.S. and Canada. SENT: 610 words, photos, audio.

FRANCE-OBIT-DELON — Alain Delon, the internationally acclaimed French actor who embodied both the bad guy and the policeman and made hearts throb around the world, died at age 88, French media reports. SENT: 830 words, photos.

BRITAIN-BANKSY — The London Zoo has removed Banksy’s gorilla mural from its entrance gate. The painting was the final animal-themed work by the street artist that appeared over nine consecutive days in London. It is now at least the fifth of those works to be either stolen, defaced or moved to a secure place for protection. SENT: 660 words, photos, videos, audio.

RUSSIA-EARTHQUAKE — One of Russia’s most active volcanoes has erupted, spewing plumes of ash 3 miles into the sky over the far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula and briefly triggering a “code red” warning for aircraft. SENT: 320 words, photo, video, audio.

COLOMBIA-MEGHAN-HARRY — On the final day of their visit to Colombia, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have participated in a forum regarding women of African descent. They also met with young people as part of a traditional music festival in the Pacific coast city of Cali. SENT: 350 words, photos.

PERDUE-CHICKEN-RECALL — Check your freezer. Perdue Foods is recalling more than 167,000 pounds of frozen chicken nuggets and tenders after some customers reported finding metal wire embedded in the products. SENT: 340 words, photo.

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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ELECTION-2024-WHERE-THEY-STAND — Vice President Kamala Harris has replaced President Joe Biden atop the presidential ticket, but his “finish the job” campaign mantra can still largely apply to her top policy goals. Former President Donald Trump, for his part, is itching to get back to the White House and accomplish what he didn’t during his first term. While details are still rather vague for Harris on policy, there’s no doubt that whoever prevails in November will seek to shape the landscape of American life in ways wholly distinct from their opponent. SENT: 2,990 words, photo.

ELECTION-2024-BLACK-MALE-VOTERS — Black male voters are traditionally one of the most consistently Democratic-leaning demographics in the nation. The potential election of Vice President Kamala Harris has refocused attention on Black men, a demographic that Democrats and Republicans view as persuadable but whose multifaceted experiences and political preferences often go unaddressed in public debate. SENT: 1,170 words, photos.

ELECTION-2024-DNC-HOW-TO-WATCH — The Democratic National Convention kicks off Monday, with delegates and officials descending on Chicago after a wild few weeks that saw the party switch out its nominee, upending what had already been an unprecedented campaign year. SENT: 800 words, photos.

ELECTION-2024-FLORIDA-PRIMARY — Compared with the wild twists and turns of the presidential election, Florida’s primary will be relatively tame. The only statewide race on Tuesday’s ballot is for the Senate seat held by Republican Rick Scott, who will learn who he will face in November. SENT: 610 words, photos.

See more on Election 2024 here.

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NATIONAL

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VIDEO-GAME-PERFORMERS-AI — Video game performers say the physical strain and hours put into motion capture and voice work make it worth protecting against artificial intelligence. SAG-AFTRA’s video game workers are now on strike. They argue that all performers — from stunt workers to voice acting stars — should be protected equally from the use of unregulated AI. SENT: 1,190 words, photos, audio.

PYTHON HUNTING-FLORIDA — In the dead of night, hunters go deep into the Florida Everglades, searching for the invasive Burmese pythons that are eating up mice, rabbits and other prey. In the eerie darkness, these hunters stalk pythons, hoping to win a prize during Florida’s annual Python Challenge. SENT: 920 words, photos, video.

COLORADO AIRSHOW-HEAT ILLNESS — Extreme heat at a Colorado airshow caused about 100 people to seek emergency treatment and sent 10 people to area hospitals, officials said. SENT: 260 words, photo.

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INTERNATIONAL

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SUDAN-CHOLERA — Sudan has been stricken by a cholera outbreak that has killed nearly two dozen people and sickened hundreds more in recent weeks, health authorities say. The African nation has been roiled by a 16-month conflict and devastating floods. SENT: 590 words, photos, graphic, audio.

CHINA-VIETNAM — Vietnam’s new leader To Lam is making China the destination for his first overseas visit, signaling the continuing importance the Southeast Asian country places on its giant neighbor even as it strengthens ties with the United States and others. SENT: 570 words, photo.

THAILAND-POLITICS — Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of the divisive former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, became Thailand’s prime minister after receiving a royal letter of endorsement two days after she was chosen by Parliament following a court order that removed her predecessor. SENT: 790 words, photos, video.

YEMEN — Famine is looming in four Yemeni districts after instances of hunger have rapidly surged among children in areas controlled by the internationally recognized government, a report by international experts said. SENT: 570 words, graphic.

MALI-GARBAGE-COLLECTION — Hauling garbage in Mali’s capital, Bamako, can be grim. The city more than doubled its population in recent years and struggles to manage its waste. Piles of garbage dominate some streets. Residents are turning to donkey carts for garbage pickup. But the city doesn’t have landfill sites that meet required standards. Authorities and residents blame each other for the trash problem. SENT: 520 words, photos, video.

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SPORTS

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UFC-305 — South African Dricus du Plessis took a flurry of body hits across four rounds before defeating Israel Adesanya by submission to retain his middleweight championship at UFC 305. SENT: 420 words, photos.

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HOW TO REACH US

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At the Nerve Center, Vincent K. Willis 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.

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe controls the ball during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Mallorca and Real Madrid at the Son Moix Stadium in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Ubilla)

A man dressed as a cake plays with his dog during a costume contest celebrating the feast day of Saint Roch, the patron saint of dogs, in La Paz, Bolivia, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

People pass a reproduction of a Banksy mural outside the London Zoo, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. The London Zoo has removed Banksy's gorilla mural from its entrance gate. The painting was the final animal-themed work by the street artist that appeared over nine consecutive days in London. (AP Photo/Brian Melley)

Thailand's new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra talks to media members after receiving a royal letter of endorsement for the post at the Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, left, Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, right, and his wife Gwen Walz arrive at Pittsburgh International Airport, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Supporters look on as Air Force Two with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on board lands at Pittsburgh International Airport, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Carolina Panthers linebacker Eku Leota, left, grabs the face mask of New York Jets quarterback Adrian Martinez during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Connor Heyward (83) leaps over Buffalo Bills safety Kendall Williamson (36) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks at a campaign rally, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, at The Astro in La Vista, Neb. (AP Photo/Bonnie Ryan)

Venezuelan nationals protest against the official results that declared President Nicolas Maduro the winner of the July presidential election, in Mexico City, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Aurea Del Rosario)

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, lower right, waves a Venezuelan national flag, during a rally to protest official results that declared President Nicolas Maduro the winner of the July presidential election, in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado waves a Venezuelan national flag during a rally to protest official results that declared President Nicolas Maduro the winner of the July presidential election, in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)

Veterinarian students hold candles and walk in a protest rally against the alleged rape and killing of a trainee doctor at a government hospital last week, in Guwahati, India, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Palestinians evacuate Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, as part of a mass evacuation ordered by the Israeli military ahead of an operation, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

A Palestinian woman evacuates Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, as part of a mass evacuation ordered by the Israeli military ahead of an operation, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea on Thursday, South Korea’s military said, days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to put his nuclear force fully ready for battle with its rivals.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected the missiles launched from North Korea's capital flying 360 kilometers (about 220 miles) before landing in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed officials to ensure the safety of ships and aircraft, but there were no immediate reports of damage.

The reported fight distances suggest the missiles were designed to attack targets in South Korea. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff condemned the launches as a provocation that poses a serious threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The launches were North Korea's first public weapons firing activities in more than two months. On July 1, North Korea claimed to have tested a new tactical weapon capable of delivering a “super-large” 4.5 ton-class warhead.

In a Monday speech marking his government's 76th foundation anniversary, Kim said he would redouble efforts to make his nuclear force fully ready for combat with the United States and its allies. Kim made such a pledge saying North Korea faces “a grave threat” because of what he called “the reckless expansion” of a U.S.-led regional military bloc.

Kim has made similar vows numerous times, but his latest threat came as outside experts believe North Korea could carry out a nuclear test explosion or long-range missile test-launches ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November to boost its leverage in future dealings with the U.S.

On Sunday, North Korea's state media published a photo of Kim inspecting a 12-axel vehicle that would be the the country's biggest missile launch platform. That sparked speculation that the North could be developing a more powerful intercontinental ballistic missile designed to strike the U.S. mainland.

Recent commercial satellite images indicate that North Korea’s northeastern nuclear test site incurred minor damage from heavy summer rains in recent weeks and that no notable recent work was detected at its tunnels, 38 North, a North Korea-focused website, said an analytical piece published Wednesday.

Thursday's launches also came after North Korea flew hundreds of huge balloons carrying rubbish toward South Korea for five straight days through Sunday.

Since 2022, North Korea has sharply ramped up its weapons testing activities in part of its efforts to perfect its capabilities to launch strikes on the U.S. and South Korea. The U.S. and South Korea have responded by expanding military drills that North Korea calls invasion rehearsals.

Last month, Kim had still held off from missile tests or other provocative military demonstrations as the United States and South Korea conducted large-scale summertime military exercises. North Korea has previously performed missiles tests to protest other major U.S.-South Korean military training.

Prior to the U.S.-South Korean exercises, Kim staged a big ceremony in Pyongyang to mark the delivery of 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers to frontline military units and called for a ceaseless expansion of his country's nuclear program. The Aug. 4 event added to concerns about Kim’s pushes to deploy battlefield nuclear weapons along the tense border with South Korea.

Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.

A TV screen shows a file image of North Korea's missile launch during a news program at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

A TV screen shows a file image of North Korea's missile launch during a news program at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korea says North Korea has fired a ballistic missile toward the sea

South Korea says North Korea has fired a ballistic missile toward the sea

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech, marking the country's 76th founding anniversary in Pyongyang, North Korea Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)