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AP News Digest 7 a.m.

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AP News Digest 7 a.m.
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AP News Digest 7 a.m.

2024-08-30 19:01 Last Updated At:19:11

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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Bodyguards take away a man who allegedly carried out an attack with red paint at an election campaign event organized by the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) on Cathedral Square, in Erfurt, Germany, Thursday Aug. 29, 2024. (Martin Schutt/dpa via AP)

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.

Panda Yuanyuan enjoys her birthday cake for her 20th birthday at the Taipei Zoo in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. Yuanyuan was a gift from China to mark warming ties with Taiwan in 2008. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

Panda Yuanyuan enjoys her birthday cake for her 20th birthday at the Taipei Zoo in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. Yuanyuan was a gift from China to mark warming ties with Taiwan in 2008. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

FILE - Norway's Princess Martha Louise and her fiance Durek Verrett arrive at the government's party event in connection with Princess Ingrid Alexandra's 18th birthday, which is held at Deichman Bjoervika, Oslo's main library, Thursday June 16, 2022. (Hakon Mosvold Larsen/NTB via AP, File)

FILE - Norway's Princess Martha Louise and her fiance Durek Verrett arrive at the government's party event in connection with Princess Ingrid Alexandra's 18th birthday, which is held at Deichman Bjoervika, Oslo's main library, Thursday June 16, 2022. (Hakon Mosvold Larsen/NTB via AP, File)

FILE -Nemo of Switzerland, who performed the song The Code, celebrates after winning the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, May 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

FILE -Nemo of Switzerland, who performed the song The Code, celebrates after winning the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, May 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

Whitney Bogart dives to catch the ball during during the Women's preliminary round Goalball game against France at the 2024 Paralympics, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Whitney Bogart dives to catch the ball during during the Women's preliminary round Goalball game against France at the 2024 Paralympics, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, gestures to fans after losing to Botic van De Zandschulp, of the Netherlands, in a second round match of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, gestures to fans after losing to Botic van De Zandschulp, of the Netherlands, in a second round match of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

FILE - New Zealand Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitia, from left, reacts with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at Turangawaewae Marae, Hamilton, New Zealand, Nov. 8, 2015. (David Rowland/Pool Photo via the AP, File)

FILE - New Zealand Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitia, from left, reacts with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at Turangawaewae Marae, Hamilton, New Zealand, Nov. 8, 2015. (David Rowland/Pool Photo via the AP, File)

Christina Hernon, an emergency physician, stands outside the Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, Mass., on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Nick Perry)

Christina Hernon, an emergency physician, stands outside the Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, Mass., on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Nick Perry)

A bulldozer collects dead fish from a river near the port city of Volos, central Greece, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, following a mass die-off linked to extreme climate fluctuations. (AP Photo/Vaggelis Kousioras)

A bulldozer collects dead fish from a river near the port city of Volos, central Greece, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, following a mass die-off linked to extreme climate fluctuations. (AP Photo/Vaggelis Kousioras)

This photo provided by Michael Langer shows a flash flood at Grand Canyon National Park, Thursday, Aug 22, 2024 on the Havasupai Reservation in Arizona. (Michael Langer via AP)

This photo provided by Michael Langer shows a flash flood at Grand Canyon National Park, Thursday, Aug 22, 2024 on the Havasupai Reservation in Arizona. (Michael Langer via AP)

Women shout slogans as Indian policemen fire teargas and live ammunition in the air to stop a protest march in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Aug. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin, File)

Women shout slogans as Indian policemen fire teargas and live ammunition in the air to stop a protest march in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Aug. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin, File)

Joesph Diamond, associate professor of anthropology at New Paltz, talks to some of his students as they work at the site of an African burial ground in Kingston, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Joesph Diamond, associate professor of anthropology at New Paltz, talks to some of his students as they work at the site of an African burial ground in Kingston, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

From left: Silver medalist Ziyodakhon Isakova from Uzbekistan, gold medalist Leonor Angelica Espinoza Carranza from Peru, co-bronze medalist Khwansuda Phuangkitcha of Thailand, and co-bronze medalist Zakia Khudadadi, from Afghanistan and part of the Paralympic Refugee team, celebrate after the Para Taekwondo K44-47kg class competition, during the Paralympic Games in Paris, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Madeleine Mertens)

From left: Silver medalist Ziyodakhon Isakova from Uzbekistan, gold medalist Leonor Angelica Espinoza Carranza from Peru, co-bronze medalist Khwansuda Phuangkitcha of Thailand, and co-bronze medalist Zakia Khudadadi, from Afghanistan and part of the Paralympic Refugee team, celebrate after the Para Taekwondo K44-47kg class competition, during the Paralympic Games in Paris, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Madeleine Mertens)

Chamaine Brown holds her son, Kelzie Lewis, 3, before a high school equivalency (HiSET) diploma graduation ceremony for the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) in New Orleans, Thursday, June 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Chamaine Brown holds her son, Kelzie Lewis, 3, before a high school equivalency (HiSET) diploma graduation ceremony for the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) in New Orleans, Thursday, June 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

18-year-old Zaire Byrd poses for a photo, Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

18-year-old Zaire Byrd poses for a photo, Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

This frame grab from video released by the Ansar Allah Media Office, the media arm of Yemen's Houthi rebels, on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, shows explosions striking the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion in the Red Sea after Yemen's Houthi rebels boarded and set explosives on the tanker, which was earlier abandoned after the Houthis repeatedly attacked it, setting off blasts that put the Red Sea at risk of a major oil spill. The logo in the bottom righthand corner of the image reads in Arabic: "Yemeni War Media." (Ansar Allah Media Office via AP)

This frame grab from video released by the Ansar Allah Media Office, the media arm of Yemen's Houthi rebels, on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, shows explosions striking the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion in the Red Sea after Yemen's Houthi rebels boarded and set explosives on the tanker, which was earlier abandoned after the Houthis repeatedly attacked it, setting off blasts that put the Red Sea at risk of a major oil spill. The logo in the bottom righthand corner of the image reads in Arabic: "Yemeni War Media." (Ansar Allah Media Office via AP)

Palestinians inspect their houses after they were destroyed by the Israeli bombardment on east of Deir al-Balah, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians inspect their houses after they were destroyed by the Israeli bombardment on east of Deir al-Balah, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Thomas Kasza, a former Green Beret with over 13 years of service in both Afghanistan and Iraq, and now the executive director and founder of the 1208 Foundation, stands for a portrait with some of his military memorabilia in Long Beach, Calif., on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Thomas Kasza, a former Green Beret with over 13 years of service in both Afghanistan and Iraq, and now the executive director and founder of the 1208 Foundation, stands for a portrait with some of his military memorabilia in Long Beach, Calif., on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Alro Steel, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Potterville, Mich. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at Alro Steel, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Potterville, Mich. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris disembarks from Air Force Two upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Md/. Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (Saul Loeb/Pool via AP)

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris disembarks from Air Force Two upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Md/. Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (Saul Loeb/Pool via AP)

TOP STORIES

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ELECTION 2024-HARRIS — Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday defended shifting away from her some of her more liberal positions in her first major television interview of her presidential campaign. But she insisted her “values have not changed,” even as she is “seeking consensus.” Sitting with running mate Tim Walz, Harris was asked about changes in her policies over the years, specifically her reversals on fracking and decriminalizing illegal border crossings. The CNN interview comes as voters are still trying to learn more about the Democratic ticket under an unusually compressed time frame. By Zeke Miller and Colleen Long. 1,010 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: ELECTION-2024-MEDIA-HARRIS-INTERVIEW — By not submitting to a press interview in the month since becoming the Democratic choice, Harris set the stakes high for her talk with CNN’s Dana Bash. SENT: 660 words, photos.

ELECTION 2024-TRUMP — Donald Trump is set to appear at the annual gathering of the controversial nonprofit group Moms for Liberty, aiming to shore up support with a key part of his base: conservatives who agree with him that parents should have a larger say in education. The group has spearheaded efforts to get mentions of LGBTQ+ identity and structural racism out of schools. By Ali Swenson and Will Weissert. SENT: 660 words, photos. Pennsylvania rally at 4:30 p.m. WITH: TRUMP-HUSH-MONEY — Trump's lawyers on Thursday asked a federal court to intervene in his hush money criminal case. SENT: 990 words, photo, audio.

AFGHANISTAN-THE-LONGEST-911-CALL — Three years ago, the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan when the last American plane departed Kabul. In the three years since, a smattering of volunteers in the U.S. have worked to get some of the nation’s Afghan allies out of the Taliban-controlled country and into new lives abroad. Sometimes the work has been frustrating and affected their mental health. They see it as a duty for those left behind who helped Americans at great risk to their safety. By Rebecca Santana and Farnoush Amiri. SENT: 3,490 words, photos, video.

ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS — The Israeli military said it killed five more West Bank militants, including a local commander, as it pressed ahead with what appeared to be the deadliest operation in the occupied territory since the start of the war in Gaza. Israel says the raids across the northern West Bank, which have killed a total of 16 people, nearly all militants, since late Tuesday, are aimed at preventing attacks. SENT: 970 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: MIDEAST-TENSIONS-THE-LATEST — The Israeli military says it struck the West Bank city of Jenin on the third day of heavy fighting in the Palestinian territory. SENT: 1,210 words, photos.

GAZA PIER-LESSONS LEARNED — The Army commander in charge of the U.S. military’s Gaza pier project says the mission was the biggest “organizational leadership challenge” he has ever experienced. The service dealt with the wild combination of turbulent weather, security threats and sweeping personnel restrictions. By Lolita C. Baldor. SENT: 1,110 words, photos.

RECKONING-EDUCATION-DISCIPLINE — In the decade since Black Lives Matter, a spotlight has shined on inequity in education outcomes and, in particular, how exclusionary discipline disproportionately affects Black children. They are more likely to be suspended, missing crucial instructional time and falling behind, beginning a cycle that increasingly disconnects them from school. The past decade has seen some progress, but massive disparities persist, according to an Associated Press data review. By Annie Ma, Cheyanne Mumphrey and Sharon Lurye. SENT: 1,490 words, photos. WITH: RECKONING-EDUCATION-DISCIPLINE-TAKEAWAYS — Takeaways from AP's report. SENT: 820 words, photo; RECKONING-NBA-FOUNDATION — The National Basketball Association formalized its giving over the past four years through a new $300 million grantmaking arm. SENT: 1,200 words, photos.

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ONLY ON AP

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ELECTION 2024-TRUMP-KEMP — South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham helped broker peace between two longtime foes of the same party: former President Donald Trump and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Trump needs the help of Kemp’s political operation, and Kemp needs the backing of Trump supporters for a future run at the U.S. Senate or the White House. SENT: 1,190 words, photo.

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SPOTLIGHTING VOICES

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PARALYMPICS-TAEKWONDO-REFUGEE — Zakia Khudadadi has made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympics by becoming the first athlete from the Refugee Paralympic Team to win a medal. Khudadadi won bronze in the women’s 47kg category. Born without one forearm, she began practicing taekwondo in secret at age 11 in a hidden gym in her hometown of Herat, in western Afghanistan. Following the rise of the Taliban in 2021, she settled in Paris and was later offered the opportunity to compete with the refugee team at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. By Tom Nouvian. SENT: 390 words, photos.

AFRICAN-BURIAL-GROUND — A historic cemetery for African Americans in Kingston, New York, is being reclaimed as the Pine Street African Burial Ground. People denied church burials were interred in the cemetery for more than 120 years until the late 19th century. In the last three summers, the remains of up to 27 people have been located. Money is being raised to turn the urban backyard into a respectful resting place. Advocates hope DNA and other tests on the remains will provide information on those buried there and possibly their descendants. By Michael Hill. SENT: 980 words, photos, video.

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ISRAEL-HAMAS-WAR

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MIDEAST-TENSIONS — Yemen’s Houthi rebels released footage on Thursday showing they boarded and intentionally set explosives aboard a Greek-flagged tanker that was earlier abandoned after they repeatedly attacked it, putting the Red Sea at risk of a major oil spill. SENT: 790 words, photos, video.

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR —One of the handful of F-16 warplanes that Ukraine has received from its Western partners to help fight Russia’s invasion has crashed, Ukraine’s air force said. The fighter jet went down on Monday. SENT: 830 words, photos, radio.

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MORE NEWS

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SWITZERLAND-EUROVISION — The Swiss city of Basel will host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest from May 13 to 17. The mostly German-speaking city on the Rhine River was selected over Geneva. The Alpine country won the right to host the glitzy song-and-dance extravaganza after Swiss singer Nemo won the contest’s 68th edition in May. SENT: 260 words, photos.

NORWAY-ROYAL-WEDDING — The Norwegian king’s eldest child will marry an American self-professed shaman in a picturesque corner of southern Norway on Saturday. The wedding of Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verret comes amid widespread criticism of the couple’s actions and waning support for the Scandinavian royals. SENT: 750 words, photo.

TAIWAN-PANDA-BIRTHDAY — With politics set aside, well-wishers have gathered to wish Taipei zoo’s oldest giant panda a happy 20th birthday. Yuanyuan was born in China and gifted by Beijing as a sign of goodwill toward the island. SENT: 200 words, photos, video.

GREECE-DEAD-FISH — Authorities say more than 100 tons of dead fish have been collected in and around the port of Volos, in central Greece, following a mass die-off linked to extreme climate fluctuations. SENT: 320 words, photos, video.

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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ELECTION 2024-DECISION NOTES-MASSACHUSETTS — Massachusetts Republicans will choose candidates to challenge Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Stephen Lynch in state primaries on Tuesday. UPCOMING: 980 words, photo by 7:30 a.m.

For more election news click here.

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NATIONAL

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FATAL-POLICE-SHOOTING-DALLAS — A Dallas police officer died and two other officers were wounded by a suspect who was shot and killed by police north of the city after a vehicle chase Thursday night. SENT: 220 words.

US--MISSING WOMAN-GRAND CANYON — A flash flood near the Grand Canyon sent hikers scrambling for shelter in rocky nooks and crannies and swept away a 33-year-old hiker. The flow of water was ferocious but not unusual in a canyon that’s home to the Havasupai Tribe. SENT: 1,540 words, photos, video.

UNC-DIVERSITY-REVOKED — Several programs of diversity, equity and inclusion are at risk of elimination at North Carolina’s flagship university after the University of North Carolina Board of Governors voted to scrap a previous diversity policy in May and replace it with a new one. Sept. 1 marks the deadline for implementing the new policy. SENT: 1,070 words, photos.

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INTERNATIONAL

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GERMANY-AFGHAN-DEPORTATIONS — Germany deported Afghan nationals on Friday for the first time since August 2021, when the Taliban returned to power. A government spokesman described the Afghan nationals as convicted criminals. The deportations occurred a week after a deadly knife attack in Solingen where the suspect is a Syrian citizen who had applied for asylum in Germany. SENT: 410 words.

KASHMIR-INDIA-ELECTION-EXPLAINER — Residents of Indian-controlled Kashmir are gearing up for their first regional election in a decade that will allow them to have their own truncated government instead of remaining under New Delhi’s direct rule. SENT: 770 words, photos.

NEW-ZEALAND-OBIT-MAORI-KING — New Zealand’s Māori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, died on Friday at age 69, just days after the celebration of his 18th year on the throne. SENT: 420 words, photo.

JAPAN-STORM — A slow-moving tropical storm is having a far-reaching impact in much of Japan, dumping heavy rain around Tokyo and flooding roads and riverside areas in the south. SENT: 380 words, photos, video.

GERMANY-POLITICIAN-PAINT — A prominent German leftist politician was sprayed with a red liquid, likely paint, during a campaign event Thursday in the eastern city of Erfurt, ahead of closely watched state elections on Sunday. SENT: 390 photos.

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BUSINESS

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EUROPE-ECONOMY — Inflation is down in Europe. August’s figure is only 2.2%, down from 2.6% in July. The pace of consumer price increases in the 20 countries that use the euro is now close to the 2% goal set out by the European Central Bank. The figure is more evidence that the coast is clear for the ECB to cut interest rates at its September meeting. SENT: 580 words, photo.

BRAZIL-MUSK-X-SHUTDOWN — A Brazilian Supreme Court justice could shut down the local operation of X nationwide if its billionaire owner Elon Musk doesn’t name a legal representative. SENT: 1,200 words, photos.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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MATTHEW PERRY — A San Diego doctor charged as part of the investigation of the overdose death of Matthew Perry is expected to plead guilty in a federal court in Los Angeles Friday. SENT: 500 words, photos.

SKOREA-K-POP-DOCUMENTARY — An Apple TV+ documentary series, “K-pop Idols,” premiering Friday, offers an intimate look at how the K-pop industry is embracing diversity while grappling with challenges in a field that demands perfection. SENT: 620 words, photos.

VENICE FILM FESTIVAL-BABYGIRL — Nicole Kidman returns to the Venice Film Festival for the world premiere of erotic drama “Babygirl” on Friday. SENT: 230 words, photo.

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SPORTS

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TEN-US-OPEN-ALCARAZ-LOSES — Carlos Alcaraz’s 15-match Grand Slam unbeaten run ended at the U.S. Open with a 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 loss to Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round in New York on Thursday night. SENT: 610 words, photos.

WORLD CUP-PERFECT PITCH — The 2026 World Cup is coming to North America with an ambitious plan, expanding the field by 50% and spreading the soccer spectacle over 16 cities in three countries with multiple climates and elevations. SENT: 530 words, photos, video.

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HOW TO REACH US

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The Nerve Center 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.

Bodyguards take away a man who allegedly carried out an attack with red paint at an election campaign event organized by the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) on Cathedral Square, in Erfurt, Germany, Thursday Aug. 29, 2024. (Martin Schutt/dpa via AP)

Bodyguards take away a man who allegedly carried out an attack with red paint at an election campaign event organized by the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) on Cathedral Square, in Erfurt, Germany, Thursday Aug. 29, 2024. (Martin Schutt/dpa via AP)

Panda Yuanyuan enjoys her birthday cake for her 20th birthday at the Taipei Zoo in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. Yuanyuan was a gift from China to mark warming ties with Taiwan in 2008. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

Panda Yuanyuan enjoys her birthday cake for her 20th birthday at the Taipei Zoo in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. Yuanyuan was a gift from China to mark warming ties with Taiwan in 2008. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

FILE - Norway's Princess Martha Louise and her fiance Durek Verrett arrive at the government's party event in connection with Princess Ingrid Alexandra's 18th birthday, which is held at Deichman Bjoervika, Oslo's main library, Thursday June 16, 2022. (Hakon Mosvold Larsen/NTB via AP, File)

FILE - Norway's Princess Martha Louise and her fiance Durek Verrett arrive at the government's party event in connection with Princess Ingrid Alexandra's 18th birthday, which is held at Deichman Bjoervika, Oslo's main library, Thursday June 16, 2022. (Hakon Mosvold Larsen/NTB via AP, File)

FILE -Nemo of Switzerland, who performed the song The Code, celebrates after winning the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, May 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

FILE -Nemo of Switzerland, who performed the song The Code, celebrates after winning the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, May 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

Whitney Bogart dives to catch the ball during during the Women's preliminary round Goalball game against France at the 2024 Paralympics, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Whitney Bogart dives to catch the ball during during the Women's preliminary round Goalball game against France at the 2024 Paralympics, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, gestures to fans after losing to Botic van De Zandschulp, of the Netherlands, in a second round match of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, gestures to fans after losing to Botic van De Zandschulp, of the Netherlands, in a second round match of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

FILE - New Zealand Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitia, from left, reacts with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at Turangawaewae Marae, Hamilton, New Zealand, Nov. 8, 2015. (David Rowland/Pool Photo via the AP, File)

FILE - New Zealand Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitia, from left, reacts with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at Turangawaewae Marae, Hamilton, New Zealand, Nov. 8, 2015. (David Rowland/Pool Photo via the AP, File)

Christina Hernon, an emergency physician, stands outside the Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, Mass., on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Nick Perry)

Christina Hernon, an emergency physician, stands outside the Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer, Mass., on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Nick Perry)

A bulldozer collects dead fish from a river near the port city of Volos, central Greece, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, following a mass die-off linked to extreme climate fluctuations. (AP Photo/Vaggelis Kousioras)

A bulldozer collects dead fish from a river near the port city of Volos, central Greece, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, following a mass die-off linked to extreme climate fluctuations. (AP Photo/Vaggelis Kousioras)

This photo provided by Michael Langer shows a flash flood at Grand Canyon National Park, Thursday, Aug 22, 2024 on the Havasupai Reservation in Arizona. (Michael Langer via AP)

This photo provided by Michael Langer shows a flash flood at Grand Canyon National Park, Thursday, Aug 22, 2024 on the Havasupai Reservation in Arizona. (Michael Langer via AP)

Women shout slogans as Indian policemen fire teargas and live ammunition in the air to stop a protest march in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Aug. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin, File)

Women shout slogans as Indian policemen fire teargas and live ammunition in the air to stop a protest march in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Aug. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin, File)

Joesph Diamond, associate professor of anthropology at New Paltz, talks to some of his students as they work at the site of an African burial ground in Kingston, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Joesph Diamond, associate professor of anthropology at New Paltz, talks to some of his students as they work at the site of an African burial ground in Kingston, N.Y., Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

From left: Silver medalist Ziyodakhon Isakova from Uzbekistan, gold medalist Leonor Angelica Espinoza Carranza from Peru, co-bronze medalist Khwansuda Phuangkitcha of Thailand, and co-bronze medalist Zakia Khudadadi, from Afghanistan and part of the Paralympic Refugee team, celebrate after the Para Taekwondo K44-47kg class competition, during the Paralympic Games in Paris, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Madeleine Mertens)

From left: Silver medalist Ziyodakhon Isakova from Uzbekistan, gold medalist Leonor Angelica Espinoza Carranza from Peru, co-bronze medalist Khwansuda Phuangkitcha of Thailand, and co-bronze medalist Zakia Khudadadi, from Afghanistan and part of the Paralympic Refugee team, celebrate after the Para Taekwondo K44-47kg class competition, during the Paralympic Games in Paris, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Madeleine Mertens)

Chamaine Brown holds her son, Kelzie Lewis, 3, before a high school equivalency (HiSET) diploma graduation ceremony for the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) in New Orleans, Thursday, June 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Chamaine Brown holds her son, Kelzie Lewis, 3, before a high school equivalency (HiSET) diploma graduation ceremony for the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) in New Orleans, Thursday, June 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

18-year-old Zaire Byrd poses for a photo, Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

18-year-old Zaire Byrd poses for a photo, Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

This frame grab from video released by the Ansar Allah Media Office, the media arm of Yemen's Houthi rebels, on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, shows explosions striking the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion in the Red Sea after Yemen's Houthi rebels boarded and set explosives on the tanker, which was earlier abandoned after the Houthis repeatedly attacked it, setting off blasts that put the Red Sea at risk of a major oil spill. The logo in the bottom righthand corner of the image reads in Arabic: "Yemeni War Media." (Ansar Allah Media Office via AP)

This frame grab from video released by the Ansar Allah Media Office, the media arm of Yemen's Houthi rebels, on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, shows explosions striking the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion in the Red Sea after Yemen's Houthi rebels boarded and set explosives on the tanker, which was earlier abandoned after the Houthis repeatedly attacked it, setting off blasts that put the Red Sea at risk of a major oil spill. The logo in the bottom righthand corner of the image reads in Arabic: "Yemeni War Media." (Ansar Allah Media Office via AP)

Palestinians inspect their houses after they were destroyed by the Israeli bombardment on east of Deir al-Balah, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians inspect their houses after they were destroyed by the Israeli bombardment on east of Deir al-Balah, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Thomas Kasza, a former Green Beret with over 13 years of service in both Afghanistan and Iraq, and now the executive director and founder of the 1208 Foundation, stands for a portrait with some of his military memorabilia in Long Beach, Calif., on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

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US historian leads charity run in Kyiv to highlight the plight of Ukrainian POWs

2024-09-14 19:57 Last Updated At:20:00

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. historian and author Timothy Snyder on Saturday led a charity run in Kyiv to raise awareness of the conditions under which Ukrainian prisoners of war are held in Russia as the conflict approaches a third winter.

The race came following a recent escalation in Russian missile and drone attacks, largely aimed at Ukraine's electricity infrastructure.

People clapped and cheered after Snyder, a 55-year-old Yale University professor who has written extensively on eastern Europe and the global resurgence of authoritarian regimes and is much admired in Ukarine, addressed the nearly thousand runners. He then joined a workout and participated in the run.

“Thousands of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers are illegally held in captivity during an illegal war,” Snyder told The Associated Press just ahead of the run. “This race is about reminding everyone of that and expressing solidarity with Ukrainians and giving Ukrainians a chance to do something together,” he said.

The 5 and 10-kilometer runs took place around a sprawling park in the Ukrainian capital created out of a renovated Soviet-era exhibition center.

The runners included members of the public, servicepeople and veterans, as well as wives of the POWs. Among them was 27-year-old Anastasia Ofyl, whose husband Oleksandr was captured by the Russians. “We have to fight for him,” she said. “That’s why I’m running.”

Ukrainian soldiers often give harrowing accounts of their conditions in Russian captivity when they return home as part of regular prisoner exchanges.

In a report issued in July, a United Nations human rights agency said it “continued to document the widespread use of torture and ill-treatment, including sexual violence, against civilians and Ukrainian prisoners of war held by the Russian Federation.”

Snyder, who has organized fundraisers as part of the country’s war-relief effort, enjoys near-celebrity status in Ukraine. On Tuesday, he visited President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who thanked him for his charity work. The Ukrainian head of state also received former UK prime minister Boris Johnson, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and the American actor Michael Douglas this week.

After Saturday’s race, Snyder was surrounded by admirers, many of whom waited in line for autographs and selfies. Some asked the historian to sign translated copies of his widely-read books on Ukraine, “Bloodlands: Europe between Hitler and Stalin” and “The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America.”

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office on Sept. 10, 2024, U.S. historian and author Timothy Snyder, right, meets President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office on Sept. 10, 2024, U.S. historian and author Timothy Snyder, right, meets President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

A man participates a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

A man participates a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

People participate a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

People participate a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

People participate a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

People participate a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

People warm up before a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

People warm up before a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

A man pushes a woman in a wheelchair during a charity run to raise awareness for people with disabilities as they pass Wave pedestrian bridge in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

A man pushes a woman in a wheelchair during a charity run to raise awareness for people with disabilities as they pass Wave pedestrian bridge in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Women on wheelchairs participate in a charity run to raise awareness for people with disabilities in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Women on wheelchairs participate in a charity run to raise awareness for people with disabilities in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

A man is cheered on during a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

A man is cheered on during a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

A woman runs with her dog during a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

A woman runs with her dog during a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

A man cheers as he participates in a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

A man cheers as he participates in a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

People participate a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

People participate a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

People participate a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

People participate a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

People participate a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

People participate a charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

U.S. historian and author Timothy Snyder gives autographs on his books before charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

U.S. historian and author Timothy Snyder gives autographs on his books before charity run to raise awareness on Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, shakes hands with Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, shakes hands with Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, shakes hands with Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, shakes hands with Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena, center, pose for photo with US actor and UN ambassador Michael Douglas, right, and his son Dylan, left, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena, center, pose for photo with US actor and UN ambassador Michael Douglas, right, and his son Dylan, left, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

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