AP News Digest 2 p.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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WEEKEND COVERAGE

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

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TOP STORIES

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MIDEAST-WAR-ANNIVERSARY-THE-DISPLACED — The Abu Jarad family lost the stability and comfort of their northern Gaza home when Israel launched its campaign in retaliation for Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. They did exactly as the Israelis ordered in the devastating weeks and months of war that followed. They obeyed evacuation calls. They moved where the military told them to. They fled seven times. Each one, their lives became more unrecognizable, crowding with strangers in a school, searching for water in a tent camp or sleeping on the street. By Wafaa Shurafa. SENT: 1,760 words, photos. An abridged version is available. With MIDEAST-WAR-ANNIVERSARY-BORN-ON-OCT.-7 — Born on Oct. 7, Ali’s first year has played out against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war; and MIDEAST-WAR-ANNIVERSARY-PHOTO-GALLERY — (both sent). See more on war in the Middle East below.

MIDEAST-WARS — An Israeli strike on a mosque in the Gaza Strip has killed at least 19 people, Palestinian officials say as Israel intensified its bombardment of northern Gaza and southern Lebanon in a widening war with Iran-allied militant groups across the region. By Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy. SENT: 1,230 words, photos, videos, audio. With MIDEAST-WAR-THE-LATEST; (both sent)

HURRICANE-HELENE — The death toll from Hurricane Helene rose to 227 as the grim task of recovering bodies continued more than a week after the monster storm ravaged the U.S. Southeast and killed people in six states. By Bruce Schreiner. SENT: 700 words, photos. With HURRICANE-HELENE-RESCUER-DEATH — A Tennessee nurse and his dog died trying to save a man from floods driven by Hurricane Helene.

HELENE-ONE-TOWN’S-STRUGGLE — Hurricane Helene left a devastating mark on the small Latino community that makes up a disproportionate number of workers at a plastics factory in Erwin, Tennessee. Six of its workers were swept away, four of them Mexican Americans. Loved ones and supporters have been gathering for vigils in front of churches, a high school and a grocery store to honor those lost. They question why Impact Plastics workers weren’t told to leave the job sooner. By Leah Willingham. SENT: 1,150 words, photos.

TROPICAL-WEATHER-ATLANTIC — People across Florida have been given notice that Milton, for now just a tropical storm off the coast of Mexico, could intensify rapidly into a major hurricane before slamming midweek into the storm-ravaged Gulf Coast. SENT: 740 words, photo, audio.

ELECTION-2024-TRADE — As the U.S. trade representative, Katherine Tai is legally required to avoid discussing this year’s presidential election. But her ideas about fair trade are on the ballot in November. Voters are essentially being asked to decide whether it’s best to continue pursuing worker protections in trade talks, as Tai has done on behalf of the Biden-Harris administration. Or should the United States jack up taxes on almost everything it imports as Donald Trump has pledged to do? Tai tells the Associated Press in an interview that she’s making progress on getting the U.S. and its trade partners to focus more on workers’ rights. By Josh Boak. SENT: 1,180 words, photos, video.

AFFORDABLE-HOUSING-DISAPPEARING — While Americans continue to struggle from high rents, as many as 223,0000 affordable housing units could disappear in the next five years. Those units were built with the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which gives developers tax credits in exchange for keeping rents low. But there’s a catch. The buildings typically only need to be kept affordable for a minimum of 30 years. By Jesse Bedyan and Arushi Gupta. SENT: 1,380 words, photos. With AFFORDABLE-HOUSING-DISAPPEARING-TAKEAWAYS — SENT. This is the Monday Spotlight.

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SPOTLIGHTING VOICES

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BLACK-LATINO-UNION-LEADERS — Women make up roughly half of U.S. labor union membership, but representation in top level union leadership positions has lagged, even in female-dominated industries, and particularly for women of color. But Black and Latina women are starting to gain ground, landing top positions at some of the biggest unions in the U.S. Black and Latina women, who experience a wide gender pay gap and face intersectional headwinds of both racism and sexism in their careers, are particularly attuned to inequities in the workplace and are increasingly stepping up to fight them as union leaders. By Claire Savage. SENT: 1,250 words, photos.

GEORGIA-DOUKHOBORS — Members of a pacifist Christian sect that emerged in 18th century Russia were exiled to Georgia about 200 years ago for refusing to serve in the tsarist army and rejecting orthodox rituals. The Doukhobors established 10 villages in Georgia, where they prospered as farmers and maintained their pacifist principles. But the sect continued to suffer persecution under successive Russian and Soviet regimes. By Kostya Manenkov. SENT: 1,070 words, photos.

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MIDEAST WARS

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MIDEAST-WAR-ANNIVERSARY-CAMPUS-PROTESTS — Campuses across the U.S. have been calmer in the wake of last spring’s protests, yet many are mired in a lingering unease. Students say they’re reluctant to speak out for fear it could pit them against students, professors or employers. Social bubbles have cemented along the divisions of the war. New protest rules on many campuses raise the risk of suspension or expulsion. SENT: 1,200 words, photos. With MIDEAST-WAR-ANNIVERSARY-GLOBAL-PROTESTS — Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli crowds rally across the world on the eve of Oct. 7 anniversary (both sent).

LEBANON-DIASPORA — For generations, many people in Lebanon have wrestled with whether to leave to seek better opportunities or escape various times of tumult. Now, many members of Lebanon’s vast, far-flung diaspora are contending with the new ripples of violence and destruction in their homeland. Some are grieving; others are gripped by fear for loved ones still living there. SENT: 1,180 words, photos.

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR

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RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR — Russian forces attacked Ukraine overnight with 87 Shahed drones and four different types of missiles, officials say. SENT: 270 words, photo.

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MORE NEWS

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BOX-OFFICE — “Joker: Folie à Deux” is the No. 1 movie at the box office, but it might not be destined for a happy ending. sent. 960 words, photos.

BRITAIN-POLITICS — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief of staff has quit, citing concerns that growing focus about tensions between her and Starmer’s chief adviser Morgan McSweeney, and that she was earning more than the prime minister. The BBC has reported that Gray’s annual salary was 170,000 pounds ($223,000), about 3,000 pounds more than Starmer is paid. SENT: 280 words, photos.

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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ELECTION 2024-TRUMP — Donald Trump’s fourth scheduled stop in eight days in Wisconsin is a sign of his increased attention as Republicans fret about the former president’s ability to match the Democrats’ enthusiasm and turnout machine. By Scott Bauer. SENT: 700 words, photos. With ELECTION-2024-TRUMP-MUSK — Elon Musk makes first appearance at Trump rally casting election in dire terms; (sent).

ELECTION-2024-HARRIS-WALZ — Nearly a week after verbal stumbles in the only vice presidential debate, Democrat Tim Walz used his debut campaign appearance on a news show to try to fend off criticism of his stand on abortion rights and “own up” to past misstatements. SENT: 510 words, photos.

ELECTION-2024-NORTH-CAROLINA — Residents in North Carolina’s Watauga County are focused on survival rather than politics after Hurricane Helene ravaged much of the western part of the state. The storm and the destruction that followed come only weeks before the president election. And North Carolina is one of the most important swing states. But the race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris has taken a back seat as North Carolinians try to find loved ones who are missing and try to rebuild their homes and their lives. SENT: 1,080 words, photos.

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NATIONAL

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DAUNTE-WRIGHT-OFFICER-TRAINING — A former Minnesota police officer who was convicted of killing Daunte Wright during a traffic stop is out of prison and delivering presentations at law enforcement conferences. Kim Potter’s presence at training conferences has stirred up a heated debate over how officers punished for misconduct should atone for their misdeeds. SENT: 1,130 words, photos, video.

ILLINOIS-EX-HOUSE-SPEAKER — Once lauded as the longest-serving legislative leader in American history, Michael Madigan will enter a federal courtroom this week on charges he used his vast influence to run a “criminal enterprise” to amass even more wealth and power. SENT: 920 words, photos.

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INTERNATIONAL

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TUNISIA-ELECTION-EXPLAINER — Tunisians voted Sunday in an election expected to grant President Kais Saied a second term, as his most prominent detractors, including one of the candidates challenging him, are in prison. SENT: 1,190 words, photos. With TUNISIA-ELECTIONS — Tunisians vote in an election with one of President Saied’s 2 challengers in prison (sent).

AFGHANISTAN-EARTHQUAKE-ANNIVERSARY — The devastating earthquake that hit western Afghanistan’s Herat province a year ago was a major challenge for the Taliban. Nobody knows for sure how many people died in the 6.3 magnitude quake on Oct. 7, 2023, or in the strong aftershocks that followed. Residents say the Taliban helped at first by opening hospitals and caring for the displaced but that the aid soon stopped. SENT: 890 words, photos.

VATICAN-NEW-CARDINALS — Pope Francis has named 21 new cardinals, significantly increasing the size of the College of Cardinals and further cementing his mark on the group of prelates who will one day elect his successor. SENT: 730 words, photos.

RWANDA-MARBURG-OUTBREAK — Rwandan health authorities will begin a vaccine study against the Marburg hemorrhagic fever, officials say, as the East African country tries to stop the spread of an outbreak that has killed 12 people. SENT: 430 words, photos.

NORTH KOREA-CHINA — The leaders of North Korea and China marked the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations by exchanging messages that expressed hopes for stronger ties, as outsiders raised questions about their relationship. SENT: 430 words, photos.

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SPORTS

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76ERS-NEW-ARENA-CHINATOWN — Chinatown activists are rallying to block a planned $1.3 billion arena for the Philadelphia 76ers that recently won the support of Mayor Cherelle Parker. Owners of the Sixers hope to get City Council’s approval for the downtown site by year’s end so they can open the arena by 2031. Several neighborhood groups oppose the plan, fearing gridlock on game days and rising rents. SENT: 1,080 words, photos, video.

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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.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, middle left, drops his bat while watching his three-run home run off San Diego Padres starting pitcher Dylan Cease, foreground, during the second inning in Game 1 of baseball's NL Division Series, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks alongside North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, right, near a C-17 cargo plane after receiving a briefing on the damage from Hurricane Helene, Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the 145th Airlift Wing of the North Carolina Air National Guard in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk walks to the stage to speak alongside Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump listens as Christopher Macchio, not pictured, sings at the conclusion of a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Daniel Delgado reaches to touch a photo of his wife, Monica Hernandez, who died at Impact Plastics during flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, at a vigil for victims of the tragedy in Erwin, Tenn., on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Palestinians search for survivors and bodies in the rubble of a mosque destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Deir al-Balah, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

A man rides his scooter as he drives on the debris of destroyed buildings that were hit by Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Flames and smoke rise from an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, early Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — A rocket fired from Yemen hit an area of Tel Aviv overnight, leaving 16 people injured by shattered glass, the Israeli military said Saturday, days after Israeli airstrikes hit Houthi rebels who have been launching missiles in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Another 14 people sustained minor injuries as they rushed to shelters when air raid sirens sounded before dawn Saturday, the military said.

The Houthis issued a statement on Telegram saying they had aimed a hypersonic ballistic missile at a military target, which they did not identify.

“A flash of light, a blow and we fell to the ground. Big mess, broken glasses all over the place,” said Bar Katz, a resident of a damaged building.

The attack came after Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthi-held capital, Sanaa, and port city of Hodeida killed at least nine people Thursday. The Israeli strikes were in response to a Houthi long-range missile that hit an Israeli school building. The Houthis also claimed a drone strike targeting an unspecified military target in central Israel on Thursday.

Israel's military says the Iran-backed Houthis have launched more than 200 missiles and drones during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Houthis have also attacked shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and say they won’t stop until there is a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Israeli strikes Thursday caused “considerable damage” to the Houthi-controlled Red Sea ports that will lead to the "immediate and significant reduction in port capacity,” U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The Hodeida port has been key for food shipments into Yemen in its decade-long civil war.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said both sides’ attacks risk further escalation in the region.

Mourners in Gaza held funerals for 19 people — 12 of them children — killed in Israeli strikes on Friday and overnight.

One strike hit a residential building in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, killing at least seven Palestinians, including five children and one woman, and injuring 16 others, health officials said.

In Gaza City, a strike on a house killed 12 people, including seven children and two women, according to Al-Ahli Hospital where the bodies were taken.

One man cradled a tiny shroud-wrapped body as mourners gathered at the hospital in Gaza City. Women comforted each other as they wept.

Overall, Gaza's Health Ministry said 21 people had been killed over the past 24 hours.

More than 45,200 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, when a Hamas attack in Israel killed about 1,200 people and triggered the 14-month war. The health ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but has said more than half of fatalities are women and children.

Israel faces heavy international criticism over the unprecedented levels of civilian deaths in Gaza. It says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths because its fighters operate in residential areas.

Gaza's Health Ministry issued an urgent appeal for medical and food supplies to be delivered to Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya in largely isolated northern Gaza, while the hospital director described conditions as dire, as Israel's military presses its latest offensive.

The ministry reported continuous gunfire and Israeli shelling near the hospital, saying “shells have struck the third floor and the hospital’s entrances, creating a state of panic.”

Hospital director Dr. Husam Abu Safiyeh said the facility faced “severe shortages” and asserted that requests for essential medical supplies and ways to maintain oxygen, water and electricity systems "have largely gone unmet.”

He said 72 wounded people were being treated at the hospital.

“Food is very scarce, and we cannot provide meals for the wounded," Safiyeh added. “We are urgently calling on anyone who can provide supplies to help us.”

Aid groups have said Israeli military operations and armed gangs have hindered their ability to distribute aid.

The Israeli military organization dealing with humanitarian affairs for Gaza said Saturday it had led an operation delivering thousands of food packages, flour and water to the Beit Hanoun area in the north. It said trucks with the U.N. World Food Program transported them to distribution centers in the area Friday.

Iran on Saturday said unknown gunmen had killed a local staffer of the Iranian embassy in Syria, the official IRNA news agency said.

Its report quoted foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei as saying “terrorists” opened fire on Davood Bitaraf’s car last Sunday. It did not say what he did with the embassy.

Baghaei said Iran considers Syria’s interim government responsible for finding and prosecuting those behind the killing. Iran had been a key ally of recently ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad.

Shurafa reported from Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip. Associated Press writers Elena Becatoros in Majdal Shams, Golan Heights, contributed to this report.

Follow AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

Bodies of victims of an Israeli airstrike at the Nuseirat refugee camp are prepared for the funeral prayer outside the Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Men pray over the bodies of victims of an Israeli airstrike at the Nuseirat refugee camp during a funeral prayer outside the Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Saturday Dec. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Bodies of victims of an Israeli airstrike at the Nuseirat arrive at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital before their funeral in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

An Israeli soldier observes the site where the missile launched from Yemen landed Jaffa district, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Tomer Appelbaum)