AP News Digest 7 a.m.

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

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ONLY ON AP

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SOUTH-KOREA-ADOPTION-FRAUD-THE-SEARCH — Rebecca Kimmel sat in a small room, staring at the baby photo she had just unearthed from her adoption file. This baby was not her. So who was she? Thousands of South Korean adoptees are looking to satisfy a raw, compelling urge that much of the world takes for granted: the search for identity. By Kim Tong-hyung, Foster Klug and Claire Galofaro. SENT: 3,330 words, photos, video. With SOUTH-KOREA-ADOPTION-FRAUD-THE-SEARCH-TAKEAWAYS — SENT.

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TOP STORIES

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MIDEAST-WARS-THE-LATEST — Israeli strikes in the southern Gaza Strip have killed at least 15 people overnight, including six children and two women. In northern Gaza, where Israel has been waging an air and ground campaign in Jabaliya for more than a week, residents said families were still trapped in their homes and shelters. SENT: 790 words, photos. With MIDEAST-WARS — Israeli strike in northern Lebanon kills at least 21 people; MIDEAST WARS-UN-PEACEKEEPERS — UN Security Council voices ‘strong concern’ for UN peacekeepers after Israeli attacks; MIDEAST-WARS-DRONE-THREAT — Hezbollah’s drones are a fierce and evasive threat to Israel; MIDEAST-WARS-LEBANON-UNICEF —The UN says over 400,000 children in Lebanon have been displaced in 3 weeks by war; and MIDEAST WARS-UNITED STATES-ISRAEL — Sending a THAAD air defense system to Israel adds to strain on US Army forces — SENT.

ELECTION 2024-HARRIS-RURAL VOTERS — Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz will unveil his ticket’s plans to improve the lives of rural voters as Vice President Kamala Harris looks to cut into former President Donald Trump’s support. The Harris-Walz plan that the Minnesota governor will announce includes a focus on improving rural health care as well as economic and agricultural policy priorities. By Zeke Miller. SENT: 400 words, photo. With ELECTION-2024 — Harris slams Trump for suggesting military handle ‘enemy from within’ as they vie for Pennsylvania; ELECTION-2024-HARRIS-FOX-NEWS — Kamala Harris will sit down with Bret Baier for her first Fox News interview; ELECTION-2024-TRUMP — Trump’s Pennsylvania town hall turns into impromptu concert after medical incidents; ELECTION-2024-CAMPAIGN-FOR-PRESIDENT:-PHOTO-COLLECTION — SENT.

ELECTION-2024-TRUMP-INFLATION — Donald Trump has vowed that if voters return him to the White House, “inflation will vanish completely.” Yet most mainstream economists say Trump’s policy proposals wouldn’t vanquish inflation. They’d make it worse. By Paul Wiseman and Christopher Rugaber. SENT: 1,770 words, photos. An abridged version is available.

INDIA-CANADA-EXPLAINER — Canada says it has identified India’s top diplomat in the country as a person of interest in the assassination of a Sikh activist there and expelled him and five other diplomats. It’s the latest in an escalating dispute over the June 2023 killing and allegations of other crimes. By Rob Gillies, Aijaz Hussain and Sheikh Saaliq. SENT: 850 words, photos, video, audio. With INDIA-CANADA — Canada expels India’s top diplomat and alleges wider diplomatic involvement in crimes — SENT.

IMMIGRATION-BORDER-DEATHS — Ten times as many migrants died in New Mexico near the U.S.-Mexico border in each of the last two years compared with just five years ago as smuggling gangs steer them — exhausted, dehydrated and malnourished — mostly into the hot desert, canyons or mountains west of El Paso, Texas. By Anita Snow, Christopher L. Keller and Morgan Lee. SENT: 970 words, photos. With EDUCATION-IMMIGRANT-RIGHTS — US law entitles immigrant children to an education. Some conservatives say that should change — SENT.

HUMAN RIGHTS LAWSUITS-FOREIGN POWERS — A U.S. court has given two top associates of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman until early November to start turning over evidence in a lawsuit from a former senior Saudi intelligence official who says he survived a plot to silence him. The order is among a spate of recent rulings suggesting U.S. courts are becoming more open to lawsuits seeking to hold foreign powers accountable for rights abuses. By Ellen Knickmeyer. SENT: 1,060 words, photo.

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SPOTLIGHTING VOICES

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MEXICO-MINE-PASTRY — Back in the 19th century, migrant miners from Cornwall, in the southwest of England, brought their pastries to the Mexican mining town of Real del Monte. The pastries, which came to be known as “pastes” are a popular snack across Mexico, with fillings ranging from beans and spicy Mexican sauce to sweeter concoctions like pineapple or blueberry with cheese. And while many are unaware of the curious history behind the snacks, a museum and an annual festival keep the tradition alive. By India Grant. SENT: 600 words, photo, video.

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MORE NEWS

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SEXUAL-MISCONDUCT-DIDDY — Six people accuse Diddy of sexual assault in new lawsuits, including man who was 16 at the time. SENT: 920 words, photos.

ALCS-TAYLOR-SWIFT — Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce attend Game 1 of ALCS at Yankee Stadium. SENT: 220 words, photos.

FALL-FOLIAGE — Leaf-peepers are flocking to see New England’s brilliant fall colors. SENT: 380 words, photos, video.

GIANT-PUMPKIN-WINNER — Pumpkin weighing 2,471 pounds wins California contest. SENT: 200 words, photos, video, audio.

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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BIDEN-CHIPS — The Biden-Harris administration announced plans to provide up to $750 million in direct funding to Wolfspeed, with the money supporting its new silicon carbide factory in North Carolina that makes the wafers used in advanced computer chips and its factory in Marcy, New York. SENT: 420 words, photo.

ELECTION-2024-TRUMP-FULL-METAL-JACKET — Donald Trump is embracing perhaps Hollywood’s most memorable drill sergeant to portray his vision of a hardened military and mock the Biden administration’s embrace of the LGBTQ+ community serving openly. SENT: 440 words, photo.

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NATIONAL

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HURRICANE-MILTON — Florida counties hard hit by Hurricane Milton are returning to a semblance of normalcy, with power restored to most areas, gas stations reopening and students preparing to return to school. SENT: 980 words, photos, videos, audio. With HURRICANE-HELENE-FEMA-THREATS — FEMA workers change some hurricane-recovery efforts in North Carolina after receiving threats — SENT.

TRUMP-SHOOTING-VICTIMS — Two men who were shot during the first assassination attempt on Donald Trump this summer say the U.S. Secret Service was “negligent” in protecting the former president and other bystanders at the campaign rally in Pennsylvania. SENT: 320 words, photos.

TODDLER-KILLED-GEORGIA — Opening statements started in the trial of a Georgia woman accused of killing her 20-month-old son and dumping his body in a trash bin two years ago. SENT: 490 words.

MAINE SHOOTING-LAWSUIT — Lawyers representing 100 survivors and family members of victims of the deadliest shooting in Maine history have begun the formal process of suing the Army and an Army hospital for failing to act to stop the reservist responsible for the tragedy, attorneys announced. SENT: 500 words, photos.

CALIFORNIA-GAS-PRICES — California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law aimed at preventing gas prices from spiking, marking the Democrat’s latest move in a battle with the oil industry over energy prices and the impacts of climate change. SENT: 530 words, photos.

ELECTION-2024-TEXAS-SENATE-DEBATE — Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic Rep. Colin Allred will meet in the only debate of their Texas Senate race that could help determine which party controls the U.S. Senate. SENT: 400 words, photos.

ELECTION-2024-PENNSYLVANIA-LEGISLATURE — Pennsylvania’s legislative Republicans would like to pass additional voter ID requirements, restrict abortion and make election changes to improve their odds of winning judicial races. Democrats want to bump up the state’s minimum wage and widen civil rights for LGBTQ people. SENT: 590 words, photo.

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INTERNATIONAL

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KOREAS-TENSIONS — In a symbolic display of anger, North Korea blew up the northern section of unused roads that once linked it with the South, with the rivals exchanging threats days after the North claimed that its rival flew drones over its capital Pyongyang. SENT: 780 words, photos, video.

PAKISTAN-SCO-MEETING — Shaken by multiple recent militant attacks, Pakistani authorities have locked down the capital in a major security move before senior officials from several nations arrive for an Asian security group meeting. SENT: 400 words, photos.

EU-FRANCE-BUDGET-EXPLAINER — France’s new government has unveiled its 2025 belt-tightening budget bill, with plans for major tax hikes and spending cuts aimed at tackling the country’s giant deficit. Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s budget plans have angered many in the country and are expected to be harshly debated in parliament in the coming weeks, with his government’s survival at stake. SENT: 940 words, photos.

HONG-KONG-MONKEY-DEATHS — Hong Kong’s oldest zoo is seeking answers in a monkey medical mystery after nine animals died in two days, including three members of a critically endangered species. SENT: 320 words.

CHINA-SPACE — China has made great strides in exploring space in recent years, rocketing astronauts to its own space station and bringing back rocks from the moon. Now it wants to turn those feats into scientific advances. SENT: 310 words, photo.

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SPORTS

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BILLS-JETS — Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills overcame a Hail Mary touchdown throw by Aaron Rodgers as the first half ended to beat the New York Jets 23-20 and take control of the AFC East. Allen threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score and Tyler Bass made up for an earlier miss by kicking a go-ahead 22-yard field goal with 3:43 left to help the Bills snap a two-game skid. SENT: 890 words, photos.

MEXICO-US-OFFENSIVE-CHANT — Guadalajara is the capital of a Mexican state that is home to tequila and Mariachi music. It is also considered the birthplace of a less flattering tradition – a homophobic soccer chant that has cost Mexico hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines over the past two decades. It’s no wild guess that the chant will be heard from the crowd when Mexico hosts the United States in a friendly on Tuesday. SENT: 820 words, photo.

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HOW TO REACH US

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At the Nerve Center, Richard A. Somma can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1600. For photos, 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.

Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson, left, intercepts a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams, right, during the second half of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Cleveland Guardians' Brayan Rocchio (4) collides with New York Yankees relief pitcher Tim Hill during the eighth inning in Game 1 of the baseball AL Championship Series Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign town hall at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center & Fairgrounds, Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, in Oaks, Pa., as moderator South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem listens. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris claps on stage during a campaign rally at Erie Insurance Arena, in Erie, Pa., Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Jackson Vargas, who left Venezuela after the country's disputed election, holds his daughter along the shore in Necocli, Colombia, as they save money ahead of traversing the Darien Gap, Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Palestinians look at the damage after an Israeli strike hit a tent area in the courtyard of Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

A family fleeing the Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, sits in Martyrs' square in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Taliban run-media have stopped showing images of living beings in some Afghan provinces to comply with morality laws, an official confirmed Tuesday.

In August, the country’s Vice and Virtue Ministry published laws regulating aspects of everyday life like public transportation, shaving, the media and celebrations reflecting authorities' interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia.

Article 17 bans the publication of images of living beings, sparking concerns about the consequences for Afghan media and press freedom.

A spokesman for the Vice and Virtue Ministry, Saif ul Islam Khyber, said government media in the provinces of Takhar, Maidan Wardak and Kandahar have been advised not to air or show images of anything with a soul — meaning people and animals.

Khyber told The Associated Press a day earlier that the ministry was responsible for implementing the morality laws.

He did not clarify if the rules affected all media, including foreign outlets, or only Afghan channels and websites.

Nor did he say how the laws would be enforced or if there was a deadline for compliance.

Hujjatullah Mujadidi, the director of the Afghan Independent Journalists Union, said that Vice and Virtue Ministry officials initially told state media to stop running pictures and videos of living beings. This request was later extended to all media in those provinces.

“Last night, independent local media (in some provinces) also stopped running these videos and images and are instead broadcasting nature videos,” Mujadidi said.

No other Muslim-majority country imposes similar restrictions, including Iran and Saudi Arabia. During their previous rule in the late 1990s, the Taliban banned most television, radio and newspapers altogether.

FILE - Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid speaks at his first news conference, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul, File)

FILE - TV anchor Nesar Nabil wears a face mask to protest the Taliban's new order that female presenters cover their faces, as he reads the news on TOLOnews, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, May 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File)

FILE - TV anchor Nesar Nabil is seen on studio monitors wearing a face mask to protest the Taliban's new order that female presenters cover their faces, as he reads the news on TOLOnews, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, May 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File)