Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

AP News Digest 7 a.m.

News

AP News Digest 7 a.m.
News

News

AP News Digest 7 a.m.

2024-11-15 19:45 Last Updated At:19:52

Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EST. 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.

——————————

More Images
FILE - Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand return to Yannick Hanfmann of Germany during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill, File)

FILE - Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand return to Yannick Hanfmann of Germany during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill, File)

Promoter Nakisa Bidarian, center, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, steps in the way of Mike Tyson, left, after Tyson slapped Jake Paul during a weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight bout, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Promoter Nakisa Bidarian, center, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, steps in the way of Mike Tyson, left, after Tyson slapped Jake Paul during a weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight bout, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Rocker Jeff Beck performs at the Louisiana Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, Friday, April 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Rocker Jeff Beck performs at the Louisiana Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, Friday, April 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Christian Nodal, Angela Aguilar, Marc Anthony and Nadia Ferreira arrive at the 25th Latin Grammy Awards ceremony, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Christian Nodal, Angela Aguilar, Marc Anthony and Nadia Ferreira arrive at the 25th Latin Grammy Awards ceremony, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

FILE - Tourists walk by the ancient Roman Colosseum as it's reflected in a puddle, in Rome, Sept. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

FILE - Tourists walk by the ancient Roman Colosseum as it's reflected in a puddle, in Rome, Sept. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

Relatives of miners and community members wait near the shaft of a closed mine where illegal miners are inside in Stilfontein, South Africa, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

Relatives of miners and community members wait near the shaft of a closed mine where illegal miners are inside in Stilfontein, South Africa, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, its leader Kim Jong Un, left, inspects tests of drones designed to crash into targets, at an undisclosed location in North Korea, Thursday, Nov. 14, 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 language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, its leader Kim Jong Un, left, inspects tests of drones designed to crash into targets, at an undisclosed location in North Korea, Thursday, Nov. 14, 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 language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake leaves after casting his vote during the parliamentary election in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake leaves after casting his vote during the parliamentary election in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

FILE - This China National Space Administration (CNSA) handout image released by Xinhua News Agency, shows the lander-ascender combination of Chang'e-6 probe taken by a mini rover after it landed on the moon surface, June 4, 2024. (CNSA/Xinhua via AP, File)

FILE - This China National Space Administration (CNSA) handout image released by Xinhua News Agency, shows the lander-ascender combination of Chang'e-6 probe taken by a mini rover after it landed on the moon surface, June 4, 2024. (CNSA/Xinhua via AP, File)

A copy of the satirical outlet The Onion is seen Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Little Rock, Ark. (AP Photo/Jill Bleed)

A copy of the satirical outlet The Onion is seen Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Little Rock, Ark. (AP Photo/Jill Bleed)

Employees of Nunam pack refurbished battery packs, made from used electric vehicle batteries, before shipping to their clients, at their facility in Bengaluru, India, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Employees of Nunam pack refurbished battery packs, made from used electric vehicle batteries, before shipping to their clients, at their facility in Bengaluru, India, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Online safety advocate Sonya Ryan attends a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on June 15, 2021. Ryan knows from personal tragedy how dangerous social media can be for children. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP)

Online safety advocate Sonya Ryan attends a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on June 15, 2021. Ryan knows from personal tragedy how dangerous social media can be for children. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP)

A bomb dropped from an Israeli jet prepares to hit a building in Tayouneh, Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

A bomb dropped from an Israeli jet prepares to hit a building in Tayouneh, Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Peru's Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen, wave on the airport tarmac after Xi's arrival to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Lima, Peru, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Guadalupe Pardo)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Peru's Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen, wave on the airport tarmac after Xi's arrival to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Lima, Peru, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Guadalupe Pardo)

Matt Gaetz talks before President-elect Donald Trump speaks during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Matt Gaetz talks before President-elect Donald Trump speaks during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

FILE - Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

President-elect Donald Trump listens during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President-elect Donald Trump listens during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

TOP STORIES

——————————

TRUMP-TRANSITION — President-elect Donald Trump says he will nominate anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy abandoned his presidential bid after striking a deal to give Trump his endorsement with a promise to have a role in health policy in the administration. Trump also announced Thursday he has chosen Doug Collins to run the Department of Veterans Affairs and Doug Burgum to lead the Department of the Interior. By Jill Colvin and Amanda Seitz. SENT: 1,340 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: TRUMP-KENNEDY-VACCINES — Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was building up a following with his anti-vaccine nonprofit group and became one of the world’s most influential spreaders of fear and distrust around vaccines. SENT: 630 words, photo; TRUMP-KENNEDY-THINGS-TO-KNOW — What to know about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. SENT: 1,280 words, photo.

TRUMP-CONGRESS — An uneasy political question is emerging: Will there be any room for dissent in the U.S. Congress? President-elect Donald Trump is laying down a gauntlet, challenging the Senate to dare defy him over the nominations of Matt Gaetz, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other controversial choices for his Cabinet and administration positions. By Lisa Mascaro. SENT: 1,080 words, photos. WITH: TRUMP-LOYALTY — As he fills his new administration, Trump values loyalty above all else. SENT: 1,280 words, photos; TRUMP-STAFF-PICKS — Here are the people Trump has picked for key positions so far. SENT: 2,540 words, photos.

PERU-APEC — Representatives from 21 members representing the Pacific Rim are meeting in Peru for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the first global summit since U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s victory to bring together several major world leaders. The annual gathering brings together countries and members that jointly account for almost two-thirds of global GDP and half the world’s trade, according to organizers. By David Biller. SENT: 540 words, photos. WITH: APEC-PERU-THE UNPOPULAR HOST — The high-profile APEC summit in Lima has thrust into the limelight one of the world’s least popular presidents: Peruvian President Dina Boluarte. SENT: 890 words, photos, video.

MIDEAST WARS — A top Iranian official held talks with Lebanese leaders on the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah, which came as the U.S. is actively pushing both sides to agree to a new cease-fire deal. Ali Larijani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, visited Beirut as Israel was carrying out a renewed aerial attack on the southeastern edge of the city. Lebanese media reports U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson handed over a draft of a proposed cease-fire deal to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. By Bassem Mroue and David Rising. SENT: 730 words, photos. WITH: MIDEAST-WARS-AIRLINES-DIPLOMACY-AND-DOLLARS — Many international airlines have halted, restarted and halted again their flights into Israel’s main gateway to the rest of the world. But FlyDubai, sister airline to long-haul carrier Emirates, has kept up multiple flights daily. SENT: 1,030 words, photos; MIDEAST-WARS-THE-LATEST — Workers search through rubble in eastern Lebanon where Israeli strike killed 13. (SENT.)

CLIMATE-COP29 — Cities in Asia and the United States emit the most heat-trapping gas that feeds climate change, and Shanghai is the most polluting, according to new data combining observations and artificial intelligence to quantify global emissions. Seven states or provinces spew more than 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases. All are in China except for the U.S. state of Texas, which ranked sixth. The data comes from an organization co-founded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and released Friday at the United Nations climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan. By Seth Borenstein and Sibi Arasu. SENT: 810 words, photos, audio. WITH: CLIMATE-COP29-WAR — Leaders and activists say the conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere can be a distraction for some countries in confronting the climate crisis. SENT: 910 words, photos.

AUSTRALIA-SOCIAL MEDIA — The Australian government’s plan to ban children from social media to protect them from harm has won almost universal political support. But keeping them off social media looks far more difficult in practical terms. Experts in technology and child welfare called the 16-year age limit “too blunt” to work effectively. Supporters say social media is doing too much harm to not have an age limit. More about how the ban would work may be known next week when the legislation is introduced in Parliament. By Rod McGuirk. SENT: 900 words, photos.

—————————————————

SPOTLIGHTING VOICES

—————————————————

CLIMATE-COP29-CLEAN-ENERGY-RECYCLING — As clean energy infrastructure like solar panels and electric car batteries becomes more common in India, some small businesses are working to recycle them when they reach the end of their lifespan. But nationally there is no clear strategy on how to manage clean energy waste. Experts say a more comprehensive plan is needed, with the clean energy sector expected to create up to 19 million tons of solar waste alone by 2050, making the country among the biggest producers of clean energy waste. By Sibi Arasu. SENT: 1,190 words, photos. WITH: CLIMATE-COP29-DIFFICULTY-PROTESTING — Activists at COP29 spend weeks planning demos, but they can feel stifled by rules and restrictions. SENT: 960 words, photos.

MALI-TREE-PLANTING — Activists are planting trees to protect disappearing forests in Mali, but residents are cutting and selling firewood to survive. One woman says people in rural areas have no other choice for cooking. Forest loss has become a pressing issue across Africa as the Sahara Desert creeps southward. One environmental nonprofit estimates nearly 7,722 square miles of forest have been lost in Mali over the last three decades. The Great Green Wall initiative to plant trees in a nearly 5,000-mile line across the continent has seen millions of them die. By Moustapha Diallo. SENT: 670 words, photos, video.

——————————

MORE NEWS

——————————

NEWTOWN-SHOOTING-INFOWARS-THE-ONION — After shutting down Infowars and chasing Alex Jones out of the building, the Onion hopes to reopen the site in January as a parody of what he and others have peddled for years. It’s an attempt to fight falsehoods with funny, the Onion says. Misinformation experts question question whether the effort will do anything to curb the taste for content that enrages people online. SENT: 830 words, photos. WITH: NEWTOWN-SHOOTING-INFOWARS-THINGS-TO-KNOW — How Alex Jones’ Infowars wound up in the hands of The Onion. SENT: 600 words, photos.

TROPICAL-WEATHER — Tropical Storm Sara made landfall in northern Honduras late Thursday and threatened to dump torrential rains across parts of Central America and southern Mexico. SENT: 220 words, photo.

MOON VOLCANOES — New research confirms volcanoes were erupting on the far side of the moon billions of years ago. Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China’s Chang’e-spacecraft and found fragments of volcanic rock that were about 2.8 billion years old. The oldest dated back to 4.2 billion years. SENT: 330 words, photo.

INSURANCE-FRAUD-BEAR-SUIT — The California Insurance Department says four Los Angeles residents were arrested Wednesday, accused of defrauding three insurance companies out of nearly $142,000 by claiming a bear damaged their vehicles. A biologist reviewed the videos and confirmed it was clearly a person in a bear suit. SENT: 280 words, photos, video, audio.

——————————————————

WASHINGTON/ POLITICS

——————————————————

TRUMP-FLORIDA-APPOINTMENTS — With Sen. Marco Rubio tapped to be the next secretary of state, Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general and Rep. Mike Waltz as national security advisor, Donald Trump’s Florida picks are opening up a slate of new political possibilities in the state. By Kate Payne. SENT: 820 words, photos. MARCO-RUBIO-LATIN-AMERICA — Trump’s pick of Rubio to become secretary of state is likely to jolt Latin America after decades of neglect from Washington. SENT: 1,190 words, photos.

TRUMP-EDUCATION-POLITICS-AT-SCHOOL — President-elect Donald Trump has a vision for education that revolves around a single goal: to rid America’s schools of perceived “wokeness” and “left-wing indoctrination.” SENT: 1,130 words, photos.

BIDEN-TRUMP-PROOFING — Biden administration officials are working against the clock doling out billions in grants and taking other steps to try to preserve at least some of the outgoing president’s legacy before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. SENT: 990 words, photo.

—————————

NATIONAL

—————————

CAMPUS-DEATH-GEORGIA — Opening statements are expected Friday in the trial of the man accused of killing a Georgia nursing student, in a case that helped fan the immigration debate during the last election cycle. SENT: 370 words, photos.

CALIFORNIA-COLLEGE-STUDENT-HATE-CRIME — A California man convicted of stabbing to death a gay University of Pennsylvania student in an act of hate is expected to be sentenced Friday to life in prison. SENT: 520 words, photos.

————————————

INTERNATIONAL

————————————

SRI-LANKA-ELECTION — The party of Sri Lanka’s new Marxist-leaning President Anura Kumara Dissanayake won a majority in parliament, providing a solid mandate for his program for economic revival. Dissanayake’s National People’s Power Party won at least 123 of the 225 seats in parliament, according to partial results released Friday by the Elections Commission. SENT: 750 words, photos.

SOUTH-KOREA-POLITICS-LEE — South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was convicted of violating election law and sentenced to a suspended prison term Friday by a court that ruled he made false statements while denying corruption allegations during a presidential campaign. SENT: 1,000 words, photos. WITH: KOREAS-TENSIONS — North Korea tested exploding drones designed to crash into targets and leader Kim Jong Un called for accelerating mass production of the weapons, state media said Friday. SENT: 480 words, photos.

SOUTH-AFRICA-MINERS — South Africa’s government will not help the illegal miners inside a closed mine as part of an official policy against illegal mining. It is part of a police operation which includes cutting off miners’ supplies to force them to return to the surface and be arrested. SENT: 560 words, photos, video.

CROATIA-CORRUPTION-ARRESTS — Croatia’s health minister and several others were detained on Friday on suspicion of corruption as part of an investigation launched by the European prosecutor’s office. SENT: 460 words, photos.

JAPAN-OBIT-PRINCESS — Japanese Princess Yuriko, the wife of wartime Emperor Hirohito’s brother and the oldest member of the imperial family, has died after her health deteriorated recently, palace officials said. She was 101. SENT: 440 words, photos.

SPAIN-FIRE — At least 10 people died and others were injured in a blaze at a nursing home near Zaragoza, Spain, authorities said Friday. SENT: 290 words, photos.

———————————

BUSINESS

——————————-

ITALY-COLOSSEUM-GLADIATORS — The ancient Roman Colosseum will be the venue of gladiator fights for the first time in two millennia under a $1.5 million sponsorship deal with Airbnb. The sponsorship by the short-term rental giant will cover the renewal of an educational program inside the ancient Roman amphitheater covering the history of the structure and gladiators. SENT: 470 words, photo.

—————————————

ENTERTAINMENT

—————————————

MUSIC-2024-LATIN-GRAMMYS — Juan Luis Guerra 4.40 won album of the year at the 2024 Latin Grammys, not long after receiving record of the year for “Mambo 23.” In a night stacked with performances, a tribute to salsa stood out: Marc Anthony and La India powerfully dueted “Vivir Lo Nuestro,” a vivacious set jumpstarted by “De Mí Enamórate,”as performed by Tito Nieves and Chrisian Alicea. The award show celebrated its 25th anniversary. SENT: 680 words, photos.

BRITAIN-JEFF-BECK-AUCTION — Instruments owned by the late Jeff Beck, one of rock’s greatest guitarists, are going up for auction. Christie’s announced Friday it will sell more than 130 items, including 90 guitars, from the collection of the musician, who died at age 78 in January 2023. SENT: 590 words, photo.

———————

SPORTS

———————

TYSON-PAUL-PREVIEW — Mike Tyson isn’t the villain anymore as the 58-year-old prepares to fight the much younger Jake Paul in a sanctioned pro bout in Texas. Paul says he’s the disputer as the 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer facing one of boxing’s most famous fighters. SENT: 930 words, photos. WITH: TYSON-PAUL-HOW-TO-WATCH — How to watch the fight, time, odds. SENT: 470 words, photos; TYSON-PAUL-NETFLIX — Tyson-Paul bout gives Netflix opportunity to show it can handle big events with NFL, WWE on horizon. SENT: 590 words, photos.

NADAL’S-RETIREMENT-GUIDE — Rafael Nadal is getting set to retire from professional tennis after one last event. He will be part of Spain’s team at the Davis Cup finals that start Tuesday in front of a home crowd in Malaga. SENT: 680 words, photo.

——————————————

HOW TO REACH US

——————————————

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.

FILE - Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand return to Yannick Hanfmann of Germany during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill, File)

FILE - Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand return to Yannick Hanfmann of Germany during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill, File)

Promoter Nakisa Bidarian, center, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, steps in the way of Mike Tyson, left, after Tyson slapped Jake Paul during a weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight bout, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Promoter Nakisa Bidarian, center, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, steps in the way of Mike Tyson, left, after Tyson slapped Jake Paul during a weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight bout, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Rocker Jeff Beck performs at the Louisiana Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, Friday, April 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Rocker Jeff Beck performs at the Louisiana Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, Friday, April 29, 2011. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Christian Nodal, Angela Aguilar, Marc Anthony and Nadia Ferreira arrive at the 25th Latin Grammy Awards ceremony, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Christian Nodal, Angela Aguilar, Marc Anthony and Nadia Ferreira arrive at the 25th Latin Grammy Awards ceremony, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

FILE - Tourists walk by the ancient Roman Colosseum as it's reflected in a puddle, in Rome, Sept. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

FILE - Tourists walk by the ancient Roman Colosseum as it's reflected in a puddle, in Rome, Sept. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

Relatives of miners and community members wait near the shaft of a closed mine where illegal miners are inside in Stilfontein, South Africa, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

Relatives of miners and community members wait near the shaft of a closed mine where illegal miners are inside in Stilfontein, South Africa, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, its leader Kim Jong Un, left, inspects tests of drones designed to crash into targets, at an undisclosed location in North Korea, Thursday, Nov. 14, 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 language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, its leader Kim Jong Un, left, inspects tests of drones designed to crash into targets, at an undisclosed location in North Korea, Thursday, Nov. 14, 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 language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake leaves after casting his vote during the parliamentary election in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake leaves after casting his vote during the parliamentary election in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

FILE - This China National Space Administration (CNSA) handout image released by Xinhua News Agency, shows the lander-ascender combination of Chang'e-6 probe taken by a mini rover after it landed on the moon surface, June 4, 2024. (CNSA/Xinhua via AP, File)

FILE - This China National Space Administration (CNSA) handout image released by Xinhua News Agency, shows the lander-ascender combination of Chang'e-6 probe taken by a mini rover after it landed on the moon surface, June 4, 2024. (CNSA/Xinhua via AP, File)

A copy of the satirical outlet The Onion is seen Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Little Rock, Ark. (AP Photo/Jill Bleed)

A copy of the satirical outlet The Onion is seen Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Little Rock, Ark. (AP Photo/Jill Bleed)

Employees of Nunam pack refurbished battery packs, made from used electric vehicle batteries, before shipping to their clients, at their facility in Bengaluru, India, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Employees of Nunam pack refurbished battery packs, made from used electric vehicle batteries, before shipping to their clients, at their facility in Bengaluru, India, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Online safety advocate Sonya Ryan attends a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on June 15, 2021. Ryan knows from personal tragedy how dangerous social media can be for children. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP)

Online safety advocate Sonya Ryan attends a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on June 15, 2021. Ryan knows from personal tragedy how dangerous social media can be for children. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP)

A bomb dropped from an Israeli jet prepares to hit a building in Tayouneh, Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

A bomb dropped from an Israeli jet prepares to hit a building in Tayouneh, Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Peru's Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen, wave on the airport tarmac after Xi's arrival to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Lima, Peru, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Guadalupe Pardo)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Peru's Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen, wave on the airport tarmac after Xi's arrival to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Lima, Peru, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Guadalupe Pardo)

Matt Gaetz talks before President-elect Donald Trump speaks during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Matt Gaetz talks before President-elect Donald Trump speaks during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

FILE - Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

President-elect Donald Trump listens during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President-elect Donald Trump listens during an America First Policy Institute gala at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Next Article

Japanese Princess Yuriko, wartime Emperor Hirohito's sister-in-law, dies at 101

2024-11-15 19:49 Last Updated At:19:50

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Princess Yuriko, the wife of wartime Emperor Hirohito’s brother and the oldest member of the imperial family, has died after her health deteriorated recently, palace officials said. She was 101.

Yuriko died Friday at a Tokyo hospital, the Imperial Household Agency said. It did not announce the cause of death.

Born in 1923 as an aristocrat, Yuriko married at age 18 to Prince Mikasa, the younger brother of Hirohito and the great-uncle of current Emperor Naruhito, months before the start of World War II.

She has recounted living in a shelter with her husband and their baby daughter after their residence was burned down in the U.S. fire bombings of Tokyo in the final months of the war in 1945.

Yuriko raised five children and supported Mikasa’s research into ancient Near Eastern history, while also serving her official duties and taking part in philanthropic activities, including promotion of maternal and child health. She outlived her husband and all three sons.

Her death reduces Japan’s rapidly dwindling imperial family to 16 people, including four men, as the country faces the dilemma of how to maintain the royal family while conservatives in the governing party insist on retaining male-only succession.

The 1947 Imperial House Law, which largely preserves conservative prewar family values, allows only males to take the throne and forces female royal family members who marry commoners to lose their royal status.

The youngest male member of the imperial family, Prince Hisahito — the nephew of Emperor Naruhito — is currently the last heir apparent, posing a major problem for a system that doesn’t allow empresses. The government is debating how to keep succession stable without relying on women.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, visiting South America to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and Group of 20 summits, issued a statement expressing “heartfelt condolences.”

Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Aiko and other relatives visited the Mikasa residence to mourn Yuriko's death. The palace announced that the general public wishing to offer condolences can sign a book beginning Saturday.

Yuriko had lived a healthy life as a centenarian before suffering a stroke and pneumonia in March. She enjoyed exercise in the morning while watching a daily fitness program on television, the Imperial Household Agency says. She also continued to read multiple newspapers and magazines and enjoyed watching news and baseball on TV. On sunny days, she sat in the palace garden or was wheeled in her wheelchair.

Yuriko was hospitalized after her stroke and had been in and out of intensive care since then. Her overall condition deteriorated over the past week, the Imperial Household Agency said.

This story corrects that Mikasa was current emperor’s great-uncle, not uncle.

FILE - Princess Yuriko of Mikasa, fourth left, with Crown Prince Akishino, from left, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, Princess Nobuko of Mikasa and Princess Akiko of Mikasa, waves during the New Year's appearance by the Japanese royal family at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Jan. 2, 2023. (Tomohiro Ohsumi/Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - Princess Yuriko of Mikasa, fourth left, with Crown Prince Akishino, from left, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, Princess Nobuko of Mikasa and Princess Akiko of Mikasa, waves during the New Year's appearance by the Japanese royal family at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Jan. 2, 2023. (Tomohiro Ohsumi/Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - In this file photo provided by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan, Princess Yuriko, wife of the late Prince Mikasa, poses for a photo at her palace residence reception room in Tokyo, May 22, 2023. (Imperial Household Agency via AP, File)

FILE - In this file photo provided by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan, Princess Yuriko, wife of the late Prince Mikasa, poses for a photo at her palace residence reception room in Tokyo, May 22, 2023. (Imperial Household Agency via AP, File)

In this file photo provided by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan, Japanese Prince Mikasa, right, and his wife Princess Yuriko talk at their residence in Tokyo, Nov. 16, 2015. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP, File)

In this file photo provided by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan, Japanese Prince Mikasa, right, and his wife Princess Yuriko talk at their residence in Tokyo, Nov. 16, 2015. (Imperial Household Agency of Japan via AP, File)

Recommended Articles