AP News Digest 3 am

Tuesday 04 October 2022 02:15 EDT

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Here are the AP’s latest coverage plans, top stories and promotable content. All times EDT. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit Coverage Plan at https://newsroom.ap.org.

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TOP STORIES

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KOREAS-TENSIONS — North Korea fired a ballistic missile over Japan for the first time in five years, forcing Japan to issue evacuation notices and suspend trains during the flight of the nuclear-capable weapon that could reach the U.S. territory of Guam and possibly beyond. The launch was the most provocative weapons demonstration by North Korea this year as it ramps up missile tests to build a full-fledged nuclear arsenal that viably threatens U.S. allies and the American homeland with the goal of wresting outside concessions, some experts say. By Hyung-Jin Kim, Kim Tong-Hyung and Mari Yamaguchi. SENT: 990 words, photos.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR-NUCLEAR RISKS — Trying to get inside the head of Russian President Vladimir Putin is a tough nut to crack for Kremlin watchers trying to figure out whether his nuclear threats are bluff. For now, they cautiously suggest that the risk of Putin using his nuclear arsenal still seems low. And the CIA says it’s not seeing signs that a Russian nuclear detonation may be imminent. Still, increasingly nervous analysts acknowledge that they can’t be sure if Putin is rational and well-informed. By John Leicester. SENT: 1,000 words, photos.

TROPICAL WEATHER — Nearly a week after Hurricane Ian smashed into Florida and carved a path of destruction that reached into the Carolinas, more than half a million statewide residents faced another day without electricity as rescuers continued their search for those trapped inside homes inundated with lingering floodwaters. At least 78 people have been confirmed dead from the storm: 71 in Florida, four in North Carolina and three in Cuba. Search and rescue efforts were still ongoing in Florida, where more than 1,600 people have been rescued statewide. By Rebecca Santana. SENT: 1,070 words, photos, videos. Also see TROPICAL WEATHER-CHURCHES below.

INDONESIA-SOCCER DEATHS — An Indonesian police chief and nine elite officers were removed from their posts and 18 others were being investigated for responsibility in the firing of tear gas inside a soccer stadium that set off a stampede, killing at least 125 people, officials said. By Agoes Basoeki and Edna Tarigan. SENT: 1,040 words, photos, video.

SUPREME COURT-REDISTRICTING-ALABAMA — The Supreme Court is taking up an Alabama redistricting case that could have far-reaching effects on minority voting power. The justices are hearing arguments in the latest high-court showdown over the federal Voting Rights Act, lawsuits seeking to force Alabama to create a second Black majority congressional district. By Mark Sherman. SENT: 370 words, photo. UPCOMING: 700 words after 10 a.m. arguments.

ELECTION-2022-GEORGIA-WALKER — Herschel Walker, who has vehemently opposed abortion rights as the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Georgia, paid for an abortion for his girlfriend in 2009, according to a new report. By Bill Barrow. SENT: 620 words, photos.

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AP News Digest 3 am