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AP News Digest 12 p.m.

Posted

Here are the AP’s top stories and promotable content. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan.

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US ANTHROPIC-WEALTH SHARING

DESCRIPTION: As they steam toward massive public offerings on Wall Street, the companies at the forefront of artificial intelligence have begun sketching plans to share their wealth with the public — a commitment they say is imperative to address disruptions the technology could bring to the workforce and people’s livelihoods. Executives at OpenAI, Anthropic and other labs have long argued the technology’s arrival will bring many benefits for everyday consumers, including a share of payouts from the leading companies themselves. The companies have described a range of proposals for distributing AI fortunes, but big questions remain over how they would work and who would decide on beneficiaries.

UPCOMING: By 10/20/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, FilePhoto, Text

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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US--ELECTION-2026-THE LATEST

The Latest: US ties with Ukraine hit a new low as Trump slights Zelenskyy and eases up on Russia

SUMMARY: The U.S.-Ukraine alliance is careening toward a possible breaking point, with Moscow strengthened by President Donald Trump’s recent rejection of new Russia sanctions and Kyiv undermined by disruptions in satellite support for its drones during the war. Trump is meanwhile hoping $5,000 checks can boost Republican turnout in November’s midterm elections. And a federal judge on Monday questioned the Trump administration’s claims about its efforts to redevelop a historic Washington golf course, challenging its contention that a recent tree-cutting spree did not indicate work was moving forward on the project, which is temporarily blocked by a court order.

WORDS: 2287 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 11:14 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a298dcb9327bbad29c0bcc9e61955edb&mediaType=text

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US--ELECTION 2026-TRUMP-CHECKS

Gimmick or giveback? Even some Trump supporters don’t expect to get $5,000 checks after midterms

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump is hoping $5,000 checks can boost Republican turnout in the midterm elections. Some supporters doubt the payments will arrive. At a recent rally, attendees expressed skepticism about the promise. Trump has used similar tactics before, like offering dividends from tariff revenues, which didn’t materialize. Critics argue his economic leadership has been lacking, with inflation and overseas conflicts causing concern. Trump claims the payouts will happen if Republicans maintain control of Congress. However, many voters remain unconvinced, with polls showing a lack of trust in his promises.

WORDS: 1029 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 10:40 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ce8f9e4c093cf533af948a97d9388987&mediaType=text

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US--TRUMP-FRAUD WHISTLEBLOWER PROGRAM

Trump and Vance to announce a $25M whistleblower program to encourage public to report alleged fraud

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are set to announce a new $25 million program to encourage the public to blow the whistle on suspected fraud in the federal government. The White House says anyone whose tip leads to a conviction for fraud or a significant federal enforcement action would be eligible for payments of up to $30,000. The Justice Department will oversee the program. The Republican president has put a focus on eliminating waste, fraud and abuse. Trump created a task force to find fraud throughout the federal government and put Vance in charge of it.

WORDS: 306 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 10:22 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cc7c155c06cbab74d423911c36f5ac78&mediaType=text

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INTERNATIONAL

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EU--RUSSIA-UKRAINE-WAR

Russian aerial blitz kills 9 in Ukraine as Zelenskyy meets US and European officials in Norway

SUMMARY: Russia unleashed another missile and drone blitz of civilian areas in Ukraine, killing at least nine people. Officials reported the strikes Tuesday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought more American and European help during a visit to Norway. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have tried without success to steer Russia and Ukraine toward a settlement to end the war. Witkoff was also in Oslo. Kushner, who is U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, planned to attend a meeting with Zelenskyy by videoconference. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb were also scheduled to meet with the Ukrainian leader in Norway’s capital.

WORDS: 976 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 11:25 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:140895c6c0a1682c46f4fe197e056996&mediaType=text

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ML--MIDEAST

UK to send jets to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks, and other Mideast news

SUMMARY: Britain has announced an expansion of its military support to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks. The support includes Royal Air Force jets conducting defensive air patrols. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said the jets would protect Saudi cities and infrastructure but would not strike Houthi targets on the ground. The U.K. will also send a military transport and advisers. This announcement follows Britain’s decision to offer in-air refueling of Saudi planes, which has been extended by 90 days. This move comes amid ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region, including recent attacks in Yemen and Gaza.

WORDS: 1070 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 11:22 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6f69abd6470c9b43b75de7b223011486&mediaType=text

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CN--CANADA-ALBERTA-SEPARATION

Alberta rejects a move toward independence from Canada in a victory for Carney

SUMMARY: Voters in Alberta have overwhelmingly backed remaining in Canada, with four-fifths of votes counted showing 75% support for staying. This result boosts Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push for national unity amid trade tensions with the U.S. The referendum wasn’t a direct vote on independence but would have set Alberta on a path toward a future separation vote. Carney says the result allows Canadians to move forward together and accelerate efforts to diversify trade and develop infrastructure. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the results, noting widespread support for remaining in Canada. Despite the proposal’s failure, separatist leaders say their movement won’t disappear.

WORDS: 747 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 11:05 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ed0d58ef051859ce12052e75d2d6e8a0&mediaType=text

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AS--AUSTRALIA-LAWMAKER-INJURED

Driver charged with intentionally injuring Australian federal lawmaker

SUMMARY: Police have charged a driver with intentionally causing serious injury to Australian lawmaker Helen Haines. She is in critical condition after being struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday. The driver, Brendan Nugent, remains in custody. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised a barber who helped restrain Nugent. Haines, an independent politician, was first elected in 2019 and is known for advocating for rural health. Her family expressed gratitude for the quick response of bystanders and health workers. Political violence is rare in Australia, but recent data shows threats are increasing.

WORDS: 1014 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 9:46 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d25a79269b7b6fd0349f3102c151dbdf&mediaType=text

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EU--FRANCE-PROTESTS

Curfews bring calm to Paris as France cracks down on weekend rioters

SUMMARY: Paris has returned to calm after a weekend of intense rioting across France. Authorities imposed curfews in several cities to prevent further unrest. At least 2,400 people were arrested after protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions turned violent. On Monday night, a curfew in Paris ran from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the curfews helped maintain order. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin reported 149 people jailed nationwide as of Tuesday. The National Assembly is launching an inquiry into the violence and policing strategy, with findings expected by the end of the year.

WORDS: 479 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 9:41 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:13189fcb1481614dc65c2125deb8333d&mediaType=text

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EU--BRITAIN-SAUDI-YEMEN

The UK expands military support for Saudi Arabia against Houthis to include ‘defensive’ air patrols

SUMMARY: Britain says it is expanding military support for Saudi Arabia against the Houthis to include “defensive” air patrols by Royal Air Force jets. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting says Royal Air Force Typhoon jets will “conduct defensive counter-air operations over Saudi Arabia, helping to protect Saudi cities, civilian populations and critical national infrastructure from Houthi attack.” He said the British planes won’t strike Houthi targets. The announcement follows Britain’s decision last month to offer in-air refueling of Saudi planes operating against the Iran-backed rebels.

WORDS: 441 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 9:32 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3e56f4679565c985fd036302168a4f79&mediaType=text

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ML--ISRAEL-ELECTIONS-EXTREME SPEECH-IN THEIR OWN WORDS

In their own words: Israeli politicians’ extreme speech surges ahead of elections

SUMMARY: Hate speech in Israel has surged under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government. The harsh language around Palestinians and even Arab citizens continues at the highest levels ahead of the Oct. 27 election. An Israeli think tank has shared with The Associated Press a list of over 200 extreme comments by officials this year. Many target Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, where violence by Jewish settlers has increased. Other statements target Arab citizens of Israel who have the right to vote and hold office. The comments are being amplified by AI and social media.

WORDS: 779 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 6:33 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d295dbceb6594a7315832a885f31c572&mediaType=text

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BUSINESS

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FINANCIAL MARKETS

US stocks rise after oil prices retreat and companies deliver strong profits

SUMMARY: The U.S. stock market is rising following reports showing strong profits for Equifax, Hasbro and other companies, while oil prices eased back after nearing their highest levels since the war with Iran began. The S&P 500 climbed 0.6% Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 667 points, while more swings for the artificial-intelligence industry had the Nasdaq composite up a more modest 0.5%. After nearing $112 in the morning, the price for a barrel of Brent crude oil fell back below $107. That helped the broad U.S. stock market erase early-morning losses. So did a swing for several AI stocks from drops to gains.

WORDS: 800 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 11:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b972b64127db5412a2b02c35ecf95c88&mediaType=text

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HEALTH/SCIENCE

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MED--NAVIGATING ORGAN TRANSPLANTS

Arizona woman’s 3-year wait for an intestine shows the US organ transplant system’s complexity

SUMMARY: A car crash destroyed a 25-year-old Phoenix woman’s small intestine, leaving her dependent on IV nutrition and often too sick to get out of bed. It would take three years and getting on more than one hospital’s waiting list for her to receive an intestine transplant. While those are rare, her journey shows how the transplant system often struggles to inform patients about options that can be difficult to navigate on their own. Among them are where to seek care, whether to get on multiple hospitals’ transplant lists, and how to discuss if you’d accept a less-than-perfect organ rather than continue waiting.

WORDS: 1575 - MOVED: 10/20/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3425ccda44a49c027dbd35a4cfd38100&mediaType=text

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