NEW YORK (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-79a9710978fc7adbb23d3fed4ea2f70d">search</a>&nbsp;for UnitedHealthcare CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-manhattan-shooting-death-48590215ba756741bbaadeeb6255d135">Brian Thompson</a>&nbsp;’s killer since Thompson was ambushed Wednesday outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel has stretched beyond New York City. While still looking to identify the suspect, the FBI has offered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-manhattan-shooting-death-dee5ad726a345a8209ecc0df7e44756e">$50,000 reward</a>&nbsp;for information leading to his arrest and conviction. That’s on top of a $10,000 reward offered by the NYPD.

The gunman used a fake ID and paid cash during the 10 days he was in the city, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters Friday. He also kept his face covered except while checking in at a hostel. He was captured on some of the thousands of surveillance cameras blanketing Manhattan, allowing police to build a timeline of his movements.

Here's what we know so far about what the NYPD describes as a planned attack.

10:11 p.m. — The suspected shooter arrives in New York City on a Greyhound bus at the Port Authority terminal. The bus originated in Atlanta and made six or seven stops on the way to New York. Police could not immediately determine where he got on the bus.

The man then takes a taxi to the area of the New York Hilton Midtown and is there for about a half hour.

About 11 p.m. — The man takes a taxi to the HI New York City Hostel at 891 Amsterdam Ave., where he stays until the morning of the shooting. He presents an ID that police believe to be fake. Two roommates in a shared room that had bunkbeds never saw his face, police said, because he kept his mask on.

When speaking with an employee in the hostel lobby, he briefly pulled down his facemask and smiled — a moment captured on surveillance images that have been widely circulated by police.

The man was checked out of the hostel, where guests are automatically checked out if they don’t show at the desk by a certain time. Police don’t believe he stayed someplace else and checked back into the same hostel the next day.

About 5:30 a.m. — The suspected shooter leaves the hostel well before dawn.

5:41 a.m. — He appears on video at 54th Street and Sixth Avenue walking back and forth in the area of the Hilton hotel where United Healthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, is holding its annual investor conference.

Police deduce that he rode a bicycle to the Hilton because it took him such a short time to get there. “Could he have stolen the bike? These are things we’re still looking into,” Kenny said.

At some point, he went to a nearby Starbucks and purchased a bottle of water and at least one energy bar before returning to the hotel.

6:44 a.m. — He shoots Thompson as the executive arrives alone, on foot, having walked from a hotel across the street. The man flees.

6:48 a.m. — The man enters Central Park by bicycle at the 60th Street and Center Drive entrance. It's in the park and away from security cameras that police believe he discards a gray backpack.

6:56 a.m. — He leaves the park at West 77th Street and Central Park West, still on the bicycle.

6:58 a.m. — He passes another camera on 85th Street and Columbus Avenue, still on the bicycle.

7 a.m. — He's at 86th Street, no longer with the bicycle.

7:04 a.m. — He enters a taxi northbound at 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.

7:30 a.m. — He's near the George Washington Bridge and the bus terminal there. It offers commuter service to New Jersey and Greyhound routes to Philadelphia, Boston and Washington.

After the attack, investigators find the words&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-manhattan-shooting-death-7f6581ba6b0b520938d82c361e77a83c">“deny," “defend” and "depose,”</a>&nbsp;written in permanent marker on ammunition at the scene. The words mimic a phrase used by insurance industry critics.

Kenny and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reveal that investigators believe the gunman left New York City on a bus. Investigators say he entered the George Washington Bridge Bus Station but have not found video of him leaving or getting on a bus.

“It could possibly be a disgruntled employee, or a disgruntled client," Kenny says of a possible motive in a briefing.

Police find what they say is the man's backpack. Its contents are not disclosed.

Police continue to search Central Park; scuba divers are seen scouring a pond. The NYPD releases additional photos showing the suspected shooter next to and in the back seat of a taxi. In both images he is seen wearing a blue, medical-style face mask.

Despite recovering a fingerprint from the Starbucks purchase and sending items for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-manhattan-shooting-death-48590215ba756741bbaadeeb6255d135">DNA testing</a>, police have yet to publicly identify the suspect.

Scuba divers are again seen at a Central Park pond. Police decline to comment on the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733576299830.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-79a9710978fc7adbb23d3fed4ea2f70d">search</a>&nbsp;for UnitedHealthcare CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-manhattan-shooting-death-48590215ba756741bbaadeeb6255d135">Brian Thompson</a>&nbsp;’s killer since Thompson was ambushed Wednesday outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel has stretched beyond New York City. While still looking to identify the suspect, the FBI has offered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-manhattan-shooting-death-dee5ad726a345a8209ecc0df7e44756e">$50,000 reward</a>&nbsp;for information leading to his arrest and conviction. That’s on top of a $10,000 reward offered by the NYPD.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733666290178.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The gunman used a fake ID and paid cash during the 10 days he was in the city, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters Friday. He also kept his face covered except while checking in at a hostel. He was captured on some of the thousands of surveillance cameras blanketing Manhattan, allowing police to build a timeline of his movements.Here's what we know so far about what the NYPD describes as a planned attack.<h2>Nov. 24</h2>10:11 p.m. — The suspected shooter arrives in New York City on a Greyhound bus at the Port Authority terminal. The bus originated in Atlanta and made six or seven stops on the way to New York. Police could not immediately determine where he got on the bus.The man then takes a taxi to the area of the New York Hilton Midtown and is there for about a half hour.About 11 p.m. — The man takes a taxi to the HI New York City Hostel at 891 Amsterdam Ave., where he stays until the morning of the shooting. He presents an ID that police believe to be fake. Two roommates in a shared room that had bunkbeds never saw his face, police said, because he kept his mask on.When speaking with an employee in the hostel lobby, he briefly pulled down his facemask and smiled — a moment captured on surveillance images that have been widely circulated by police.<h2>Nov. 29</h2>The man was checked out of the hostel, where guests are automatically checked out if they don’t show at the desk by a certain time. Police don’t believe he stayed someplace else and checked back into the same hostel the next day.<h2>Dec. 4</h2>About 5:30 a.m. — The suspected shooter leaves the hostel well before dawn.5:41 a.m. — He appears on video at 54th Street and Sixth Avenue walking back and forth in the area of the Hilton hotel where United Healthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, is holding its annual investor conference.Police deduce that he rode a bicycle to the Hilton because it took him such a short time to get there. “Could he have stolen the bike? These are things we’re still looking into,” Kenny said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733418156665.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>At some point, he went to a nearby Starbucks and purchased a bottle of water and at least one energy bar before returning to the hotel.6:44 a.m. — He shoots Thompson as the executive arrives alone, on foot, having walked from a hotel across the street. The man flees.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733417735866.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>6:48 a.m. — The man enters Central Park by bicycle at the 60th Street and Center Drive entrance. It's in the park and away from security cameras that police believe he discards a gray backpack.6:56 a.m. — He leaves the park at West 77th Street and Central Park West, still on the bicycle.6:58 a.m. — He passes another camera on 85th Street and Columbus Avenue, still on the bicycle.7 a.m. — He's at 86th Street, no longer with the bicycle.7:04 a.m. — He enters a taxi northbound at 86th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.7:30 a.m. — He's near the George Washington Bridge and the bus terminal there. It offers commuter service to New Jersey and Greyhound routes to Philadelphia, Boston and Washington.After the attack, investigators find the words&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-manhattan-shooting-death-7f6581ba6b0b520938d82c361e77a83c">“deny," “defend” and "depose,”</a>&nbsp;written in permanent marker on ammunition at the scene. The words mimic a phrase used by insurance industry critics.<h2>Dec. 6</h2>Kenny and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reveal that investigators believe the gunman left New York City on a bus. Investigators say he entered the George Washington Bridge Bus Station but have not found video of him leaving or getting on a bus.“It could possibly be a disgruntled employee, or a disgruntled client," Kenny says of a possible motive in a briefing.Police find what they say is the man's backpack. Its contents are not disclosed.<h2>Dec. 7</h2>Police continue to search Central Park; scuba divers are seen scouring a pond. The NYPD releases additional photos showing the suspected shooter next to and in the back seat of a taxi. In both images he is seen wearing a blue, medical-style face mask.Despite recovering a fingerprint from the Starbucks purchase and sending items for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-manhattan-shooting-death-48590215ba756741bbaadeeb6255d135">DNA testing</a>, police have yet to publicly identify the suspect.<h2>Dec. 8</h2>Scuba divers are again seen at a Central Park pond. Police decline to comment on the investigation.

Manhunt expands for killer of insurance company CEO

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man with previous convictions for rape and theft is going back to prison after he was charged with sex crimes involving 5 children.

Last week,  Judge David Kaufman sentenced 60-year-old Stacy A. Munsell to just more than 32-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In March of 2021, Munsell of Wellington, was charged with 5 counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, 9 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, attempted aggravated criminal sodomy, criminal sodomy, attempted criminal sodomy, 2 counts of indecent liberties with a child, and furnishing alcoholic liquor or cereal malt beverage to a minor, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp; All 20 crimes were felonies.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the time the crimes were committed, he was on parole for two sex-related crimes, according to Wichita Police.

In October, Munsell agreed to plead guilty to four counts of kidnapping and furnishing alcohol to a minor and prosecutors amended or dismissed the sex crime charges, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616619505936.png" alt="Munsell photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Munsell photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man with previous convictions for rape and theft is going back to prison after he was charged with sex crimes involving 5 children.Last week, Judge David Kaufman sentenced 60-year-old Stacy A. Munsell to just more than 32-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In March of 2021, Munsell of Wellington, was charged with 5 counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, 9 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, attempted aggravated criminal sodomy, criminal sodomy, attempted criminal sodomy, 2 counts of indecent liberties with a child, and furnishing alcoholic liquor or cereal malt beverage to a minor, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp; All 20 crimes were felonies.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the time the crimes were committed, he was on parole for two sex-related crimes, according to Wichita Police.In October, Munsell agreed to plead guilty to four counts of kidnapping and furnishing alcohol to a minor and prosecutors amended or dismissed the sex crime charges, according to the district attorney's office.

Kansas child sex crime suspect agrees to plea deal

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before noon Dec. 5, a Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit conducted a traffic stop&nbsp; on Interstate 35 for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

A narcotics-detecting K-9 was deployed, and illegal narcotics were located.

Justin C. Barnhart, 43, of Kansas City, MO was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and an Arrest warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733677354331.png" alt="Barnhart photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Barnhart photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just before noon Dec. 5, a Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit conducted a traffic stop&nbsp; on Interstate 35 for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.A narcotics-detecting K-9 was deployed, and illegal narcotics were located.Justin C. Barnhart, 43, of Kansas City, MO was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and an Arrest warrant.

Sheriff: Man accused of selling methamphetamine in Kansas

JEFFERSON COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just after 5a.m. Sunday in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Silverado driven by Dylan Robert&nbsp;Harvey, 28, Topeka, was&nbsp;northbound in the southbound lanes of Kansas 4 Highway just south of 62nd Road.

The pickup struck a southbound 2006 Jeep Wrangler driven by Gavin Wade&nbsp;Royer, 33, Valley Falls, head-on.

Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to&nbsp;Barnett's Funeral Home. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

JEFFERSON COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal head-on crash that occurred just after 5a.m. Sunday in Jefferson County.

According to the KHP, a vehicle was northbound in the southbound lanes of Kansas 4 Highway just south of 62nd Road.

The the vehicle struck a southbound vehicle head-on.&nbsp; The KHP released no additional details early Sunday.&nbsp;

Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

JEFFERSON COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just after 5a.m. Sunday in Jefferson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Silverado driven by Dylan Robert&nbsp;Harvey, 28, Topeka, was&nbsp;northbound in the southbound lanes of Kansas 4 Highway just south of 62nd Road.The pickup struck a southbound 2006 Jeep Wrangler driven by Gavin Wade&nbsp;Royer, 33, Valley Falls, head-on.Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to&nbsp;Barnett's Funeral Home. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.-----------------------JEFFERSON COUNTY—The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal head-on crash that occurred just after 5a.m. Sunday in Jefferson County.According to the KHP, a vehicle was northbound in the southbound lanes of Kansas 4 Highway just south of 62nd Road.The the vehicle struck a southbound vehicle head-on.&nbsp; The KHP released no additional details early Sunday.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

KHP IDs 2 Kan. drivers who died in wrong-way, head-on crash 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Sunday that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-bashar-assad-war-1468a97ff95bb782f5933856d99c9a8d">sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad</a>&nbsp;is a “fundamental act of justice” after decades of repression, but it was “a moment of risk and uncertainty” for the Mideast.

Biden spoke at the White House hours after after rebel groups completed a takeover of the country after more than a dozen years of violent civil war and decades of leadership by Assad and his family. Biden said the United States was unsure of Assad’s whereabouts, but was monitoring reports he was seeking refuge in Moscow.

The outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump were working to make sense of new threats and opportunities across the Middle East.

Biden credited action by the U.S. and its allies for weakening Syria’s backers — Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. He said “for the first time” that they could no longer defend Assad’s grip on power.

“Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East,” Biden said, after a meeting with his national security team at the White House.

Trump said Sunday that Assad had fled his country, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-bashar-assad-war-1468a97ff95bb782f5933856d99c9a8d">his family had ruled for decades</a>, because close ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/vladimir-putin">Vladimir Putin,</a>&nbsp;the Russian president, “was not interested in protecting him any longer.”

Those comments on Trump’s social media platform came a day after he used another post to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-syria-biden-administration-rebels-assad-72015f143aa6b40bb62c09724c71e34f">decry the possibility of the U.S. intervening militarily</a>&nbsp;in Syria to aid the rebels, declaring, “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT.” The Biden administration had no intention of intervening, according to President Joe Biden’s national security adviser.

The U.S has about 900 troops in Syria, including forces working with Kurdish allies in the opposition-held northeast to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State group. Biden said he intended for those troops to remain, adding that U.S. forces on Sunday conducted “dozens” of what he called “precision air strikes” on Islamic State camps and operations in Syria.

The Syrian opposition that brought down Assad is led by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-idlib-turkey-algolani-hayat-tahrir-alsham-54a2af9fe90f10d68795e329a65c9b4d">Hayat Tahrir al-Sham</a>. The Biden administration has designated the group as a terrorist organization and says it has links to al-Qaida, although Hayat Tahrir al-Sham says it has since broken ties with al-Qaida.

“We will remain vigilant,” Biden said. “Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human rights abuses.” He added that the groups are “saying the right things now.”

“But as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words, but their actions,” Biden said.

Assad’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-assad-israel-hamas-war-gaza-lebanon-82ceb102928e842154d91201b16cf2ab">fall</a>&nbsp;adds to an already tense situation throughout much of region on many fronts, including Israel’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-ceasefire-negotiations-qatar-d09bb192b298adb3fa76d0e819721fdf">war with Hamas in Gaza</a>&nbsp;and its fragile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-lebanon-hezbollah-ceasefire-3ed296f8317ecaa89c4e3548c75c9602">cease-fire with Hezbollah</a>&nbsp;in Lebanon.

Trump, who takes office Jan. 20, 2025, made a connection between the upheaval in Syria and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s war in Ukraine</a>, noting that Assad’s allies in Moscow, as well as in Iran, the main sponsor of Hamas and Hezbollah, “are in a weakened state right now.”

Vice President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>, a veteran of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, wrote on own social media Sunday to express skepticism about the insurgents.

“Many of ‘the rebels’ are a literal offshoot of ISIS. One can hope they’ve moderated. Time will tell,” he said, using another acronym for the group.

Trump has suggested that Assad’s ouster can advance the prospects for an end to fighting in Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia in February 2022.

Trump wrote that Putin’s government “lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine” and the Republican called for an immediate cease-fire, a day after meeting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-paris-notre-dame-f97fde62ca2ce68c3874c395b305e26b">in Paris with the French and Ukrainian leaders</a>.

Daniel B. Shapiro, a deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, said the American military presence will continue in eastern Syria but was “solely to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and has nothing to do with other aspects of this conflict.”

“We call on all parties in Syria to protect civilians, particularly those from Syria’s minority communities to respect international military norms and to work to achieve a resolution to include the political settlement,” Shapiro said.

“Multiple actors in this conflict have a terrible track record to include Assad’s horrific crimes, Russia’s indiscriminate aerial bomb bombardment, Iranian-back militia involvement and the atrocities of ISIS,” he added.

Shapiro, however, was careful not to directly say Assad had been deposed by the insurgents.

“If confirmed, no one should shed any tears over the Assad regime,” he said.

As they pushed toward the Syrian capital of Damascus, the opposition freed political detainees from government prisons. The family of missing U.S. journalist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-austin-tice-washington-hostage-58e79b5bcb117cac5674b27ff66d5d69">Austin Tice</a>&nbsp;renewed calls to find him.

“To everyone in Syria that hears this, please remind people that we’re waiting for Austin,” Tice’s mother, Debra, said in comments that hostage advocacy groups spread on social media. “We know that when he comes out, he’s going to be fairly dazed &amp; he’s going to need lots of care &amp; direction. Direct him to his family please!”

Tice disappeared in 2012 outside Damascus, amid intensification of what became a civil war stretching more than a decade.

We’ve remained committed to returning him to his family,” Biden said at the White House. “We believe he’s alive, we think we can get him back but we have no direct evidence to that yet. And Assad should be held accountable.”

The president added: “We have to identify where he is.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Sunday that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-bashar-assad-war-1468a97ff95bb782f5933856d99c9a8d">sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad</a>&nbsp;is a “fundamental act of justice” after decades of repression, but it was “a moment of risk and uncertainty” for the Mideast.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F956263326371513%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=294" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Biden spoke at the White House hours after after rebel groups completed a takeover of the country after more than a dozen years of violent civil war and decades of leadership by Assad and his family. Biden said the United States was unsure of Assad’s whereabouts, but was monitoring reports he was seeking refuge in Moscow.The outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump were working to make sense of new threats and opportunities across the Middle East.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden on Austin Tice: &quot;We believe he&#39;s alive. We think we can get him back, but we have no direct evidence of that yet.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/jSbzxuxhsg">pic.twitter.com/jSbzxuxhsg</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1865832179713904774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden credited action by the U.S. and its allies for weakening Syria’s backers — Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. He said “for the first time” that they could no longer defend Assad’s grip on power.“Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East,” Biden said, after a meeting with his national security team at the White House.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733685779355.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump said Sunday that Assad had fled his country, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-bashar-assad-war-1468a97ff95bb782f5933856d99c9a8d">his family had ruled for decades</a>, because close ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/vladimir-putin">Vladimir Putin,</a>&nbsp;the Russian president, “was not interested in protecting him any longer.”Those comments on Trump’s social media platform came a day after he used another post to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-syria-biden-administration-rebels-assad-72015f143aa6b40bb62c09724c71e34f">decry the possibility of the U.S. intervening militarily</a>&nbsp;in Syria to aid the rebels, declaring, “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT.” The Biden administration had no intention of intervening, according to President Joe Biden’s national security adviser.The U.S has about 900 troops in Syria, including forces working with Kurdish allies in the opposition-held northeast to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State group. Biden said he intended for those troops to remain, adding that U.S. forces on Sunday conducted “dozens” of what he called “precision air strikes” on Islamic State camps and operations in Syria.The Syrian opposition that brought down Assad is led by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-idlib-turkey-algolani-hayat-tahrir-alsham-54a2af9fe90f10d68795e329a65c9b4d">Hayat Tahrir al-Sham</a>. The Biden administration has designated the group as a terrorist organization and says it has links to al-Qaida, although Hayat Tahrir al-Sham says it has since broken ties with al-Qaida.“We will remain vigilant,” Biden said. “Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human rights abuses.” He added that the groups are “saying the right things now.”“But as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words, but their actions,” Biden said.Assad’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-assad-israel-hamas-war-gaza-lebanon-82ceb102928e842154d91201b16cf2ab">fall</a>&nbsp;adds to an already tense situation throughout much of region on many fronts, including Israel’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-ceasefire-negotiations-qatar-d09bb192b298adb3fa76d0e819721fdf">war with Hamas in Gaza</a>&nbsp;and its fragile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-lebanon-hezbollah-ceasefire-3ed296f8317ecaa89c4e3548c75c9602">cease-fire with Hezbollah</a>&nbsp;in Lebanon.Trump, who takes office Jan. 20, 2025, made a connection between the upheaval in Syria and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia’s war in Ukraine</a>, noting that Assad’s allies in Moscow, as well as in Iran, the main sponsor of Hamas and Hezbollah, “are in a weakened state right now.”Vice President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jd-vance">JD Vance</a>, a veteran of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, wrote on own social media Sunday to express skepticism about the insurgents.“Many of ‘the rebels’ are a literal offshoot of ISIS. One can hope they’ve moderated. Time will tell,” he said, using another acronym for the group.Trump has suggested that Assad’s ouster can advance the prospects for an end to fighting in Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia in February 2022.Trump wrote that Putin’s government “lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine” and the Republican called for an immediate cease-fire, a day after meeting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-paris-notre-dame-f97fde62ca2ce68c3874c395b305e26b">in Paris with the French and Ukrainian leaders</a>.Daniel B. Shapiro, a deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, said the American military presence will continue in eastern Syria but was “solely to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and has nothing to do with other aspects of this conflict.”“We call on all parties in Syria to protect civilians, particularly those from Syria’s minority communities to respect international military norms and to work to achieve a resolution to include the political settlement,” Shapiro said.“Multiple actors in this conflict have a terrible track record to include Assad’s horrific crimes, Russia’s indiscriminate aerial bomb bombardment, Iranian-back militia involvement and the atrocities of ISIS,” he added.Shapiro, however, was careful not to directly say Assad had been deposed by the insurgents.“If confirmed, no one should shed any tears over the Assad regime,” he said.As they pushed toward the Syrian capital of Damascus, the opposition freed political detainees from government prisons. The family of missing U.S. journalist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-austin-tice-washington-hostage-58e79b5bcb117cac5674b27ff66d5d69">Austin Tice</a>&nbsp;renewed calls to find him.“To everyone in Syria that hears this, please remind people that we’re waiting for Austin,” Tice’s mother, Debra, said in comments that hostage advocacy groups spread on social media. “We know that when he comes out, he’s going to be fairly dazed &amp; he’s going to need lots of care &amp; direction. Direct him to his family please!”Tice disappeared in 2012 outside Damascus, amid intensification of what became a civil war stretching more than a decade.We’ve remained committed to returning him to his family,” Biden said at the White House. “We believe he’s alive, we think we can get him back but we have no direct evidence to that yet. And Assad should be held accountable.”The president added: “We have to identify where he is.”

🎥Biden, Trump  issue statements on collapse of government in Syria

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The parents of a 14-year-old Missouri boy who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-orlando-d03a753b6ac928a86222c0f3b1134619">fell to his death</a>&nbsp;from an Orlando amusement park ride in 2022 have won a $310 million verdict against the attraction's Austrian builder.

Late Thursday, the Orange County jury ordered that the manufacturer Funtime pay $155 million each to Tyre Sampson's parents, Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson. He died on March 24, 2022, after falling 70 feet (21 meters) from the Orlando Free Fall ride at Icon Park. The trial lasted only a day as Funtime never appeared in court to defend itself.

Icon Park, which rented the ride's space to Orlando Slingshot, the ride's owner and operator, had already settled with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-florida-orlando-9b95f3f27e54da9b7e527304816562ae">Sampson's family</a>&nbsp;for an undisclosed amount.

“The jury’s decision confirms what we have long argued: Tyre’s death was the result of blatant negligence and a failure to prioritize safety over profits,” the family's lawyers, Ben Crump and Natalie Jackson, said in a statement. “The ride’s manufacturers neglected their duty to protect passengers, and (Thursday's) outcome ensures they face the consequences."

The family will now have to seek an order from an Austrian court to collect the damages.

Funtime did not respond to an email sent to its headquarters Friday seeking comment. The company's website shows that it manufactures thrill rides that throw, drop and spin passengers at high speeds and from tall elevations, including attractions named Vomatron, Sling Shot and Chaos Pendle.

Sampson, a football standout who stood 6 foot, 2 inches tall (1.9 meters) and weighed 380 pounds&nbsp; was visiting Orlando on spring break from the St. Louis area when he went with friends to the downtown amusement park.

They rode the Orlando Free Fall, which placed 30 riders in seats attached to a tower, secured them with a shoulder harness and then dropped them 430 feet (131 meters). It didn't have seat belts, something most drop rides have as an additional safety measure.

Because of Sampson's size, the harness didn't lock properly and he was ejected from his seat when the ride braked 70 feet from the ground.

His parents argued that Orlando Slingshot and Funtime should have warned their son&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-football-florida-orlando-52e9cf71dbb45d8e95da6a7703da26d3">about the risks</a>&nbsp;of someone his size going on the ride and didn’t provide an appropriate restraint system. Adding seat belts would have cost $660.

The state ordered the ride closed after the accident and it never reopened. It is now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amusement-ride-spring-break-florida-orlando-missouri-46055b0eda7e95e910bf75302c0dcc84">being demolished</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648251123999.png" alt="The Free Fall drop tower in ICON Park in Orlando File photo courtesy WFTV" />
 <figcaption>The Free Fall drop tower in ICON Park in Orlando File photo courtesy WFTV</figcaption>
 </figure>ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The parents of a 14-year-old Missouri boy who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-orlando-d03a753b6ac928a86222c0f3b1134619">fell to his death</a>&nbsp;from an Orlando amusement park ride in 2022 have won a $310 million verdict against the attraction's Austrian builder.Late Thursday, the Orange County jury ordered that the manufacturer Funtime pay $155 million each to Tyre Sampson's parents, Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson. He died on March 24, 2022, after falling 70 feet (21 meters) from the Orlando Free Fall ride at Icon Park. The trial lasted only a day as Funtime never appeared in court to defend itself.Icon Park, which rented the ride's space to Orlando Slingshot, the ride's owner and operator, had already settled with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-florida-orlando-9b95f3f27e54da9b7e527304816562ae">Sampson's family</a>&nbsp;for an undisclosed amount.“The jury’s decision confirms what we have long argued: Tyre’s death was the result of blatant negligence and a failure to prioritize safety over profits,” the family's lawyers, Ben Crump and Natalie Jackson, said in a statement. “The ride’s manufacturers neglected their duty to protect passengers, and (Thursday's) outcome ensures they face the consequences."The family will now have to seek an order from an Austrian court to collect the damages.Funtime did not respond to an email sent to its headquarters Friday seeking comment. The company's website shows that it manufactures thrill rides that throw, drop and spin passengers at high speeds and from tall elevations, including attractions named Vomatron, Sling Shot and Chaos Pendle.Sampson, a football standout who stood 6 foot, 2 inches tall (1.9 meters) and weighed 380 pounds&nbsp; was visiting Orlando on spring break from the St. Louis area when he went with friends to the downtown amusement park.They rode the Orlando Free Fall, which placed 30 riders in seats attached to a tower, secured them with a shoulder harness and then dropped them 430 feet (131 meters). It didn't have seat belts, something most drop rides have as an additional safety measure.Because of Sampson's size, the harness didn't lock properly and he was ejected from his seat when the ride braked 70 feet from the ground.His parents argued that Orlando Slingshot and Funtime should have warned their son&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-football-florida-orlando-52e9cf71dbb45d8e95da6a7703da26d3">about the risks</a>&nbsp;of someone his size going on the ride and didn’t provide an appropriate restraint system. Adding seat belts would have cost $660.The state ordered the ride closed after the accident and it never reopened. It is now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/amusement-ride-spring-break-florida-orlando-missouri-46055b0eda7e95e910bf75302c0dcc84">being demolished</a>.___

Jury awards $310 million to parents of teen killed in fall from park ride

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident.

Just after midnight Sunday morning, police responded to a reported injury accident involving a vehicle and pedestrian near the 2500 Block of SE Adams in Topeka, according to Police LT. Matt Danielson.

A southbound vehicle stuck a man who was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; The roadway was shut down during the overnight hours for the investigation, but it was reopened at approximately 7:00 a.m. Sunday.&nbsp;

Police did not release the name of the victim or other details.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident.Just after midnight Sunday morning, police responded to a reported injury accident involving a vehicle and pedestrian near the 2500 Block of SE Adams in Topeka, according to Police LT. Matt Danielson.A southbound vehicle stuck a man who was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; The roadway was shut down during the overnight hours for the investigation, but it was reopened at approximately 7:00 a.m. Sunday.&nbsp;Police did not release the name of the victim or other details.

Kansas man dies in pedestrian accident

DETROIT (AP) —Stellantis is recalling more than 300,000 Ram Heavy Duty pickup trucks because a faulty part could cause certain braking and tracking systems to fail.

The Netherlands-based automaker said the hydraulic control unit on the trucks is prone to failure, which can cause the anti-lock brake, electronic stability control and traction control systems to not work properly. Stellantis said regular braking systems are not affected by the defective part and that it's unaware of any related injuries.

The trucks in question are all model years 2017-18 and include the Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500. The recall includes a total of 317,630 trucks, including a small number of them in Canada, Mexico and elsewhere.

Stellantis said it will advise customers who may be affected as to when they may obtain service, which will be free of charge.

Customers with additional questions or concerns may call 1-800-853-1403.

Last month, Stellantis announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeep-dodge-suv-recall-disabled-antilock-brakes-412702daa1aeb0c84a8bcb7c786031c7#:~:text=DETROIT%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20Stellantis%20is,Cherokee%20and%20Dodge%20Durango%20SUVs.">recall of about 207,000 Jeep and Dodge SUVs</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. to fix a computer problem that can disable the anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control safety features. In September, Stellantis recalled nearly 1.5 million Ram pickup trucks worldwide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ram-pickup-recall-software-disable-stability-control-8d3bee0d4e2ac24b1146caacbc997350">to fix a software problem</a>&nbsp;that can disable the electronic stability control system.

Last week Stellantis announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stellantis-ceo-resigns-sales-struggle-df052376ff0ace08fd94a7821cb73317">CEO Carlos Tavares was stepping down</a>&nbsp;after nearly four years in the top spot of the carmaker.

In addition to the recalls, Stellantis has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carmaker-stellantis-forecasts-slump-540f78239aec2841e6c1f4d33a6a8e8f">struggling with falling sales</a>&nbsp;that have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stellantis-layoffs-toledo-jeep-factory-db5bcc81f2ed401d7df6a71b358dba3b#:~:text=About%201%2C100%20workers%20at%20Toledo,company%20tries%20to%20reduce%20inventory&amp;text=DETROIT%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20About%201%2C100,cut%20high%20inventory%20at%20dealerships.">led to layoffs</a>&nbsp;and contributed to ballooning inventory on dealer lots. Last quarter, Stellantis reported that net revenues plunged 27% from the same period a year ago.

Stellantis, the world’s fourth-largest automaker, was created by the 2021 merger of PSA Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733664647547.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) —Stellantis is recalling more than 300,000 Ram Heavy Duty pickup trucks because a faulty part could cause certain braking and tracking systems to fail.The Netherlands-based automaker said the hydraulic control unit on the trucks is prone to failure, which can cause the anti-lock brake, electronic stability control and traction control systems to not work properly. Stellantis said regular braking systems are not affected by the defective part and that it's unaware of any related injuries.The trucks in question are all model years 2017-18 and include the Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500. The recall includes a total of 317,630 trucks, including a small number of them in Canada, Mexico and elsewhere.Stellantis said it will advise customers who may be affected as to when they may obtain service, which will be free of charge.Customers with additional questions or concerns may call 1-800-853-1403.Last month, Stellantis announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeep-dodge-suv-recall-disabled-antilock-brakes-412702daa1aeb0c84a8bcb7c786031c7#:~:text=DETROIT%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20Stellantis%20is,Cherokee%20and%20Dodge%20Durango%20SUVs.">recall of about 207,000 Jeep and Dodge SUVs</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. to fix a computer problem that can disable the anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control safety features. In September, Stellantis recalled nearly 1.5 million Ram pickup trucks worldwide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ram-pickup-recall-software-disable-stability-control-8d3bee0d4e2ac24b1146caacbc997350">to fix a software problem</a>&nbsp;that can disable the electronic stability control system.Last week Stellantis announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stellantis-ceo-resigns-sales-struggle-df052376ff0ace08fd94a7821cb73317">CEO Carlos Tavares was stepping down</a>&nbsp;after nearly four years in the top spot of the carmaker.In addition to the recalls, Stellantis has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/carmaker-stellantis-forecasts-slump-540f78239aec2841e6c1f4d33a6a8e8f">struggling with falling sales</a>&nbsp;that have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stellantis-layoffs-toledo-jeep-factory-db5bcc81f2ed401d7df6a71b358dba3b#:~:text=About%201%2C100%20workers%20at%20Toledo,company%20tries%20to%20reduce%20inventory&amp;text=DETROIT%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20About%201%2C100,cut%20high%20inventory%20at%20dealerships.">led to layoffs</a>&nbsp;and contributed to ballooning inventory on dealer lots. Last quarter, Stellantis reported that net revenues plunged 27% from the same period a year ago.Stellantis, the world’s fourth-largest automaker, was created by the 2021 merger of PSA Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Recall: 300,000 Ram trucks for braking system defect

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Republicans are poised to turn the campaign trail promise of property tax relief into reality with expanded supermajorities in the Legislature and potentially unprecedented control over the state’s budget process.&nbsp;

However, state tax revenue continues to trend below projections, and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly wants legislators to hit pause before taking action in 2025.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said property tax relief will be “job one” when the Legislature convenes in January.

“For too long, Kansans have struggled with the ever-increasing cost of property taxes,” Hawkins said in a Nov. 27 statement. “Governor Kelly wants legislators to ‘take a breath’ instead of passing necessary legislation to ease the burden of property taxes on Kansans.”

Instead, he said, Kansans need “breathing room from the burden of sky-high property taxes.”

Lawmakers’ ideas for relief are bound by the state’s limited authority over local property taxes. Legislators could further modify the state mill levy or, like&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/12/03/property-tax-legislation-expected-in-the-2025-session-legislative-leaders-say/" target="_blank">Iowa</a>&nbsp;lawmakers in 2023, cap the tax levy rates for cities and counties.

Hawkins’ statement was in response to Kelly’s Nov. 25 comments to reporters at her Topeka residence when she emphasized her preference for a wait-and-see approach to further tax cuts.

In an&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/11/16/kansas-tax-revenue-projected-to-decline-by-72m-after-tax-cut-bill/#:~:text=Officials%20estimated%20the%20state%20government,by%20more%20than%20%2412%20million.">updated revenue estimate</a>&nbsp;for fiscal year 2025, which ends June 30, the state was projected to take in $400 million less than the year before and $72 million less in tax revenue than initial estimates.

The state likely won’t immediately see the full impacts of the bipartisan legislation adopted during a special session in June, which implemented income and property&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/21/gov-kelly-signs-tax-reduction-bill-passed-with-bipartisan-majorities-in-special-session/">tax reductions</a>&nbsp;that estimated $1.2 billion in savings for Kansans over three years.

Grace Hoge, a spokeswoman for the governor, said Wednesday that state revenues are still predicted to outweigh expenditures in the coming years.

“Now, we must remain cautious with future tax cut proposals and budgetary discussions to ensure Kansas does not return to the days of budget shortfalls and underfunded services,” she said.

Actual revenue has failed to meet projections lately. After revising estimates on Nov. 15 to lower projections by $72 million for the fiscal year, revenue for November continued to fall below expectations. The state collected about $675.5 million in taxes during the month, nearly 4%, or more than $25 million, below projections.

“It is important to remember that a comparison of just one month is not a reliable basis upon which to identify a trend for the balance of the fiscal year,” the report from the Kansas Legislative Research Department said.

State tax collections beat projections by $17.8 million in October, $15.1 million in September, and $6.6 million in August.

The reports released in the next two months will reflect the holiday shopping season and corporation income tax payment estimates, which are due multiple times per year, including December.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733497907579.jpeg" alt="House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, confers with representatives at the Kansas Statehouse on March 5, 2024. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, confers with representatives at the Kansas Statehouse on March 5, 2024. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas Republicans are poised to turn the campaign trail promise of property tax relief into reality with expanded supermajorities in the Legislature and potentially unprecedented control over the state’s budget process.&nbsp;However, state tax revenue continues to trend below projections, and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly wants legislators to hit pause before taking action in 2025.House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said property tax relief will be “job one” when the Legislature convenes in January.“For too long, Kansans have struggled with the ever-increasing cost of property taxes,” Hawkins said in a Nov. 27 statement. “Governor Kelly wants legislators to ‘take a breath’ instead of passing necessary legislation to ease the burden of property taxes on Kansans.”Instead, he said, Kansans need “breathing room from the burden of sky-high property taxes.”Lawmakers’ ideas for relief are bound by the state’s limited authority over local property taxes. Legislators could further modify the state mill levy or, like&nbsp;<a href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/12/03/property-tax-legislation-expected-in-the-2025-session-legislative-leaders-say/" target="_blank">Iowa</a>&nbsp;lawmakers in 2023, cap the tax levy rates for cities and counties.Hawkins’ statement was in response to Kelly’s Nov. 25 comments to reporters at her Topeka residence when she emphasized her preference for a wait-and-see approach to further tax cuts.In an&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/11/16/kansas-tax-revenue-projected-to-decline-by-72m-after-tax-cut-bill/#:~:text=Officials%20estimated%20the%20state%20government,by%20more%20than%20%2412%20million.">updated revenue estimate</a>&nbsp;for fiscal year 2025, which ends June 30, the state was projected to take in $400 million less than the year before and $72 million less in tax revenue than initial estimates.The state likely won’t immediately see the full impacts of the bipartisan legislation adopted during a special session in June, which implemented income and property&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/21/gov-kelly-signs-tax-reduction-bill-passed-with-bipartisan-majorities-in-special-session/">tax reductions</a>&nbsp;that estimated $1.2 billion in savings for Kansans over three years.Grace Hoge, a spokeswoman for the governor, said Wednesday that state revenues are still predicted to outweigh expenditures in the coming years.“Now, we must remain cautious with future tax cut proposals and budgetary discussions to ensure Kansas does not return to the days of budget shortfalls and underfunded services,” she said.Actual revenue has failed to meet projections lately. After revising estimates on Nov. 15 to lower projections by $72 million for the fiscal year, revenue for November continued to fall below expectations. The state collected about $675.5 million in taxes during the month, nearly 4%, or more than $25 million, below projections.“It is important to remember that a comparison of just one month is not a reliable basis upon which to identify a trend for the balance of the fiscal year,” the report from the Kansas Legislative Research Department said.State tax collections beat projections by $17.8 million in October, $15.1 million in September, and $6.6 million in August.The reports released in the next two months will reflect the holiday shopping season and corporation income tax payment estimates, which are due multiple times per year, including December.

Tax relief ‘job one’ for Kansas GOP lawmakers amid revenue shortfalls, governor’s caution

NEW YORK (AP) — They have seen him smiling on a hostel security camera, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-manhattan-shooting-death-dee5ad726a345a8209ecc0df7e44756e">don’t know his name</a>. They found the backpack he discarded while fleeing, but don’t know where he's gone.

As&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-manhattan-shooting-death-48590215ba756741bbaadeeb6255d135">the search</a>&nbsp;for UnitedHealthcare&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-79a9710978fc7adbb23d3fed4ea2f70d">CEO Brian Thompson’s</a>&nbsp;killer goes on, investigators are reckoning with a tantalizing dichotomy: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma.

Police don’t know who he is, where he is, or why he did it, though they are confident it was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manhattan-shooting-death-daa1e8c8c05606197a5bd2e0242f1683">targeted attack</a>&nbsp;instead of a random act.

“The net is tightening,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Saturday.

Hours after he spoke, police divers were seen searching a pond in Central Park, where the killer fled after the shooting. Officers have been scouring the park for days for any&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-manhattan-shooting-death-7f6581ba6b0b520938d82c361e77a83c">possible clues</a>&nbsp;and found his bag there Friday.

Late Saturday, police released two additional photos of the suspected shooter that appeared to be from a camera mounted inside a taxi. The first shows him outside the vehicle and the second shows him looking through the partition between the back seat and the front of the cab. In both, his face is partially obscured by a blue, medical-style mask.

Retracing the gunman’s steps using surveillance video, police say, it appears he left the city by bus soon after the shooting Wednesday morning outside the New York Hilton Midtown. He was seen on video at an uptown bus station about 45 minutes later, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.

With the high-profile search expanding across state lines, the FBI announced late Friday that it was offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, adding to a reward of up to $10,000 that the NYPD has offered. Police say they believe the suspect acted alone.

Police provided no updates on the hunt Saturday, but investigators are urging patience — even with a killer on the loose.

Hundreds of detectives are combing through video recordings and social media, vetting tips from the public and interviewing people who might have information, including Thompson’s family and coworkers and the shooter’s randomly assigned roommates at the Manhattan hostel where he stayed.

“This isn’t ‘Blue Bloods.’ We’re not going to solve this in 60 minutes," Kenny told reporters Friday. “We’re painstakingly going through every bit of evidence that we can come across.”

The shooter paid cash at the hostel, presented what police believe was a fake ID and is believed to have paid cash for taxi rides and other transactions. He didn't speak to others at the hostel and almost always kept his face covered with a mask, only lowering it while eating.

But investigators caught a break when they came across security camera images of an unguarded moment in which he briefly showed his face soon after arriving in New York on Nov. 24.

Police distributed the images to news outlets and on social media but so far haven't been able to ID him using facial recognition — possibly because of the angle of the images or limitations on how the NYPD is allowed to use that technology, Kenny said.

On Friday evening, investigators found a backpack in Central Park that had been worn by the gunman, police said. They didn’t immediately reveal what, if anything, it contained but said it would be tested and analyzed.

Another potential clue, a fingerprint on an item he purchased at a Starbucks minutes before the shooting, has so far proven useless for identifying him, Kenny said.

Aided by surveillance cameras on nearly every building and block, police have been able to retrace the shooter’s movements.

They know he ambushed Thompson at 6:44 a.m. as the executive arrived at the Hilton for his company’s annual investor conference, using a 9 mm pistol that resembled the guns farmers use to put down animals without causing a loud noise. They know ammunition found near Thompson’s body&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-delay-deny-defend-depose-ee73ceb19f361835c654f04a3b88c50c">bore the words</a>&nbsp;“delay,” “deny” and “depose,” mimicking a phrase used by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-delay-deny-depose-insurance-online-criticism-2d9c9a1a2a551876e72a11a93fc7624c">insurance industry critics</a>.

Kenny said the fact that the shooter knew UnitedHealthcare group was holding a conference at the hotel and what route Thompson might take to get there suggested that he could possibly be a disgruntled employee or client.

Investigators know from surveillance video that the shooter fled into Central Park on a bicycle and ditched it around 7 a.m. near 85th Street.

He then walked a couple blocks and got into a taxi, arriving at 7:30 a.m. at the George Washington Bridge Bus Station, which is near the northern tip of Manhattan and offers commuter service to New Jersey and Greyhound routes to Philadelphia, Boston and Washington.

Investigators don't know what happened next. They are searching through more surveillance video but have yet to locate video of the shooter getting on a bus or exiting the station.

“We have reason to believe that the person in question has left New York City,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told CNN on Friday.

Police have determined from video that the gunman was in the city for 10 days before the shooting. He arrived at Manhattan’s main bus terminal on a Greyhound bus that originated in Atlanta, though it's not clear whether he embarked there or at one of about a half-dozen stops along the route.

Immediately after that, he took a cab to the vicinity of the Hilton and was there for about a half hour, Kenny said.

At around 11 p.m. on the night he arrived, he went by taxi to the HI New York City Hostel. It was there, while speaking with an employee in the lobby, that he briefly pulled down the mask and smiled, giving investigators the brief glimpse they are now relying on to identify and capture a killer.

Associated Press writers Michael Balsamo in Washington, Jake Offenhartz, Cedar Attanasio and Karen Matthews in New York, John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio, and Jeff Martin in Atlanta contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733576299830.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — They have seen him smiling on a hostel security camera, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-manhattan-shooting-death-dee5ad726a345a8209ecc0df7e44756e">don’t know his name</a>. They found the backpack he discarded while fleeing, but don’t know where he's gone.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733666290178.png" alt="photo NYPD" />
 <figcaption>photo NYPD</figcaption>
 </figure>As&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-manhattan-shooting-death-48590215ba756741bbaadeeb6255d135">the search</a>&nbsp;for UnitedHealthcare&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shooting-79a9710978fc7adbb23d3fed4ea2f70d">CEO Brian Thompson’s</a>&nbsp;killer goes on, investigators are reckoning with a tantalizing dichotomy: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma.Police don’t know who he is, where he is, or why he did it, though they are confident it was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manhattan-shooting-death-daa1e8c8c05606197a5bd2e0242f1683">targeted attack</a>&nbsp;instead of a random act.“The net is tightening,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733666370176.png" alt="Photo NYPD" />
 <figcaption>Photo NYPD</figcaption>
 </figure>Hours after he spoke, police divers were seen searching a pond in Central Park, where the killer fled after the shooting. Officers have been scouring the park for days for any&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-manhattan-shooting-death-7f6581ba6b0b520938d82c361e77a83c">possible clues</a>&nbsp;and found his bag there Friday.Late Saturday, police released two additional photos of the suspected shooter that appeared to be from a camera mounted inside a taxi. The first shows him outside the vehicle and the second shows him looking through the partition between the back seat and the front of the cab. In both, his face is partially obscured by a blue, medical-style mask.Retracing the gunman’s steps using surveillance video, police say, it appears he left the city by bus soon after the shooting Wednesday morning outside the New York Hilton Midtown. He was seen on video at an uptown bus station about 45 minutes later, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733417735866.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>With the high-profile search expanding across state lines, the FBI announced late Friday that it was offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, adding to a reward of up to $10,000 that the NYPD has offered. Police say they believe the suspect acted alone.Police provided no updates on the hunt Saturday, but investigators are urging patience — even with a killer on the loose.Hundreds of detectives are combing through video recordings and social media, vetting tips from the public and interviewing people who might have information, including Thompson’s family and coworkers and the shooter’s randomly assigned roommates at the Manhattan hostel where he stayed.“This isn’t ‘Blue Bloods.’ We’re not going to solve this in 60 minutes," Kenny told reporters Friday. “We’re painstakingly going through every bit of evidence that we can come across.”The shooter paid cash at the hostel, presented what police believe was a fake ID and is believed to have paid cash for taxi rides and other transactions. He didn't speak to others at the hostel and almost always kept his face covered with a mask, only lowering it while eating.But investigators caught a break when they came across security camera images of an unguarded moment in which he briefly showed his face soon after arriving in New York on Nov. 24.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733324311684.png" alt="Brian Thompson courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Brian Thompson courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Police distributed the images to news outlets and on social media but so far haven't been able to ID him using facial recognition — possibly because of the angle of the images or limitations on how the NYPD is allowed to use that technology, Kenny said.On Friday evening, investigators found a backpack in Central Park that had been worn by the gunman, police said. They didn’t immediately reveal what, if anything, it contained but said it would be tested and analyzed.Another potential clue, a fingerprint on an item he purchased at a Starbucks minutes before the shooting, has so far proven useless for identifying him, Kenny said.Aided by surveillance cameras on nearly every building and block, police have been able to retrace the shooter’s movements.They know he ambushed Thompson at 6:44 a.m. as the executive arrived at the Hilton for his company’s annual investor conference, using a 9 mm pistol that resembled the guns farmers use to put down animals without causing a loud noise. They know ammunition found near Thompson’s body&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-delay-deny-defend-depose-ee73ceb19f361835c654f04a3b88c50c">bore the words</a>&nbsp;“delay,” “deny” and “depose,” mimicking a phrase used by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/unitedhealthcare-delay-deny-depose-insurance-online-criticism-2d9c9a1a2a551876e72a11a93fc7624c">insurance industry critics</a>.Kenny said the fact that the shooter knew UnitedHealthcare group was holding a conference at the hotel and what route Thompson might take to get there suggested that he could possibly be a disgruntled employee or client.Investigators know from surveillance video that the shooter fled into Central Park on a bicycle and ditched it around 7 a.m. near 85th Street.He then walked a couple blocks and got into a taxi, arriving at 7:30 a.m. at the George Washington Bridge Bus Station, which is near the northern tip of Manhattan and offers commuter service to New Jersey and Greyhound routes to Philadelphia, Boston and Washington.Investigators don't know what happened next. They are searching through more surveillance video but have yet to locate video of the shooter getting on a bus or exiting the station.“We have reason to believe that the person in question has left New York City,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told CNN on Friday.Police have determined from video that the gunman was in the city for 10 days before the shooting. He arrived at Manhattan’s main bus terminal on a Greyhound bus that originated in Atlanta, though it's not clear whether he embarked there or at one of about a half-dozen stops along the route.Immediately after that, he took a cab to the vicinity of the Hilton and was there for about a half hour, Kenny said.At around 11 p.m. on the night he arrived, he went by taxi to the HI New York City Hostel. It was there, while speaking with an employee in the lobby, that he briefly pulled down the mask and smiled, giving investigators the brief glimpse they are now relying on to identify and capture a killer.___Associated Press writers Michael Balsamo in Washington, Jake Offenhartz, Cedar Attanasio and Karen Matthews in New York, John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio, and Jeff Martin in Atlanta contributed.

Police release new pictures of suspected health insurance CEO killer

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a card skimming ring in Kansas and asking for help to identify two suspects.

Just after 3:30p.m. Tuesday, two individuals, seen on security camera, reportedly placed card skimmers on card readers at three Dollar General stores in Topeka. The stores are located at 2500 SE California Avenue; 10th and Fairlawn and at 29th and Croco, according to Topeka Police.



If you know these people or have any information about these incidents, please contact investigators at telltpd@topeka.org or report anonymously to Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732735692511.png" alt="Security camera image Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a card skimming ring in Kansas and asking for help to identify two suspects.Just after 3:30p.m. Tuesday, two individuals, seen on security camera, reportedly placed card skimmers on card readers at three Dollar General stores in Topeka. The stores are located at 2500 SE California Avenue; 10th and Fairlawn and at 29th and Croco, according to Topeka Police.

If you know these people or have any information about these incidents, please contact investigators at telltpd@topeka.org or report anonymously to Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007.

Police continue work to ID Kan. card skimming suspects

PARIS (AP) — French President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/emmanuel-macron">Emmanuel Macron</a>&nbsp;welcomed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;to Paris on Saturday with a full dose of presidential pomp as the two held a hastily arranged meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy before celebrating the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/france-notre-dame-reopening-paris-macron-f2543dc70b4d89b256cde9aa53bbbd44">grand reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral</a>.

On a day that mixed pageantry with attention to pressing global problems, the once and future American president was warmly embraced by Macron upon arriving at the Elysee Palace.

“It’s a great honor for French people to welcome you five years later,” Macron told Trump. “Welcome back again.”

Trump said it was a “very great honor" to be there, while hinting at challenges ahead.

“It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now. And we’ll be talking about that,” Trump said.

An actual red carpet was rolled out for Trump as Macron bestowed the kind of full diplomatic welcome that France offers sitting American presidents, complete with trumpets blaring and members of the Republican Guard in full uniform. It was a clear sign that even though Trump doesn't take office until Jan. 20, 2025, Macron and other European leaders are already working to win his favor and treating him as America's representative on the world stage.

President Joe Biden declined an invitation to attend the Notre Dame ceremony, five years after a devastating fire, with the White House citing a scheduling conflict. First lady Jill Biden was the official U.S. representative in his place.

Macron and leaders across Europe are trying to persuade the president-elect to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Macron's office said the war, along with conflicts in the Mideast, would be discussed.

As Trump arrived at the official residence of the French president, Macron went out of his way to project an image of close ties, offering handshakes and plenty of back-patting for the cameras.

In a video posted later on X, Macron could be heard asking Trump: “You remember?” as both men entered a reception room.

Trump spent about 90 minutes inside, meeting first with Macron before they were joined by Zelenskyy for about 35 minutes.

Macron had long planned to meet separately with Zelenskyy. The French president's office said the three-way talks were proposed by Macron and arranged shortly before Trump’s arrival. Trump has pledged to end the war in Ukraine swiftly but has not specified how, raising concerns in Kyiv about what terms may be laid out for any future negotiations.

A person familiar with Trump's plans had said before the meeting was announced that while Trump and Zelenskyy were attending the cathedral ceremony and surrounding events and probably would interact, Trump's transition team had not worked with the Ukrainians to schedule formal talks.

After the place meeting, a Trump senior transition official did not push back on the idea that it had come together at the last minute, but said it had been “discussed fully and agreed to” and that Trump had been “fully briefed” ahead of time.

The three leaders spoke in English, and translator was in the room, according to a French official.

Accompanying Trump to Paris was a small contingent of advisers that included incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles, along with Steve Witkoff, a longtime friend and real estate investor whom Trump has tapped as his special envoy to the Middle East, and Massad Boulos, who is the father-in-law of Trump’s daughter Tiffany and will serve as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.

The group did not appear to include anyone with expertise on Ukraine.

“United States, Ukraine and France. Together on this historic day. United for Notre-Dame. Let’s continue to work together for peace and security,” Macron wrote on X afterward.

Trump’s victory last month threw into doubt the Biden administration's flow of money and arms to Ukraine — aid bolstered even more on Saturday by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-weapons-russia-trump-biden-himars-zelenskyy-7b2560ad6bd54a6275da0ceb5241c0e8">U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's announcement of a $988 million package</a>&nbsp;that brings American military support to more than $62 billion since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Trump has characterized Zelenskyy as “the greatest salesman on Earth” for winning billions in U.S. aid. Trump also has said he work out a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within a day of taking office and has promoted his good relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In an effort to build trust with the incoming U.S. administration, Zelenskyy’s top aide Andriy Yermak met key members of Trump’s team on a two-day trip to the U.S. earlier this week.

Macron has argued that Ukraine's defeat or a cease-fire with Russia on unfavorable terms to Ukraine would be viewed as a loss for the U.S. and even Trump himself, according to two European officials familiar with the matter.

After arriving at Notre Dame for the ceremony, Trump was greeted by Macron and his wife, Brigitte. He was given prime seating at the service right between them — a better location than Jill Biden, who sat on Brigitte Macron's other side — and many current heads of government and state.

Inside, Trump also greeted Zelenskyy as well as Britain’s Prince William, who Trump met with later at the British ambassador’s residence in Paris. Trump was greeted in the foyer, shook the royal’s hand and said “good man, this one.”

Trump told reporters the Prince of Wales was doing “a fantastic job” before the two went to sit down and talk in a private room reserved for high-profile figures in the residence that once was the Paris town home of Princess Pauline Borghese, the youngest sister French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

Prince William was also scheduled to meet separately with Jill Biden, according to the British royal palace.

Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and X who has spent considerable time with Trump since the election and spent millions to elect him, was also in attendance at Notre Dame.

Macron, who has had an up-and-down relationship with Trump, has made a point of cultivating their bond since the Republican defeated Democrat Kamala Harris. But Macron's office nonetheless played down the significance of the invitation, saying other politicians not now in office had been invited as well.

Trump was invited as president-elect of a “friendly nation,” Macron's office said, adding, “This is in no way exceptional, we’ve done it before."

Trump is known to revel in pomp and circumstance. One of his first trips as president his first term was to Paris, where Macron made him the the guest of honor at Bastille Day events. Trump later said he wanted to replicate the grand military parade back in the United States.

Relations between France and the U.S. during Trump’s first term began warmly enough but grew&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-emmanuel-macron-france-33fdc2f2e334ecd29148f4de7b98fb41">increasingly strained</a>&nbsp;over time.

Macron was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-72f386baac584e48a3ee6487e3a63ed7">guest of honor</a>&nbsp;at Trump’s first state dinner, and Trump traveled to France several times. But the relationship suffered after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-business-summits-middle-east-europe-284d2f177cb64239857ad8c821ec62a1">Macron criticized Trump</a>&nbsp;for questioning the need for NATO and raising doubts about America’s commitment to the mutual defense pact.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump often mocked Macron, imitating his accent and threatening to impose steep tariffs on wine and champagne bottles shipped to the U.S. if France tried to tax American companies.

But Macron was one of the first global leaders to congratulate Trump last month after the election.

When he accepted the invitation to travel to Paris, Trump said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/emmanuel-macron">Macron</a>&nbsp;had done “a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so. It will be a very special day for all!” Trump was president in 2019, when a fire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/649ccfad63de28c7ef38bc3ffe24a5d3">nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark</a>.

Gomez Licon reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Colvin from New York. Associated Press writers Hanna Arhirova in Kyiv, Ukraine, and Danica Kirka in London contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733603028810.png" alt="First lady Jill Biden, Brigitte Macron, President-elect Trump and French President Macron at the Cathedral ceremony on Saturday-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>First lady Jill Biden, Brigitte Macron, President-elect Trump and French President Macron at the Cathedral ceremony on Saturday-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>PARIS (AP) — French President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/emmanuel-macron">Emmanuel Macron</a>&nbsp;welcomed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;to Paris on Saturday with a full dose of presidential pomp as the two held a hastily arranged meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy before celebrating the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/france-notre-dame-reopening-paris-macron-f2543dc70b4d89b256cde9aa53bbbd44">grand reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President-elect Donald Trump arrives at Élysée Palace, the residence of French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, ahead of a re-opening ceremony of the Notre Dame Cathedral. <a href="https://t.co/PkOHoaUIWL">pic.twitter.com/PkOHoaUIWL</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1865447514469552339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> arrives at Élysée Palace and shakes hands with President Macron 🇺🇸🇫🇷 <a href="https://t.co/WiC8vWGYla">pic.twitter.com/WiC8vWGYla</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@margomartin) <a href="https://twitter.com/margomartin/status/1865423000176111717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On a day that mixed pageantry with attention to pressing global problems, the once and future American president was warmly embraced by Macron upon arriving at the Elysee Palace.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> arrives at Élysée Palace and is greeted by President Macron 🇺🇸🇫🇷 <a href="https://t.co/CwcHMjMGgm">pic.twitter.com/CwcHMjMGgm</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@margomartin) <a href="https://twitter.com/margomartin/status/1865428275775848866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“It’s a great honor for French people to welcome you five years later,” Macron told Trump. “Welcome back again.”Trump said it was a “very great honor" to be there, while hinting at challenges ahead.“It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now. And we’ll be talking about that,” Trump said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President-elect Trump greets Prince William at Notre Dame Cathedral Re-Opening in Paris, France. <a href="https://t.co/D5I8KU3tuy">pic.twitter.com/D5I8KU3tuy</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1865458557686034537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>An actual red carpet was rolled out for Trump as Macron bestowed the kind of full diplomatic welcome that France offers sitting American presidents, complete with trumpets blaring and members of the Republican Guard in full uniform. It was a clear sign that even though Trump doesn't take office until Jan. 20, 2025, Macron and other European leaders are already working to win his favor and treating him as America's representative on the world stage.President Joe Biden declined an invitation to attend the Notre Dame ceremony, five years after a devastating fire, with the White House citing a scheduling conflict. First lady Jill Biden was the official U.S. representative in his place.Macron and leaders across Europe are trying to persuade the president-elect to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Macron's office said the war, along with conflicts in the Mideast, would be discussed.As Trump arrived at the official residence of the French president, Macron went out of his way to project an image of close ties, offering handshakes and plenty of back-patting for the cameras.In a video posted later on X, Macron could be heard asking Trump: “You remember?” as both men entered a reception room.“I remember,” Trump answered.Trump spent about 90 minutes inside, meeting first with Macron before they were joined by Zelenskyy for about 35 minutes.Macron had long planned to meet separately with Zelenskyy. The French president's office said the three-way talks were proposed by Macron and arranged shortly before Trump’s arrival. Trump has pledged to end the war in Ukraine swiftly but has not specified how, raising concerns in Kyiv about what terms may be laid out for any future negotiations.A person familiar with Trump's plans had said before the meeting was announced that while Trump and Zelenskyy were attending the cathedral ceremony and surrounding events and probably would interact, Trump's transition team had not worked with the Ukrainians to schedule formal talks.After the place meeting, a Trump senior transition official did not push back on the idea that it had come together at the last minute, but said it had been “discussed fully and agreed to” and that Trump had been “fully briefed” ahead of time.The three leaders spoke in English, and translator was in the room, according to a French official.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> greets U.S. Marines that are stationed in France 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/RFXANX7GWL">pic.twitter.com/RFXANX7GWL</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@margomartin) <a href="https://twitter.com/margomartin/status/1865453672076841073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Accompanying Trump to Paris was a small contingent of advisers that included incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles, along with Steve Witkoff, a longtime friend and real estate investor whom Trump has tapped as his special envoy to the Middle East, and Massad Boulos, who is the father-in-law of Trump’s daughter Tiffany and will serve as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.The group did not appear to include anyone with expertise on Ukraine.“United States, Ukraine and France. Together on this historic day. United for Notre-Dame. Let’s continue to work together for peace and security,” Macron wrote on X afterward.Trump’s victory last month threw into doubt the Biden administration's flow of money and arms to Ukraine — aid bolstered even more on Saturday by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-weapons-russia-trump-biden-himars-zelenskyy-7b2560ad6bd54a6275da0ceb5241c0e8">U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's announcement of a $988 million package</a>&nbsp;that brings American military support to more than $62 billion since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">United States, Ukraine, and France. Together on this historic day. Gathered for Notre-Dame. Let us continue our joint efforts for peace and security. <a href="https://t.co/hEYGEklihT">pic.twitter.com/hEYGEklihT</a>&mdash; Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1865455792683434384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump has characterized Zelenskyy as “the greatest salesman on Earth” for winning billions in U.S. aid. Trump also has said he work out a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within a day of taking office and has promoted his good relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.In an effort to build trust with the incoming U.S. administration, Zelenskyy’s top aide Andriy Yermak met key members of Trump’s team on a two-day trip to the U.S. earlier this week.Macron has argued that Ukraine's defeat or a cease-fire with Russia on unfavorable terms to Ukraine would be viewed as a loss for the U.S. and even Trump himself, according to two European officials familiar with the matter.After arriving at Notre Dame for the ceremony, Trump was greeted by Macron and his wife, Brigitte. He was given prime seating at the service right between them — a better location than Jill Biden, who sat on Brigitte Macron's other side — and many current heads of government and state.Inside, Trump also greeted Zelenskyy as well as Britain’s Prince William, who Trump met with later at the British ambassador’s residence in Paris. Trump was greeted in the foyer, shook the royal’s hand and said “good man, this one.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President-elect Trump meets with Prince William in Paris, France. <a href="https://t.co/tQsBFy0IN9">pic.twitter.com/tQsBFy0IN9</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1865593033355333822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The Prince of Wales greets President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> at the British Ambassador&#39;s Residence 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/VsYvOmk8gI">pic.twitter.com/VsYvOmk8gI</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@margomartin) <a href="https://twitter.com/margomartin/status/1865500075893363170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> meets with the Prince of Wales 🇺🇸🇬🇧 <a href="https://t.co/FhghYHQtd7">pic.twitter.com/FhghYHQtd7</a>&mdash; Margo Martin (@margomartin) <a href="https://twitter.com/margomartin/status/1865500807174443264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump told reporters the Prince of Wales was doing “a fantastic job” before the two went to sit down and talk in a private room reserved for high-profile figures in the residence that once was the Paris town home of Princess Pauline Borghese, the youngest sister French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.Prince William was also scheduled to meet separately with Jill Biden, according to the British royal palace.Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and X who has spent considerable time with Trump since the election and spent millions to elect him, was also in attendance at Notre Dame.Macron, who has had an up-and-down relationship with Trump, has made a point of cultivating their bond since the Republican defeated Democrat Kamala Harris. But Macron's office nonetheless played down the significance of the invitation, saying other politicians not now in office had been invited as well.Trump was invited as president-elect of a “friendly nation,” Macron's office said, adding, “This is in no way exceptional, we’ve done it before."Trump is known to revel in pomp and circumstance. One of his first trips as president his first term was to Paris, where Macron made him the the guest of honor at Bastille Day events. Trump later said he wanted to replicate the grand military parade back in the United States.Relations between France and the U.S. during Trump’s first term began warmly enough but grew&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-emmanuel-macron-france-33fdc2f2e334ecd29148f4de7b98fb41">increasingly strained</a>&nbsp;over time.Macron was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/united-states-government-72f386baac584e48a3ee6487e3a63ed7">guest of honor</a>&nbsp;at Trump’s first state dinner, and Trump traveled to France several times. But the relationship suffered after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-business-summits-middle-east-europe-284d2f177cb64239857ad8c821ec62a1">Macron criticized Trump</a>&nbsp;for questioning the need for NATO and raising doubts about America’s commitment to the mutual defense pact.During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump often mocked Macron, imitating his accent and threatening to impose steep tariffs on wine and champagne bottles shipped to the U.S. if France tried to tax American companies.But Macron was one of the first global leaders to congratulate Trump last month after the election.When he accepted the invitation to travel to Paris, Trump said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/emmanuel-macron">Macron</a>&nbsp;had done “a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so. It will be a very special day for all!” Trump was president in 2019, when a fire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/649ccfad63de28c7ef38bc3ffe24a5d3">nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark</a>.___Gomez Licon reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Colvin from New York. Associated Press writers Hanna Arhirova in Kyiv, Ukraine, and Danica Kirka in London contributed to this report.

🎥 Highlights of Trumps's return to the world stage at Notre-Dame reopening 

NEW YORK (AP) — More than one million pairs of oven gloves are being recalled due to a burn hazard, after dozens of injury reports.

Video and e-commerce retailer QVC is recalling about 1.1 million of its “Temp-tations Oven Gloves” because they fail to provide sufficient heat protection. According to a Thursday notice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/QVC-Recalls-More-than-One-Million-Temp-tations-Oven-Gloves-Due-to-Burn-Hazard">published</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, QVC has received 162 reports of insufficient heat protection, including 92 minor burns.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733501232893.png" alt="Photo Consumer Products Safety Commission" />
 <figcaption>Photo Consumer Products Safety Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — More than one million pairs of oven gloves are being recalled due to a burn hazard, after dozens of injury reports.Video and e-commerce retailer QVC is recalling about 1.1 million of its “Temp-tations Oven Gloves” because they fail to provide sufficient heat protection. According to a Thursday notice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/QVC-Recalls-More-than-One-Million-Temp-tations-Oven-Gloves-Due-to-Burn-Hazard">published</a>&nbsp;by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, QVC has received 162 reports of insufficient heat protection, including 92 minor burns.Consumers in possession of the now-recalled gloves are urged to stop using them immediately and contact QVC for a refund. More information can be found on the recall's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.recallrtr.com/ovengloves">online registration page</a>.According to the recall notice, the oven gloves were sold online at qvc.com as well as through QVC’s televised and digital shopping platforms from August 2018 to August 2024 for between $4 and $13 a pair.The products, which come in a range of colors and designs, came in single pairs or in sets. “Temp-tations by Tara” is printed on an label inside the gloves, Thursday's announcement notes. The recalled gloves can also be identified by their model numbers: K51459, K76398, K47973, K48879, K85322, K96004, K92603, K308719, K309220, K309388 and K309516.