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AP News Digest 6 p.m.

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AP News Digest 6 p.m.
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AP News Digest 6 p.m.

2024-12-05 06:59 Last Updated At:07:01

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

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A "Baby of Hope" sits among charred wood in an art piece titled "Rebirth in the Inferno," by artist Alan Sonfist, who is part of the Land Art Forward group, during Art Basel Miami Beach Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

A "Baby of Hope" sits among charred wood in an art piece titled "Rebirth in the Inferno," by artist Alan Sonfist, who is part of the Land Art Forward group, during Art Basel Miami Beach Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Pope Francis arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, Dec.4, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Pope Francis arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, Dec.4, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

FILE - Peter Navarro speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a faith event at the Concord Convention Center, Oct. 21, 2024, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Peter Navarro speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a faith event at the Concord Convention Center, Oct. 21, 2024, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, speaks with reporters following a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)

FILE - Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, speaks with reporters following a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)

This still image from surveillance video obtained by the Associated Press shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo)

This still image from surveillance video obtained by the Associated Press shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo)

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

NEW/DEVELOPING

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CFP PLAYOFF-RANKINGS; FEDERAL-RESERVE-POWELL; UNITED-STATES-CHINA-HACK; TRUMP-STAFF-PICKS; ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-AMNESTY; SUPREME-COURT-TRANSGENDER-HEALTH-TAKEAWAYS; MEDIA-HEGSETH’S-MOTHER; CONGRESS-JUDICIARY DEMOCRATS; BIDEN-ANGOLA-TAKEAWAYS; SIGNING DAY-RDP; CALIFORNIA-SCHOOL SHOOTING.

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ONLY ON AP

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ELECTION 2024-AP VOTECAST-PET OWNERS — The lead-up to the 2024 election was all about cat owners. But in the end, the dogs had their day. Donald Trump won slightly more than half of voters who own either cats or dogs, with a big assist from dog owners, according to AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters. Dog owners were much more likely to support him over Kamala Harris. Cat owners were split between the two candidates. By Linley Sanders, Humera Lodhi and Annie Ng. SENT: 780 words, photos, video, audio.

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TOP STORIES

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UNITEDHEALTHCARE-CEO-KILLED — UnitedHealthcare’s CEO was shot and killed in a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, police say, setting off a massive dragnet hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting nearby. By Jake Offenhartz and Karen Matthews. SENT: 830 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: UNITEDHEALTHCARE-CEO-KILLED-PROFILE -- UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile before he was shot to death; UNITEDHEALTHCARE-CEO-WHAT-TO-KNOW — What to know about the fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO. Find more on the UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting here.

MIDEAST-WARS — Israeli airstrikes tore through a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza, sparking fires and killing at least 21 people, according to the head of a nearby hospital, in the latest assault on a sprawling tent city that Israel designated a humanitarian safe zone but has repeatedly targeted. By By Mohammad Jahjouh and Wafaa Shurafa. SENT: 920 words, photos. WITH: ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-AMNESTY — Human rights organization Amnesty International will release a report about the war in Gaza. UPCOMING: 1,230 words, photos by 7 p.m.

SUPREME COURT-TRANSGENDER HEALTH — Hearing a high-profile culture-war clash, the Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices’ decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which bathrooms they can use. By Mark Sherman. SENT: 1,290 words, photos, audio. WITH: SUPREME COURT-TRANSGENDER HEALTH-THE LATEST; SUPREME-COURT-TRANSGENDER-HEALTH-TAKEAWAYS (both sent).

SOUTH-KOREA-YOON’S-FATE — President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning martial law declaration lasted just hours, but experts say it raised serious questions about his ability to govern for the remaining 2 1/2 years of his term. The opposition-controlled parliament overturned the edict, and his rivals took steps to impeach him. By Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung. SENT: 960 words, photos. WITH: SOUTH-KOREA-MARTIAL-LAW — South Korea’s opposition parties move to impeach president over sudden declaration of martial law; SOUTH-KOREA-MARTIAL-LAW-THE-CONTEXT — Shock martial law edict in South Korea follows chaotic recent history: A look at the crucial context.

TRUMP-HEGSETH — A defiant Pete Hegseth has fought to save his nomination to be Donald Trump’s defense secretary as the president-elect considered possible replacements in the face of growing questions about the former Fox News host’s personal conduct and ability to win Senate confirmation. By Thomas Beaumont, Adriana Gomez Licon, Zeke Miller and Tara Copp. SENT: 940 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: TRUMP-HEGSETH-RELIGION — U.S. military takes pride in religious diversity. Would things change if Pete Hegseth takes charge? MEDIA-HEGSETH’S-MOTHER — Pete Hegseth’s mother says The New York Times made “threats” by asking her to comment on a story (both sent).

TRUMP-TRANSITION — President-elect Donald Trump is bringing Peter Navarro, a former adviser who served prison time related to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, back to the White House for his second administration. Navarro will serve as a senior counselor for trade and manufacturing. By Chris Megerian. SENT: 780 words, photos. WITH: TRUMP-TRANSITION-SEC — Trump nominates cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins as SEC chair; TRUMP-TRANSITION-NASA — Billionaire who performed the first private spacewalk is Trump’s pick to lead NASA; TRUMP-ARMY-SECRETARY — Trump selects a former soldier and Iraq War veteran to serve as Army secretary; TRUMP-TRANSITION-HOSTAGE-NEGOTIATOR — A health care executive is Trump’s pick to serve as his administration’s lead hostage negotiator; TRUMP-STAFF-PICKS (all sent).

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SPOTLIGHTING VOICES

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SENEGAL-BIENNALE — For the artistic and cultural elites of Senegal, the monthlong Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Arts is a celebratory moment. But it wasn’t until this year that the local artisans in the Soumbedioune crafts market, just off the Corniche and at the doorstep on the Medina working-class neighborhood, realized what the Biennale was. By Monika Pronczuk. SENT: 850 words, photos.

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MORE NEWS

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UNITED STATES-CHINA-HACK — A top White House official said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. SENT: 600 words, photo, audio.

MOST MISPRONOUNCED WORDS — Vice President Kamala Harris and breakout pop star Chappell Roan were among the year’s most talked-about people. Their names were also among the most mispronounced. SENT: 610 words, photos, video, audio.

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WASHINGTON/POLITICS

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BIDEN-ANGOLA — President Joe Biden pledged $600 million more for a cross-Africa rail project, telling regional leaders that “Africa has been left behind for much too long. But not anymore. Africa is the future.” SENT: 720 words, photos, audio. With BIDEN-ANGOLA-TAKEAWAYS — Highlights of Biden’s trip (sent).

GEORGIA-ELECTION-INDICTMENT — President-elect Donald Trump is trying to get the Georgia election interference case against him dismissed, asserting that the state’s courts will not have jurisdiction over him once he returns to the White House next month. SENT: 800 words, photos.

CONGRESS-JUDICIARY DEMOCRATS — Rep. Jerry Nadler has announced that he will be stepping down as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee next year, avoiding an intra-party fight over a prominent position as the party prepares to confront a second Trump presidency. SENT: 290 words, photo.

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YEAR END STORIES

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YE-TOP FILMS — Break out your “Dune” popcorn bucket: It’s time for the best movies of the year. The AP's lists are topped by the sublime Indian drama “All We Imagine As Light” and the WWII drama “Blitz.” By Film Writers Jake Coyle and Lindsey Bahr. SENT: 1,570 words, photos.

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NATIONAL

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MISSING WOMAN-SINKHOLE SEARCH — The search for a woman who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole in western Pennsylvania is moving into a recovery effort after two days of searching produced no signs of life, authorities said. SENT: 800 words, photos, video, audio. WITH: SINKHOLES-WHAT-TO-KNOW — What to know about sinkholes. (sent).

SUBWAY-CHOKEHOLD-DEATH — Jurors have asked to review police and bystander video at the heart of the chokehold manslaughter case against Daniel Penny as his lawyers complained that an aggressive protester was harassing the Marine veteran outside the New York City courthouse. SENT: 660 words, photos, video.

CALIFORNIA-SCHOOL SHOOTING — A shooting at a Northern California elementary school has left the suspect dead, sheriff’s officials say. SENT: 130 words.

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INTERNATIONAL

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FRANCE-GOVERNMENT — France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers have joined together in a historic no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes that forced Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet members to resign, a first since 1962. SENT: 660 words, photos.

SYRIA-OPPOSITION — The leader of Syria’s most powerful insurgent group toured the seized city of Aleppo in a surprise visit, for the first time since the group captured large parts of the city last weekend, as fierce fighting intensified in the government-led counter-offensive in northern Hama. SENT: 930 words, photos, video, audio.

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HEALTH & SCIENCE

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PRENATAL SCREENING-CANCER — Many moms-to-be opt for blood tests during pregnancy to check for fetal disorders such as Down syndrome. In rare instances, these tests can reveal something unexpected — hints of a hidden cancer in the woman. By Medical Writer Carla K. Johnson. SENT: 520 words, photos.

BIRD FLU-RAW MILK — A California farm has expanded a recall of raw milk sold in stores and has halted production. By Health Writer Jonel Aleccia. SENT: 530 words, photo.

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WELLNESS

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HOLIDAY-SECRET SANTA-STRESS-BE WELL — Secret Santa gift exchanges among friends, family or co-workers can be a fun way to get in the holiday spirit. Or they can be just another seasonal stressor. SENT: 680 words, photos.

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BUSINESS

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FEDERAL RESERVE-POWELL — Chair Jerome Powell says that the Federal Reserve’s ability to set interest rates free of political interference is necessary for it to make decisions to serve “all Americans” rather than a political party or political outcome. By Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber. SENT: 470 words, photos, audio.

AMAZON-LAWSUIT — The District of Columbia has sued Amazon, alleging the company secretly stopped providing its fastest delivery service to residents of two predominantly Black neighborhoods while still charging millions of dollars for a membership that promises the benefit. SENT: 800 words, photo.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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MUSIC-SPOTIFY-WRAPPED — ’Tis the season to unpack Spotify Wrapped. And it should come as no surprise that in 2024, for a second year in a row, Taylor Swift has been named its most-played artist, ranking in more than 26.6 billion streams. By Music Writer Maria Sherman. SENT: 580 words, photos. With SPOTIFY-WRAPPED-2024-EXPLAINER (sent)

TAYLOR SWIFT-ERAS TOUR ENDS — The global phenomenon that is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is coming to an end soon after the popstar performed more than 150 shows across five continents over nearly two years. SENT: 1,060 words, photos.

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SPORTS

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SIGNING DAY-RDP — Georgia has the edge at putting together the nation’s top football recruiting class for a second straight year as high school seniors get a chance to finalize their college selections. By Sports Writer Steve Megargee. SENT: 960 words, photos.

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HOW TO REACH US

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At the Nerve Center, Jerome Minerva can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1600. For photos, ext. 1900. For graphics and interactives, ext. 7636 Expanded AP content can be obtained from AP Newsroom. For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, contact apcustomersupport@ap.org or call 844-777-2006.

A "Baby of Hope" sits among charred wood in an art piece titled "Rebirth in the Inferno," by artist Alan Sonfist, who is part of the Land Art Forward group, during Art Basel Miami Beach Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

A "Baby of Hope" sits among charred wood in an art piece titled "Rebirth in the Inferno," by artist Alan Sonfist, who is part of the Land Art Forward group, during Art Basel Miami Beach Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

People hold candles during a candlelight vigil against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Pope Francis arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, Dec.4, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Pope Francis arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Wednesday, Dec.4, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

FILE - Peter Navarro speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a faith event at the Concord Convention Center, Oct. 21, 2024, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Peter Navarro speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a faith event at the Concord Convention Center, Oct. 21, 2024, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

FILE - Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, speaks with reporters following a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)

FILE - Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of defense, speaks with reporters following a meeting with senators on Capitol Hill, Nov. 21, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)

This still image from surveillance video obtained by the Associated Press shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo)

This still image from surveillance video obtained by the Associated Press shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo)

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

This image provided by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department via AP)

Next Article

Escaped convicted murderer puts California town on edge

2024-12-06 07:07 Last Updated At:07:10

A search for a convicted murderer in a California town has put residents on edge, with schools closing and Christmas events being postponed

Cesar Hernandez, who was sentenced in 2019 to 80 years to life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, escaped Monday morning shortly after arriving at the Kern County courthouse in Delano, a city of around 50,000 in central California. As of Thursday, he had still not been found.

He was being transported to appear in court after pleading no contest to manufacturing a weapon and possessing alcohol or drugs in prison when he evaded staff and jumped out of the van, officials said.

“Hernandez is considered dangerous,” Delano police said in a social media post. “If you see him, do not approach.”

Cesar Guzmán, 32, was only blocks away at his barber shop from the intersection where Hernandez escaped. It’s been the “number one topic at the shop” since.

“Everyday we talk about it,” Guzmán said. “The clients are, they’re scared because they haven’t found him. We’re really close to where it happened.”

Delano has been inundated with a heavy law enforcement presence since Hernandez’s escape, with police knocking on doors and helicopters whirring overhead. Guzmán said it’s the first time something like this has happened in the town, where he has lived his whole life.

Several local schools locked down Monday, and they remained closed through Thursday as the search continued, local school districts posted on Facebook.

The city postponed its tree-lighting ceremony originally scheduled for Wednesday, and the Delano Chamber of Commerce delayed its annual Christmas parade scheduled for Thursday night.

Hernandez remaining at large puts a damper on the festivities, which Guzmán and his family have attended every year.

“Honestly, now we’re kind of like, ‘How can he get away from them? What the heck happened?’" Guzmán said.

Hernandez, 34, was convicted of shooting a man after leaving a bar in south Los Angeles, according to appellate court filings. He had gotten into a “heated argument” with his girlfriend at the bar earlier that night and was looking for her after she left.

The victim was at the bar but did not have contact with either Hernandez or his girlfriend, the filings said. As the man drove away from the bar in his pickup truck, Hernandez was seen following him in his car before getting out to shoot him. It's unclear from the filings what motivated the shooting.

Hernandez was last seen wearing an orange top and pants. He is 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighs about 160 pounds, and has brown eyes and black hair. He was transferred from Los Angeles County in June 2019.

Anyone who sees Hernandez or has knowledge of his location is asked to contact law enforcement or call 911.

On the other side of the country, another search was underway for the man who gunned down United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York on Monday. Police were following tips related to his whereabouts, including searching two hostels where the man may have stayed.

This undated booking mug, provided by the California Department of Corrections, shows Cesar M. Hernandez, who escaped while in custody, Monday, Dec. 2, 2024 in Delano, Calif. (California Department of Corrections via AP)

This undated booking mug, provided by the California Department of Corrections, shows Cesar M. Hernandez, who escaped while in custody, Monday, Dec. 2, 2024 in Delano, Calif. (California Department of Corrections via AP)

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