&nbsp;PALM BEACH —The Presidential inauguration is January 20.&nbsp; On Tuesday night, the Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Company, James Quincey presented President-elect Trump the first ever Presidential Commemorative Inaugural Diet Coke bottle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736905668769.png" alt="Photo courtesy Margo Martin Deputy Director of Communications, Donald J. Trump for President&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Margo Martin Deputy Director of Communications, Donald J. Trump for President&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;PALM BEACH —The Presidential inauguration is January 20.&nbsp; On Tuesday night, the Chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Company, James Quincey presented President-elect Trump the first ever Presidential Commemorative Inaugural Diet Coke bottle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736905639822.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trump is a long-time Diet Coke fanatic.

Coca-Cola gives Trump commemorative inaugural Diet Coke bottle

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fires burning homes and businesses in Los Angeles for a week have killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wildfires-southern-california-2dc4d256d8681f7d035f64730982aef0">at least 25 people</a>, displaced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/la-wildfire-flee-evacuation-wind-palisades-f302b4cd347f9a4f4fe707fa0a717aca">thousands of others</a>&nbsp;and destroyed more than 12,000 buildings in what might be the most expensive set of conflagrations in the nation's history.

The blazes started Jan. 7, fueled by fierce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wind-wildfires-climate-change-weather-42b55ae1e66b56a6375300e448f01946">Santa Ana winds</a>&nbsp;that have posed problems for the large forces of firefighters deployed across several areas of the sprawling city. Cal Fire reported that the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst fires have consumed about 63 square miles (163 square kilometers). Cal Fire reported containment of the Palisades Fire at 17% and the Eaton Fire at 35% on Tuesday.

The Palisades Fire, along the coast, has been blamed for eight deaths, while the Eaton Fire farther inland has been blamed for 17 others, the LA County medical examiner's office said. Nearly 30 people were missing.

Investigators are still trying to determine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-possible-causes-6112488f835e45f53c67d4d03d7a1e4f">what sparked the fires</a>. They could be the nation's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-natural-disasters-losses-insurance-recovery-d2f24e44d75503118643151eaee947fb">costliest ever</a>. Government agencies haven't provided preliminary damage estimates yet, but AccuWeather, a company that provides data on weather and its impact, puts the damage and economic losses at $250 billion to $275 billion.

Here's a closer look at what to know about the fires.

Strong winds kick up in the fire-plagued city

Dry winds gusted Tuesday up to 50 mph (80 kph) in the mountains around LA, said meteorologist Todd Hall of the National Weather Service. That could increase, with the potential for more powerful gusts across the mountains into coastal and valley areas.

A red-flag warning already has been in effect, but the weather service has issued a rare warning about a “particularly dangerous situation” related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-things-to-know-winds-f93d41dc901e352b63e86ab67ef7790e">severe fire conditions.</a>&nbsp;Strong winds are predicted through Wednesday, forecasters said.

The Santa Ana winds have turned seasonal wildfires into infernos that have leveled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-pacific-palisades-wildfires-los-angeles-4b67b7f29d0d6eb7321a52ef60c17d60">neighborhoods</a>&nbsp;in and around Los Angeles where there has been no significant rainfall in over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fire-devastation-climate-change-santa-ana-winds-a46e2bb6785b1e325f6076fb22c8fcc5">eight months</a>.

Southern California’s winds typically flow onshore from the Pacific, carrying moist air onto land. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wind-wildfires-climate-change-weather-42b55ae1e66b56a6375300e448f01946">Santa Ana winds</a>&nbsp;are warm currents that move in the opposite direction. They usually occur from September through May.

FEMA delivers cash assistance to affected households

About 40,000 people have applied for assistance from Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has already disbursed more than $8 million for immediate needs like water, food, baby formula and gas. The initial money goes directly into bank accounts, regional FEMA administrator Robert J. Fenton, Jr. said Tuesday, denying misinformation about vouchers.

President Joe Biden did say that the federal government would pay 100% of the firefighting and recovery costs in the first 180 days. But that doesn’t mean FEMA will cover 100% of individual families’ costs — the maximum amount FEMA can provide is $43,600, Fenton said.

Representatives from FEMA, the Small Business Administration, the state and several charities gathered to explain the process at a disaster recovery center at UCLA Research Park West and Pasadena City College Community Education Center.

FEMA offers up to $770 to help cover the evacuees' immediate needs, but its larger grants generally aren’t available until after insurance companies pay out. Someone who receives a maximum grant from FEMA might be eligible for another $10,000 grant from the state.

For other needs beyond what insurance and FEMA covers, the Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans: Businesses can borrow up to $2 million, while homeowners can borrow up to $500,000 for rebuilding and another $100,000 for personal property.

<a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/">LA County Recovers</a>, a government-run program, posted interactive maps on its website that show the damage.

The maps for the&nbsp;<a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/eaton-fire/">Eaton</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/palisades-fire/">Palisades</a>&nbsp;fires allow users to click on an icon and get a description of the type of structure, such as a home or commercial building, and the type of damage, such as “major” or “destroyed.”

Addresses may be entered into a search bar to find a specific location. Users can also see photos of the damaged buildings.

Nine people have been charged with looting, including a group that stole an Emmy award from a house that had been evacuated, said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

Another pair took more than $200,000 worth of items in a neighborhood filled with mansions, he said.

Price gouging has become an issue with hotels, short-term rentals and medical supplies. Scammers are also soliciting donations for bogus relief efforts, authorities said.

And three people were arrested outside the fire zones since Sunday for starting small fires, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said. The fires were spotted by alert citizens and quickly extinguished. One person was using a barbecue lighter to start fires. Another lit a trash can on fire. The third was caught lighting brush on fire. All were arrested on suspicion of arson, McDonnell said.

Sewer, water and power infrastructure across the region has been significantly damaged, and&nbsp;<a href="https://lacounty.gov/emergency/">several utilities</a>&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-wildfires-drinking-water-contamination-121cc5d8ff22e577342e7fa79de791ae">declared their drinking water unsafe</a>&nbsp;until extensive testing can prove otherwise.

Toxic chemicals from the fires can get into damaged drinking water systems. Experts say filtering or boiling won’t help.

Los Angeles County has more than 200 water service providers, but so far only&nbsp;<a href="https://lacounty.gov/emergency/">a handful</a>&nbsp;believe that damage or loss of pressure may have resulted in chemical contamination and have issued “Do Not Drink” notices.

Utilities are focused on ensuring there’s enough water for fighting fires, though some are beginning to test for contaminants. It can take weeks to months of testing before water can be declared safe for drinking.

Thousands remain evacuated or without power

About 88,000 people from highly populated neighborhoods including Pacific Palisades, Altadena and others remained under evacuation orders Tuesday. Another 84,800 might be ordered to evacuate. An overnight curfew remains in effect for evacuated areas, and violators have been arrested, authorities said.

<a href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Facility-Evacuations.aspx">Around 850</a>&nbsp;patients and residents of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-escape-evacuate-senior-citizens-7068811f9be7a03c4932817320d97b73">nursing homes</a>, assisted living facilities and group homes were evacuated after the blazes last week, according to the California Department of Public Health.

More than 80,000 customers, more than half in Los Angeles County, were without power across California on Tuesday, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://poweroutage.us/">PowerOutage.us</a>, which tracks outages nationwide.

Thousands have fled and many have lost their homes, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-los-angeles-celebrities-1337e6e1f6d631aa931684ad185310cd">Hollywood stars</a>&nbsp;Billy Crystal and Mandy Moore, and Los Angeles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-lakers-redick-faef4a6bb8f137017ca716ebb7c511d6">Lakers head coach JJ Redick</a>.

The fires scorched more than landmarks and celebrity homes

Although the fires have reduced a number of celebrity mansions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/landmarks-destroyed-california-wildfires-135b5d227f3ea1b5b9f877b48e3bbdb9">movie landmarks</a>&nbsp;to ashes, they also burned through more affordable communities such as Altadena, which has served&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfire-pacific-palisades-pasadena-altadena-inequality-63ea76d186740359f7f5dd188896354f">generations of Black families</a>&nbsp;who might have faced discriminatory housing practices elsewhere.

The fires have also destroyed several&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-destroyed-churches-synagogue-mosque-eba09c35bd7c851c57574171aa4ed34d">places of worship</a>, including a mosque, a synagogue, a Catholic parish and a half-dozen Protestant churches.

Investigators are looking into what caused the fires

Investigators haven't determined the cause. But a person whose home was destroyed in the Eaton blaze claims in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-eaton-cause-utility-fireworks-eb0f4f71e437f1ba692f929e9633c856">a lawsuit filed Monday</a>&nbsp;that Southern California Edison’s equipment sparked it. Gabriela Ornelas, an Edison spokesperson, said the utility is aware that a lawsuit has been filed, but has not yet reviewed it.

Lightning is the most common source of fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association, but investigators quickly ruled that out. There were no reports of lightning in the Palisades area or the terrain around the Eaton Fire, which started in eastern Los Angeles County.

The next two most common causes are fires that are intentionally set or caused by electricity lines.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736908788007.png" alt="Image Red Cross Los Angeles" />
 <figcaption>Image Red Cross Los Angeles</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fires burning homes and businesses in Los Angeles for a week have killed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wildfires-southern-california-2dc4d256d8681f7d035f64730982aef0">at least 25 people</a>, displaced&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/la-wildfire-flee-evacuation-wind-palisades-f302b4cd347f9a4f4fe707fa0a717aca">thousands of others</a>&nbsp;and destroyed more than 12,000 buildings in what might be the most expensive set of conflagrations in the nation's history.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Wildfire-impacted residents can pick up their mail at relocated post offices or have mail forwarded to a temporary location. Learn more: <a href="https://t.co/EIu0j3dkyZ">https://t.co/EIu0j3dkyZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/zPRzYuTPaY">pic.twitter.com/zPRzYuTPaY</a>&mdash; Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/CountyofLA/status/1879353054094618902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The blazes started Jan. 7, fueled by fierce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wind-wildfires-climate-change-weather-42b55ae1e66b56a6375300e448f01946">Santa Ana winds</a>&nbsp;that have posed problems for the large forces of firefighters deployed across several areas of the sprawling city. Cal Fire reported that the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst fires have consumed about 63 square miles (163 square kilometers). Cal Fire reported containment of the Palisades Fire at 17% and the Eaton Fire at 35% on Tuesday.The Palisades Fire, along the coast, has been blamed for eight deaths, while the Eaton Fire farther inland has been blamed for 17 others, the LA County medical examiner's office said. Nearly 30 people were missing.Investigators are still trying to determine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-possible-causes-6112488f835e45f53c67d4d03d7a1e4f">what sparked the fires</a>. They could be the nation's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-natural-disasters-losses-insurance-recovery-d2f24e44d75503118643151eaee947fb">costliest ever</a>. Government agencies haven't provided preliminary damage estimates yet, but AccuWeather, a company that provides data on weather and its impact, puts the damage and economic losses at $250 billion to $275 billion.Here's a closer look at what to know about the fires.<h2>Strong winds kick up in the fire-plagued city</h2>Dry winds gusted Tuesday up to 50 mph (80 kph) in the mountains around LA, said meteorologist Todd Hall of the National Weather Service. That could increase, with the potential for more powerful gusts across the mountains into coastal and valley areas.A red-flag warning already has been in effect, but the weather service has issued a rare warning about a “particularly dangerous situation” related to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-fires-things-to-know-winds-f93d41dc901e352b63e86ab67ef7790e">severe fire conditions.</a>&nbsp;Strong winds are predicted through Wednesday, forecasters said.The Santa Ana winds have turned seasonal wildfires into infernos that have leveled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-pacific-palisades-wildfires-los-angeles-4b67b7f29d0d6eb7321a52ef60c17d60">neighborhoods</a>&nbsp;in and around Los Angeles where there has been no significant rainfall in over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fire-devastation-climate-change-santa-ana-winds-a46e2bb6785b1e325f6076fb22c8fcc5">eight months</a>.Southern California’s winds typically flow onshore from the Pacific, carrying moist air onto land. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wind-wildfires-climate-change-weather-42b55ae1e66b56a6375300e448f01946">Santa Ana winds</a>&nbsp;are warm currents that move in the opposite direction. They usually occur from September through May.<h2>FEMA delivers cash assistance to affected households</h2>About 40,000 people have applied for assistance from Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has already disbursed more than $8 million for immediate needs like water, food, baby formula and gas. The initial money goes directly into bank accounts, regional FEMA administrator Robert J. Fenton, Jr. said Tuesday, denying misinformation about vouchers.President Joe Biden did say that the federal government would pay 100% of the firefighting and recovery costs in the first 180 days. But that doesn’t mean FEMA will cover 100% of individual families’ costs — the maximum amount FEMA can provide is $43,600, Fenton said.Representatives from FEMA, the Small Business Administration, the state and several charities gathered to explain the process at a disaster recovery center at UCLA Research Park West and Pasadena City College Community Education Center.FEMA offers up to $770 to help cover the evacuees' immediate needs, but its larger grants generally aren’t available until after insurance companies pay out. Someone who receives a maximum grant from FEMA might be eligible for another $10,000 grant from the state.For other needs beyond what insurance and FEMA covers, the Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans: Businesses can borrow up to $2 million, while homeowners can borrow up to $500,000 for rebuilding and another $100,000 for personal property.<h2>Interactive maps show damaged homes</h2><a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/">LA County Recovers</a>, a government-run program, posted interactive maps on its website that show the damage.The maps for the&nbsp;<a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/eaton-fire/">Eaton</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://recovery.lacounty.gov/palisades-fire/">Palisades</a>&nbsp;fires allow users to click on an icon and get a description of the type of structure, such as a home or commercial building, and the type of damage, such as “major” or “destroyed.”Addresses may be entered into a search bar to find a specific location. Users can also see photos of the damaged buildings.<h2>Looting, price gouging and arson</h2>Nine people have been charged with looting, including a group that stole an Emmy award from a house that had been evacuated, said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.Another pair took more than $200,000 worth of items in a neighborhood filled with mansions, he said.Price gouging has become an issue with hotels, short-term rentals and medical supplies. Scammers are also soliciting donations for bogus relief efforts, authorities said.And three people were arrested outside the fire zones since Sunday for starting small fires, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said. The fires were spotted by alert citizens and quickly extinguished. One person was using a barbecue lighter to start fires. Another lit a trash can on fire. The third was caught lighting brush on fire. All were arrested on suspicion of arson, McDonnell said.<h2>Water safety worries utilities</h2>Sewer, water and power infrastructure across the region has been significantly damaged, and&nbsp;<a href="https://lacounty.gov/emergency/">several utilities</a>&nbsp;have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-los-angeles-wildfires-drinking-water-contamination-121cc5d8ff22e577342e7fa79de791ae">declared their drinking water unsafe</a>&nbsp;until extensive testing can prove otherwise.Toxic chemicals from the fires can get into damaged drinking water systems. Experts say filtering or boiling won’t help.Los Angeles County has more than 200 water service providers, but so far only&nbsp;<a href="https://lacounty.gov/emergency/">a handful</a>&nbsp;believe that damage or loss of pressure may have resulted in chemical contamination and have issued “Do Not Drink” notices.Utilities are focused on ensuring there’s enough water for fighting fires, though some are beginning to test for contaminants. It can take weeks to months of testing before water can be declared safe for drinking.<h2>Thousands remain evacuated or without power</h2>About 88,000 people from highly populated neighborhoods including Pacific Palisades, Altadena and others remained under evacuation orders Tuesday. Another 84,800 might be ordered to evacuate. An overnight curfew remains in effect for evacuated areas, and violators have been arrested, authorities said.<a href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Facility-Evacuations.aspx">Around 850</a>&nbsp;patients and residents of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-escape-evacuate-senior-citizens-7068811f9be7a03c4932817320d97b73">nursing homes</a>, assisted living facilities and group homes were evacuated after the blazes last week, according to the California Department of Public Health.More than 80,000 customers, more than half in Los Angeles County, were without power across California on Tuesday, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://poweroutage.us/">PowerOutage.us</a>, which tracks outages nationwide.Thousands have fled and many have lost their homes, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-los-angeles-celebrities-1337e6e1f6d631aa931684ad185310cd">Hollywood stars</a>&nbsp;Billy Crystal and Mandy Moore, and Los Angeles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-lakers-redick-faef4a6bb8f137017ca716ebb7c511d6">Lakers head coach JJ Redick</a>.<h2>The fires scorched more than landmarks and celebrity homes</h2>Although the fires have reduced a number of celebrity mansions and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/landmarks-destroyed-california-wildfires-135b5d227f3ea1b5b9f877b48e3bbdb9">movie landmarks</a>&nbsp;to ashes, they also burned through more affordable communities such as Altadena, which has served&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfire-pacific-palisades-pasadena-altadena-inequality-63ea76d186740359f7f5dd188896354f">generations of Black families</a>&nbsp;who might have faced discriminatory housing practices elsewhere.The fires have also destroyed several&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-destroyed-churches-synagogue-mosque-eba09c35bd7c851c57574171aa4ed34d">places of worship</a>, including a mosque, a synagogue, a Catholic parish and a half-dozen Protestant churches.<h2>Investigators are looking into what caused the fires</h2>Investigators haven't determined the cause. But a person whose home was destroyed in the Eaton blaze claims in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-eaton-cause-utility-fireworks-eb0f4f71e437f1ba692f929e9633c856">a lawsuit filed Monday</a>&nbsp;that Southern California Edison’s equipment sparked it. Gabriela Ornelas, an Edison spokesperson, said the utility is aware that a lawsuit has been filed, but has not yet reviewed it.Lightning is the most common source of fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association, but investigators quickly ruled that out. There were no reports of lightning in the Palisades area or the terrain around the Eaton Fire, which started in eastern Los Angeles County.The next two most common causes are fires that are intentionally set or caused by electricity lines.

Los Angeles fires: Death toll climbs; dozens still missing

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man and woman have been charged with felonies in connection with missing Abbi Schaeffer, who was found dead in South Kansas City in 2023, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

Jacob Block&nbsp;faces one count of Accessory Abandonment of a Corpse and one count of Accessory Tampering with Physical Evidence. Eunice Carlo-Martinez&nbsp;faces the same charges.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2473/Block-Jacob---PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, on May 23, 2022, Ring camera footage showed Schaeffer, entering the defendant's grey BMW from her residence in Clay County, and the vehicle leaving the area. Additional camera footage shows the defendant and&nbsp;Schaeffer, entering a residence in Jackson County, but Schaeffer is never seen exiting.

Over the next few days, the defendant and&nbsp;codefendant are captured on video surveillance exiting and entering the residence several times. Camera footage shows the codefendant moving mop buckets and deactivating and then reactivating one of the cameras.

Two days after&nbsp;Schaeffer is last seen entering the residence, camera footage shows the defendant and the codefendant loading a U-Haul with a large black box-like object and then leaving the residence.

On April 1, 2023, skeletal remains were found in a broken box in a ditch off a roadway. The box looked like the same size and color the defendant was seen loading into the U-Haul truck.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2474/Carlo-Martinez-Eunice---PC-Statement_Redacted">Detectives conducted a search</a>&nbsp;of the defendant and codefendant's cell phones and found photos and videos in the residence of the wooden box, which appeared to be the same one found at the crime scene. A lab report later determined the box in the photos and videos and the one at the crime scene were the same.

Detectives also conducted searches of the defendant and codefendant's Facebook accounts, which revealed messages indicating they gave Schaeffer, Fentanyl, and she suffered an overdose.

According to the Medical Examiner's Office, due to the level of decomposition,&nbsp;Schaeffer's cause of death could not be determined. However,&nbsp;Schaeffer brain tissue did contain fentanyl metabolites.&nbsp;

Prosecutors requested a $150,000 cash-only bond for both Block and Carlo-Martinez.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736614535780.png" alt="Abbi Schaeffer photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Abbi Schaeffer photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man and woman have been charged with felonies in connection with missing Abbi Schaeffer, who was found dead in South Kansas City in 2023, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.Jacob Block&nbsp;faces one count of Accessory Abandonment of a Corpse and one count of Accessory Tampering with Physical Evidence. Eunice Carlo-Martinez&nbsp;faces the same charges.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2473/Block-Jacob---PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, on May 23, 2022, Ring camera footage showed Schaeffer, entering the defendant's grey BMW from her residence in Clay County, and the vehicle leaving the area. Additional camera footage shows the defendant and&nbsp;Schaeffer, entering a residence in Jackson County, but Schaeffer is never seen exiting.Over the next few days, the defendant and&nbsp;codefendant are captured on video surveillance exiting and entering the residence several times. Camera footage shows the codefendant moving mop buckets and deactivating and then reactivating one of the cameras.Two days after&nbsp;Schaeffer is last seen entering the residence, camera footage shows the defendant and the codefendant loading a U-Haul with a large black box-like object and then leaving the residence.On April 1, 2023, skeletal remains were found in a broken box in a ditch off a roadway. The box looked like the same size and color the defendant was seen loading into the U-Haul truck.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2474/Carlo-Martinez-Eunice---PC-Statement_Redacted">Detectives conducted a search</a>&nbsp;of the defendant and codefendant's cell phones and found photos and videos in the residence of the wooden box, which appeared to be the same one found at the crime scene. A lab report later determined the box in the photos and videos and the one at the crime scene were the same.Detectives also conducted searches of the defendant and codefendant's Facebook accounts, which revealed messages indicating they gave Schaeffer, Fentanyl, and she suffered an overdose.According to the Medical Examiner's Office, due to the level of decomposition,&nbsp;Schaeffer's cause of death could not be determined. However,&nbsp;Schaeffer brain tissue did contain fentanyl metabolites.&nbsp;Prosecutors requested a $150,000 cash-only bond for both Block and Carlo-Martinez.

Two charged in connection with missing KC woman found dead

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.

Just before 4 a.m. January 12., a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on an  Acura passenger vehicle on 150th Road, just west of U.S. 75 Highway in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse

.  Nichole Hoyal Allen, 40, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license suspended, improper driving on laned roadway and a defective tag lamp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736890783002.png" alt="Allen-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Allen-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.Just before 4 a.m. January 12., a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on an Acura passenger vehicle on 150th Road, just west of U.S. 75 Highway in rural Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. Nichole Hoyal Allen, 40, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license suspended, improper driving on laned roadway and a defective tag lamp.

Kan. woman with suspended license was transporting meth

WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith said his team “stood up for the rule of law” as it investigated President-elect Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election</a>, writing in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25486139-report-of-special-counsel-smith-volume-1-january-2025/">a much-anticipated report</a>&nbsp;released Tuesday that he stands fully behind his decision to bring criminal charges that he believes would have resulted in a conviction had voters not returned Trump to the White House.

<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25486132/report-of-special-counsel-smith-volume-1-january-2025.pdf">Click here to read</a> the report

"The throughline of all of Mr. Trump’s criminal efforts was deceit — knowingly false claims of election fraud — and the evidence shows that Mr. Trump used these lies as a weapon to defeat a federal government function foundational to the United States’ democratic process,” the report states.

The report, arriving just days before Trump is to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inauguration-security-a3df8ed878f2c0587f7038d68a0447f6">return to office on Jan. 20</a>, focuses fresh attention on the Republican's frantic but failed effort to cling to power in 2020 after he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. With the prosecution foreclosed thanks to Trump’s 2024 election victory, the document is expected to be the final Justice Department chronicle of a dark chapter in American history that threatened to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, a bedrock of democracy for centuries, and complements already released indictments and reports.

Trump responded early Tuesday with a post on his Truth Social platform, claiming he was “totally innocent” and calling Smith “a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election.” He added, “THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!!!”

Trump had been indicted in August 2023 on charges of working to overturn the election, but the case was delayed by appeals and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/elections/2024/supreme-court-rules-ex-presidents-have-broad-immunity-dimming-chance-of-a-pre-election-trump-trial/">ultimately significantly narrowed by a conservative-majority Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;that held for the first time that former presidents enjoy sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. That decision, Smith's report states, left open unresolved legal issues that would likely have required another trip to the Supreme Court in order for the case to have moved forward.

Though Smith sought to salvage the indictment, the team dismissed it in November because of longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face federal prosecution.

“The Department’s view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a President is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Office stands fully behind,” the report states. “Indeed, but for Mr. Trump’s election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.”

The Justice Department transmitted the report to Congress early Tuesday after a judge refused a defense effort to block its release. A separate volume of the report focused on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-indictment-classified-documents-miami-8315a5b23c18f27083ed64eef21efff3">Trump's hoarding of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago</a>, actions that formed the basis of a separate indictment against Trump, will remain under wraps for now.

The report is unsparing in its details about schemes undertaken by Trump to undo the presidential contest, accusing him of an “unprecedented criminal effort to overturn the legitimate results of the election in order to retain power.”

It recounts his role in trying to force the Justice Department to use its law enforcement authorities to advance his personal interests, participating in a scheme to enlist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-joe-biden-presidential-elections-election-2020-electoral-college-311f88768b65f7196f52a4757dc162e4">fake electors</a>&nbsp;in battleground states won by Biden and having directed “an angry mob to the United States Capitol to obstruct the congressional certification of the presidential election and then leverage rioters’ violence to further delay it.”

And it documents his fallout with his vice president, Mike Pence, over Trump's demands that he refuse to certify the electoral count before Congress on Jan. 6, 2021. It says that just before he left the White House to deliver a speech at the Ellipse that day, he called Pence one last time and that when the vice president told him that he planned to issue a public statement that he lacked the authority to do as Trump had requested, "Mr. Trump expressed anger at him. He then directed staffers to re-insert into his planned Ellipse speech some language that he had drafted earlier targeting Mr. Pence.”

Though most of the details of Trump's efforts to undo the election are already well established, the document includes for the first time a detailed assessment from Smith about his investigation, as well as a defense by Smith against criticism by Trump and his allies that the inquiry was politicized or that he worked in collaboration with the White House — an assessment he called “laughable.”

“While we were not able to bring the cases we charged to trial, I believe the fact that our team stood up for the rule of law matters," Smith wrote in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland attached to the report. "I believe the example our team set for others to fight for justice without regard for the personal costs matters.”

The special counsel also laid out the challenges it faced in its investigation, including Trump’s assertion of executive privilege to try to block witnesses from providing evidence,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-trump-grand-jury-2020-jan-6-9dac6db37ab8923ff1b0f09f3a9a32c8">which forced prosecutors into sealed court battles before the case was charged</a>.

Another “significant challenge” was Trump’s “ability and willingness to use his influence and following on social media to target witnesses, courts, prosecutors,” which led prosecutors to seek a gag order to protect potential witnesses from harassment, Smith wrote.

“Mr. Trump’s resort to intimidation and harassment during the investigation was not new, as demonstrated by his actions during the charged conspiracies,” Smith wrote.

“A fundamental component of Mr. Trump’s conduct underlying the charges in the Election Case was his pattern of using social media — at the time, Twitter — to publicly attack and seek to influence state and federal officials, judges, and election workers who refused to support false claims that the election had been stolen or who otherwise resisted complicity in Mr. Trump’s scheme," he added.

Smith also for the first time explained the thought process behind his team's prosecution decisions, writing that his office decided not to charge Trump with incitement in part because of free speech concerns, or with insurrection because he was the sitting president at the time and there was doubt about proceeding to trial with the offense — of which there was no record of having been prosecuted before.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736860942138.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith said his team “stood up for the rule of law” as it investigated President-elect Donald Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election</a>, writing in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25486139-report-of-special-counsel-smith-volume-1-january-2025/">a much-anticipated report</a>&nbsp;released Tuesday that he stands fully behind his decision to bring criminal charges that he believes would have resulted in a conviction had voters not returned Trump to the White House.<a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25486132/report-of-special-counsel-smith-volume-1-january-2025.pdf">Click here to read</a> the report"The throughline of all of Mr. Trump’s criminal efforts was deceit — knowingly false claims of election fraud — and the evidence shows that Mr. Trump used these lies as a weapon to defeat a federal government function foundational to the United States’ democratic process,” the report states.The report, arriving just days before Trump is to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inauguration-security-a3df8ed878f2c0587f7038d68a0447f6">return to office on Jan. 20</a>, focuses fresh attention on the Republican's frantic but failed effort to cling to power in 2020 after he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. With the prosecution foreclosed thanks to Trump’s 2024 election victory, the document is expected to be the final Justice Department chronicle of a dark chapter in American history that threatened to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, a bedrock of democracy for centuries, and complements already released indictments and reports.Trump responded early Tuesday with a post on his Truth Social platform, claiming he was “totally innocent” and calling Smith “a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election.” He added, “THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!!!”Trump had been indicted in August 2023 on charges of working to overturn the election, but the case was delayed by appeals and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/elections/2024/supreme-court-rules-ex-presidents-have-broad-immunity-dimming-chance-of-a-pre-election-trump-trial/">ultimately significantly narrowed by a conservative-majority Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;that held for the first time that former presidents enjoy sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. That decision, Smith's report states, left open unresolved legal issues that would likely have required another trip to the Supreme Court in order for the case to have moved forward.Though Smith sought to salvage the indictment, the team dismissed it in November because of longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face federal prosecution.“The Department’s view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a President is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Office stands fully behind,” the report states. “Indeed, but for Mr. Trump’s election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.”The Justice Department transmitted the report to Congress early Tuesday after a judge refused a defense effort to block its release. A separate volume of the report focused on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-indictment-classified-documents-miami-8315a5b23c18f27083ed64eef21efff3">Trump's hoarding of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago</a>, actions that formed the basis of a separate indictment against Trump, will remain under wraps for now.The report is unsparing in its details about schemes undertaken by Trump to undo the presidential contest, accusing him of an “unprecedented criminal effort to overturn the legitimate results of the election in order to retain power.”It recounts his role in trying to force the Justice Department to use its law enforcement authorities to advance his personal interests, participating in a scheme to enlist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-joe-biden-presidential-elections-election-2020-electoral-college-311f88768b65f7196f52a4757dc162e4">fake electors</a>&nbsp;in battleground states won by Biden and having directed “an angry mob to the United States Capitol to obstruct the congressional certification of the presidential election and then leverage rioters’ violence to further delay it.”And it documents his fallout with his vice president, Mike Pence, over Trump's demands that he refuse to certify the electoral count before Congress on Jan. 6, 2021. It says that just before he left the White House to deliver a speech at the Ellipse that day, he called Pence one last time and that when the vice president told him that he planned to issue a public statement that he lacked the authority to do as Trump had requested, "Mr. Trump expressed anger at him. He then directed staffers to re-insert into his planned Ellipse speech some language that he had drafted earlier targeting Mr. Pence.”Though most of the details of Trump's efforts to undo the election are already well established, the document includes for the first time a detailed assessment from Smith about his investigation, as well as a defense by Smith against criticism by Trump and his allies that the inquiry was politicized or that he worked in collaboration with the White House — an assessment he called “laughable.”“While we were not able to bring the cases we charged to trial, I believe the fact that our team stood up for the rule of law matters," Smith wrote in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland attached to the report. "I believe the example our team set for others to fight for justice without regard for the personal costs matters.”The special counsel also laid out the challenges it faced in its investigation, including Trump’s assertion of executive privilege to try to block witnesses from providing evidence,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-trump-grand-jury-2020-jan-6-9dac6db37ab8923ff1b0f09f3a9a32c8">which forced prosecutors into sealed court battles before the case was charged</a>.Another “significant challenge” was Trump’s “ability and willingness to use his influence and following on social media to target witnesses, courts, prosecutors,” which led prosecutors to seek a gag order to protect potential witnesses from harassment, Smith wrote.“Mr. Trump’s resort to intimidation and harassment during the investigation was not new, as demonstrated by his actions during the charged conspiracies,” Smith wrote.“A fundamental component of Mr. Trump’s conduct underlying the charges in the Election Case was his pattern of using social media — at the time, Twitter — to publicly attack and seek to influence state and federal officials, judges, and election workers who refused to support false claims that the election had been stolen or who otherwise resisted complicity in Mr. Trump’s scheme," he added.Smith also for the first time explained the thought process behind his team's prosecution decisions, writing that his office decided not to charge Trump with incitement in part because of free speech concerns, or with insurrection because he was the sitting president at the time and there was doubt about proceeding to trial with the offense — of which there was no record of having been prosecuted before.____

Read Special counsel's final report on federal prosecution of Donald Trump 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.

Just after 10p.m. January 12,, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received notification of a stabbing in the 7300 block of SW Robins Drive, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

At the scene, deputies located a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman both suffering from stab wounds. One victim was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital with series injuries

Deputies arrested 37-year-old Chadwyck P. N. L. Myers, 37, of Topeka into custody on requested charges of Aggravated battery and&nbsp;Criminal damage to property. The suspect and the victims were known to each other, according to Deputy Christian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736896046123.png" alt="Myers-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Myers-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for an alleged violent crime.Just after 10p.m. January 12,, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received notification of a stabbing in the 7300 block of SW Robins Drive, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.At the scene, deputies located a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman both suffering from stab wounds. One victim was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital with series injuriesDeputies arrested 37-year-old Chadwyck P. N. L. Myers, 37, of Topeka into custody on requested charges of Aggravated battery and&nbsp;Criminal damage to property. The suspect and the victims were known to each other, according to Deputy Christian.

Sheriff: Kan. man stabbed 78-year-old man, 68-year-old woman

BARTON COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has completed an investigation on the death of a prisoner being held at the Barton County jail.

Around 9 p.m., on January 11, Conner Clifton, 28, was found hanging in his individual cell at the Barton County Detention Facility. EMS was called and life-saving measures were attempted on Clifton, but he was pronounced deceased, according to a statement from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The Barton County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to respond.&nbsp;KBI investigates deaths that occur in Kansas jails and prisons via state statutes, unless the inmate who dies was being regularly attended by a physician.&nbsp;

On Jan. 13, an autopsy was completed and his manner of death was ruled suicide.

On December 22, Clifton was booked into the Barton County Detention Center on requested charges of interference with law enforcement officers, no proof of liability insurance on a vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, and expired or no registration. His first appearance in the case was Monday morning. Clifton also had pending cases in Stafford and Ness counties, according to online jail records.

BARTON COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has completed an investigation on the death of a prisoner being held at the Barton County jail.Around 9 p.m., on January 11, Conner Clifton, 28, was found hanging in his individual cell at the Barton County Detention Facility. EMS was called and life-saving measures were attempted on Clifton, but he was pronounced deceased, according to a statement from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.The Barton County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to respond.&nbsp;KBI investigates deaths that occur in Kansas jails and prisons via state statutes, unless the inmate who dies was being regularly attended by a physician.&nbsp;On Jan. 13, an autopsy was completed and his manner of death was ruled suicide.On December 22, Clifton was booked into the Barton County Detention Center on requested charges of interference with law enforcement officers, no proof of liability insurance on a vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, and expired or no registration. His first appearance in the case was Monday morning. Clifton also had pending cases in Stafford and Ness counties, according to online jail records.

KBI investigates jail death in Barton County 

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly praised labor unions for contributing to unprecedented economic growth in Kansas and touted her administration’s economic development gains in a speech at an annual labor rally Tuesday at the Statehouse.

The rally, billed as Solidarity Day, packed the first floor rotunda with representatives from a range of unions. Labor leaders encouraged workers to talk to lawmakers about policies that include prevailing wage requirements, private school vouchers and tax relief.

The Democratic governor touted her administration’s ability to secure economic development projects with good-paying jobs, including Panasonic’s vehicle battery plant in De Soto. She said her administration developed a comprehensive economic development plan to prepare the state for long-term success with investments in workforce development and infrastructure.

“I’ve often said that my goal as your governor is to make Kansas the best place to live and raise a family,” Kelly said. “Together, we’re building a foundation for that to be a reality for all working Kansans.”

She talked about investments made in transportation and the state pension fund, and the modernization of an unemployment computer system that was last updated the day Elvis died.

And she signed a comprehensive overhaul of worker compensation laws, which includes increased benefits for injured workers beginning July 2027.

“These measures are not just policies,” Kelly said. “They are a recognition of your value and a promise to prioritize your well-being.”

She urged lawmakers in the upcoming session to embrace tax policies that support long-term fiscal responsibility rather than short-sighted cuts that jeopardize essential services. She also said lawmakers “must resist” attempts to privatize public services or erode the rights of working Kansans.

“As your governor, I will continue to stand with you and to protect and advance the rights of working Kansans,” Kelly said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736883667906.jpeg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly speaks with John Nave, executive vice president of Kansas AFL-CIO, before a labor rally on Jan. 14, 2025, at the Statehouse. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly speaks with John Nave, executive vice president of Kansas AFL-CIO, before a labor rally on Jan. 14, 2025, at the Statehouse. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly praised labor unions for contributing to unprecedented economic growth in Kansas and touted her administration’s economic development gains in a speech at an annual labor rally Tuesday at the Statehouse.The rally, billed as Solidarity Day, packed the first floor rotunda with representatives from a range of unions. Labor leaders encouraged workers to talk to lawmakers about policies that include prevailing wage requirements, private school vouchers and tax relief.The Democratic governor touted her administration’s ability to secure economic development projects with good-paying jobs, including Panasonic’s vehicle battery plant in De Soto. She said her administration developed a comprehensive economic development plan to prepare the state for long-term success with investments in workforce development and infrastructure.“I’ve often said that my goal as your governor is to make Kansas the best place to live and raise a family,” Kelly said. “Together, we’re building a foundation for that to be a reality for all working Kansans.”She talked about investments made in transportation and the state pension fund, and the modernization of an unemployment computer system that was last updated the day Elvis died.And she signed a comprehensive overhaul of worker compensation laws, which includes increased benefits for injured workers beginning July 2027.“These measures are not just policies,” Kelly said. “They are a recognition of your value and a promise to prioritize your well-being.”She urged lawmakers in the upcoming session to embrace tax policies that support long-term fiscal responsibility rather than short-sighted cuts that jeopardize essential services. She also said lawmakers “must resist” attempts to privatize public services or erode the rights of working Kansans.“As your governor, I will continue to stand with you and to protect and advance the rights of working Kansans,” Kelly said.

Kansas governor praises unions, touts economic development in labor rally speech

B<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DEE-ANN%20DURBIN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">y DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Business Writer</a>

If you want to hang out or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-national-national-ead6289a9cce4e8e9051d74d355c2205">use the restroom</a>&nbsp;at Starbucks, you’re going to have to buy something.

Starbucks on Monday said it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-small-business-2305a7e4e6de4b71bdd38631882c7bd4">reversing a policy</a>&nbsp;that invited everyone into its stores. A new code of conduct – which will be posted in all company-owned North American stores – also bans discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use and panhandling.

Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the new rules are designed to help prioritize paying customers. Anderson said most other retailers already have similar rules.

“We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores,” Anderson said. “By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.”

The code of conduct warns that violators will be asked to leave, and says the store may call law enforcement, if necessary. Starbucks said employees would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3b58087b85a430ab45855944bc76310">receive training</a>&nbsp;on enforcing the new policy.

The new rules reverse an open-door policy put in place in 2018, after two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks where they had gone for a business meeting. The individual store had a policy of asking non-paying customers to leave, and the men hadn't bought anything. But the arrest, which was caught on video, was a major embarrassment for the company.

At the time, Starbucks Chairman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-howard-schultz-053345a59f1bdb53b9f55355865b216e">Howard Schultz</a>&nbsp;said he didn’t want people to feel “less than” if they were refused access.

“We don’t want to become a public bathroom, but we’re going to make the right decision a hundred percent of the time and give people the key," Schultz said.

Since then, though, employees and customers have struggled with unruly and even dangerous behavior in stores. In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-portland-seattle-183c298121860422c7b93b7b5a13c088">Starbucks closed 16 stores</a>&nbsp;around the country — including six in Los Angeles and six in its hometown of Seattle — for repeated safety issues, including drug use and other disruptive behaviors that threatened staff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736805805951.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>B<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DEE-ANN%20DURBIN%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">y DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Business Writer</a>If you want to hang out or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-national-national-ead6289a9cce4e8e9051d74d355c2205">use the restroom</a>&nbsp;at Starbucks, you’re going to have to buy something.Starbucks on Monday said it was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-small-business-2305a7e4e6de4b71bdd38631882c7bd4">reversing a policy</a>&nbsp;that invited everyone into its stores. A new code of conduct – which will be posted in all company-owned North American stores – also bans discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use and panhandling.Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the new rules are designed to help prioritize paying customers. Anderson said most other retailers already have similar rules.“We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores,” Anderson said. “By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.”The code of conduct warns that violators will be asked to leave, and says the store may call law enforcement, if necessary. Starbucks said employees would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3b58087b85a430ab45855944bc76310">receive training</a>&nbsp;on enforcing the new policy.The new rules reverse an open-door policy put in place in 2018, after two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks where they had gone for a business meeting. The individual store had a policy of asking non-paying customers to leave, and the men hadn't bought anything. But the arrest, which was caught on video, was a major embarrassment for the company.At the time, Starbucks Chairman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-howard-schultz-053345a59f1bdb53b9f55355865b216e">Howard Schultz</a>&nbsp;said he didn’t want people to feel “less than” if they were refused access.“We don’t want to become a public bathroom, but we’re going to make the right decision a hundred percent of the time and give people the key," Schultz said.Since then, though, employees and customers have struggled with unruly and even dangerous behavior in stores. In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oregon-portland-seattle-183c298121860422c7b93b7b5a13c088">Starbucks closed 16 stores</a>&nbsp;around the country — including six in Los Angeles and six in its hometown of Seattle — for repeated safety issues, including drug use and other disruptive behaviors that threatened staff.

Hanging out at Starbucks will now cost you; company reverses policy

WASHINGTON —Days before his term end, President Biden on Monday canceled more student loan debt.

On the White House web site, Biden wrote.

"Today, my Administration is approving student loan relief for more than 150,000 borrowers – bringing the total number of Americans who have had their student debt cancelled by my Administration to over 5 million.&nbsp;These 150,000 borrowers include: almost 85,000 borrowers who attended schools that cheated and defrauded their students, 61,000 borrowers with total and permanent disabilities, and 6,100 public service workers."

"My Administration has taken historic action to reduce the burden of student debt, hold bad actors accountable, and fight on behalf of students across the country. This includes fixing the broken Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and ensuring over 1 million public service workers receive the student loan relief they are entitled to under the law, approving student loan relief for 1.7 million borrowers who were cheated and defrauded by their schools, delivering student debt relief to 633,000 borrowers with total and permanent disabilities, and fixing administrative errors in the Income-Driven Repayment programs to deliver relief to over 1.4 million borrowers who have been in repayment for decades."

My Administration also secured the largest increase to the maximum Pell Grant award in a decade to put higher-education in reach for more Americans.

"Since Day One of my Administration, I promised to ensure higher-education is a ticket to the middle class, not a barrier to opportunity, and I’m proud to say we have forgiven more student loan debt than any other administration in history."

WASHINGTON —Days before his term end, President Biden on Monday canceled more student loan debt.On the White House web site, Biden wrote."Today, my Administration is approving student loan relief for more than 150,000 borrowers – bringing the total number of Americans who have had their student debt cancelled by my Administration to over 5 million.&nbsp;These 150,000 borrowers include: almost 85,000 borrowers who attended schools that cheated and defrauded their students, 61,000 borrowers with total and permanent disabilities, and 6,100 public service workers.""My Administration has taken historic action to reduce the burden of student debt, hold bad actors accountable, and fight on behalf of students across the country. This includes fixing the broken Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and ensuring over 1 million public service workers receive the student loan relief they are entitled to under the law, approving student loan relief for 1.7 million borrowers who were cheated and defrauded by their schools, delivering student debt relief to 633,000 borrowers with total and permanent disabilities, and fixing administrative errors in the Income-Driven Repayment programs to deliver relief to over 1.4 million borrowers who have been in repayment for decades."My Administration also secured the largest increase to the maximum Pell Grant award in a decade to put higher-education in reach for more Americans."Since Day One of my Administration, I promised to ensure higher-education is a ticket to the middle class, not a barrier to opportunity, and I’m proud to say we have forgiven more student loan debt than any other administration in history."

Parting Gift: Biden cancels student loans for 150,000 more borrowers

🎥Trump's nominee for defense secretary grilled on qualifications

KANSAS CITY–Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.&nbsp;

Just before 12:15a.m. Tuesday, officers were patrolling in the area of E 30th Street and Indiana Avenue when they observed a vehicle stopped in the roadway and facing oncoming traffic, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Officers stopped to check the vehicle and any occupants that may be inside. As they approached the vehicle, an adult male victim could be seen inside suffering from apparent gunshot trauma and unresponsive. 

EMS was called to the scene and declared the victim deceased. Detective are working to determine what led up to the shooting and are actively working to identify a possible person of interest. No one has been identified and police do not currently have anyone in custody at this time.

KANSAS CITY–Law enforcement are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.&nbsp;Just before 12:15a.m. Tuesday, officers were patrolling in the area of E 30th Street and Indiana Avenue when they observed a vehicle stopped in the roadway and facing oncoming traffic, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Officers stopped to check the vehicle and any occupants that may be inside. As they approached the vehicle, an adult male victim could be seen inside suffering from apparent gunshot trauma and unresponsive. EMS was called to the scene and declared the victim deceased. Detective are working to determine what led up to the shooting and are actively working to identify a possible person of interest. No one has been identified and police do not currently have anyone in custody at this time.

Homicide: Victim found in car facing wrong-way on KC street

BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/darlene-superville">DARLENE SUPERVILLE</a>

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Former first lady Michelle Obama will skip&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inauguration-security-a3df8ed878f2c0587f7038d68a0447f6">the inauguration</a>&nbsp;of President-elect Donald Trump, the second time in two weeks that she is not attending a gathering of former U.S. leaders and their spouses, but former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush will be there.

Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will join their husbands for the Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, representatives said.

“Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration,” said a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama that was shared with The Associated Press.

No explanation was given for why Michelle Obama was skipping Trump’s inauguration. She also did not attend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-state-funeral-joe-biden-donald-trump-df391a578d6b4627ad500f5df03ac1ff">last week’s state funeral</a>&nbsp;in Washington for former President Jimmy Carter. Former presidents Trump, Obama, Bush and Clinton and their spouses attended — except for her.

Bill Clinton will attend the swearing-in ceremony, a person familiar with the former president’s schedule confirmed for the AP. Hillary Clinton will also attend, a spokesperson said.

The Office of George W. Bush said he and former first lady Laura Bush are attending.

Michelle Obama was the only spouse absent from the service last week at Washington National Cathedral, where her husband and Trump were seated next to each other and chatted and laughed like old friends despite the history of political animosity between the Democratic former president and the returning Republican.

All three former presidents and their wives attended Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, including Hillary Clinton, after she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inauguration-defeated-candidates-harris-trump-pence-cleveland-ae54c0da48e6cc30506d9c8baec638b9">lost the 2016 presidential election</a>&nbsp;to Trump. Carter also attended.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736874038762.png" alt="Former First Lady Michelle Obama during a campaign event in October for Kamala Harris" />
 <figcaption>Former First Lady Michelle Obama during a campaign event in October for Kamala Harris</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/darlene-superville">DARLENE SUPERVILLE</a>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Former first lady Michelle Obama will skip&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-inauguration-security-a3df8ed878f2c0587f7038d68a0447f6">the inauguration</a>&nbsp;of President-elect Donald Trump, the second time in two weeks that she is not attending a gathering of former U.S. leaders and their spouses, but former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush will be there.Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will join their husbands for the Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, representatives said.“Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration,” said a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama that was shared with The Associated Press.No explanation was given for why Michelle Obama was skipping Trump’s inauguration. She also did not attend&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-state-funeral-joe-biden-donald-trump-df391a578d6b4627ad500f5df03ac1ff">last week’s state funeral</a>&nbsp;in Washington for former President Jimmy Carter. Former presidents Trump, Obama, Bush and Clinton and their spouses attended — except for her.Bill Clinton will attend the swearing-in ceremony, a person familiar with the former president’s schedule confirmed for the AP. Hillary Clinton will also attend, a spokesperson said.The Office of George W. Bush said he and former first lady Laura Bush are attending.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736438386663.png" alt="Image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Michelle Obama was the only spouse absent from the service last week at Washington National Cathedral, where her husband and Trump were seated next to each other and chatted and laughed like old friends despite the history of political animosity between the Democratic former president and the returning Republican.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736873792879.png" alt="Former President Obama and Former first lady Michelle at the inauguration in 2017-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former President Obama and Former first lady Michelle at the inauguration in 2017-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>All three former presidents and their wives attended Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, including Hillary Clinton, after she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inauguration-defeated-candidates-harris-trump-pence-cleveland-ae54c0da48e6cc30506d9c8baec638b9">lost the 2016 presidential election</a>&nbsp;to Trump. Carter also attended.

Michelle Obama will skip Trump inauguration

LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating after four&nbsp;dogs were found at the service center in Lyon County on the Kansas Turnpike, according to a social media report from the Lyon County Sheriff.

Two were left in a cage by the dumpster and two were running loose. Someone from out of state picked them up and tried to take them to the animal shelter.

The shelter was unable to take them in. They are being cared for by the Lyon County jail staff. Please contact the Lyone Sheriff's Office if you are interested in adoption or fostering.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736865052558.png" alt="Photos Lyon County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Lyon County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating after four&nbsp;dogs were found at the service center in Lyon County on the Kansas Turnpike, according to a social media report from the Lyon County Sheriff.Two were left in a cage by the dumpster and two were running loose. Someone from out of state picked them up and tried to take them to the animal shelter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736869091970.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The shelter was unable to take them in. They are being cared for by the Lyon County jail staff. Please contact the Lyone Sheriff's Office if you are interested in adoption or fostering.

Sheriff: 4 dogs dumped at service center on Kan. Turnpike

The Office of the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division reminded residents Monday to be aware of a recent change in Kansas state law that may have an effect on daily spending habits.

 As of January 1, 2025, merchants can legally add a surcharge to credit card transactions, as long as clear notice is provided to the customer before the sale.

K.S.A. 16a-2-403 has been amended to allow any person or retailer offering sales, services or lease transactions to impose a surcharge on credit card payments, as long as the amount of the surcharge is disclosed through a “clear and conspicuous notice to the customer at the point of entry or the point of sale and in advance of such transaction.”

Before this change in the law, Kansas had what amounted to a ban on surcharges, allowing only for cash discounts on sales. In 2021, however, the ban was held to be unconstitutional in a federal case, finding it was a violation of the First Amendment.

Although debit cards are not mentioned in the body of the new Kansas statute, adding a debit card surcharge remains illegal in all 50 states under federal law, specifically the Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Reform and Consumer Protections Act. Similarly, because Kansas state law has no maximum surcharge, the maximum allowed in Kansas is capped by federal law at 4 percent.

The Office of the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Division reminded residents Monday to be aware of a recent change in Kansas state law that may have an effect on daily spending habits. As of January 1, 2025, merchants can legally add a surcharge to credit card transactions, as long as clear notice is provided to the customer before the sale.K.S.A. 16a-2-403 has been amended to allow any person or retailer offering sales, services or lease transactions to impose a surcharge on credit card payments, as long as the amount of the surcharge is disclosed through a “clear and conspicuous notice to the customer at the point of entry or the point of sale and in advance of such transaction.”Before this change in the law, Kansas had what amounted to a ban on surcharges, allowing only for cash discounts on sales. In 2021, however, the ban was held to be unconstitutional in a federal case, finding it was a violation of the First Amendment.Although debit cards are not mentioned in the body of the new Kansas statute, adding a debit card surcharge remains illegal in all 50 states under federal law, specifically the Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Reform and Consumer Protections Act. Similarly, because Kansas state law has no maximum surcharge, the maximum allowed in Kansas is capped by federal law at 4 percent.

Why paying with credit card could now cost you more in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a bank robbery in Topeka.

Just before 5p.m. Monday, a suspect, described as a black male, 5-foot-10 inches tall, approximately 200-215 pounds and wearing&nbsp; a black jacket with a hood, dark colored jeans, dark colored tennis shoes and a face covering,&nbsp; entered&nbsp;Equity Bank, 3825 SW 29th&nbsp;Street in Topeka,&nbsp;according to a media release from the FBI. 

The approached the teller and made a verbal demand for money and brandished a firearm.

The suspect fled the bank in an unknown direction with an undisclosed amount of money. There were no injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736817291492.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a bank robbery in Topeka.Just before 5p.m. Monday, a suspect, described as a black male, 5-foot-10 inches tall, approximately 200-215 pounds and wearing&nbsp; a black jacket with a hood, dark colored jeans, dark colored tennis shoes and a face covering,&nbsp; entered&nbsp;Equity Bank, 3825 SW 29th&nbsp;Street in Topeka,&nbsp;according to a media release from the FBI. The approached the teller and made a verbal demand for money and brandished a firearm.The suspect fled the bank in an unknown direction with an undisclosed amount of money. There were no injuries.

FBI releases details on Kansas bank robbery suspect

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;said Monday that his stewardship of American foreign policy has left the U.S. safer and economically more secure, arguing that President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;will inherit a nation viewed as stronger and more reliable than it was four years ago.

Biden trumpeted his administration's work on expanding NATO, rallying allies to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-us-aid-weapons-trump-6f8eeb09dbc69d3ae2e097bb8eb10151">provide Ukraine with military aid</a>&nbsp;to fight Russia and bolstering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ai-artificial-intelligence-chips-computer-trade-4495b5b4a48e856dc612e7abe3e47d20">American chip manufacturing</a>&nbsp;to better compete with China during a wide-ranging speech to reflect on his foreign policy legacy a week before ceding the White House to Trump.

Biden’s case for his achievements will be shadowed and shaped, at least in the near term, by the messy counterfactual that American voters once again turned to Trump and his protectionist worldview. And he will leave office at a turbulent moment for the globe, with a series of conflicts raging.

“Thanks to our administration, the United States is winning the worldwide competition compared to four years ago,” Biden said in his address at the State Department. “America is stronger. Our alliances are stronger. Our adversaries and competitors are weaker. We have not gone to war to make these things happen.”

The one-term Democrat took office in the throes of the worst&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-covid19-coronavirus-national-emergency-e3a52722b57a6b4f24187426c27b3b39">global pandemic</a>&nbsp;in a century, and his plans to repair alliances strained by four years of Trump’s “America First” worldview were quickly stress-tested by international crises:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-islamic-state-group-e10e038baea732dae879c11234507f81">the chaotic U.S. withdrawal</a>&nbsp;from Afghanistan,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine</a>, and Hamas' brutal 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mideast-wars">war in the Middle East</a>.

Biden argued that he provided a steady hand when the world needed it most. He was tested by war, calamity and miscalculation.

“My administration is leaving the next administration with a very strong hand to play,” Biden said. “America is once again leading."

Chaotic US exit from Afghanistan was an early setback for Biden

With the U.S. completing its 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, Biden fulfilled a campaign promise to wind down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-islamic-state-group-dd43bcc58bd17668b1cf4ae79997142b">America’s longest war</a>.

But the 20-year conflict ended in disquieting fashion: The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-taliban-kabul-bagram-e1ed33fe0c665ee67ba132c51b8e32a5">U.S.-backed Afghan government collapsed</a>, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-withdrawal-abbey-gate-28dcaccf6f946bc171a2133ddbb123de">grisly bombing</a>&nbsp;killed 13 U.S. troops and 170 others, and thousands of desperate Afghans descended on Kabul’s airport in search of a way out before the final U.S. aircraft departed over the Hindu Kush.

The Afghanistan debacle was a major setback just eight months into Biden's presidency that he struggled to recover from.

“Ending the war was the right thing to do, and I believe history will reflect that," Biden said. "Critics said if we ended the war, it would damage our alliances and create threats to our homeland from foreign-directed terrorism out of a safe haven in Afghanistan — neither has occurred.”

Biden's Republican detractors, including Trump, cast it as a signal moment in a failed presidency.

“I’ll tell you what happened, he was so bad with Afghanistan, it was such a horrible embarrassment, most embarrassing moment in the history of our country,” Trump said in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-panic-performance-democrats-debate-trump-cnn-fe6546f2c9762e80e6067ba10abedea8">lone 2024 presidential debate with Biden</a>, just weeks before the Democrat announced he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">ending his reelection campaign.</a>

Biden's legacy in Ukraine may hinge on Trump's approach going forward

With Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Biden rallied allies in Europe and beyond to provide Ukraine with billions in military and economic assistance — including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cfr.org/article/how-much-us-aid-going-ukraine">more than $100 billion</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. alone. That allowed Kyiv to stay in the fight with Russian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/vladimir-putin">Vladimir Putin's</a>&nbsp;vastly bigger and better-equipped military.

Biden's team also coordinated with allies to hit Russia with a steady stream of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-sanctions-energy-ukraine-war-biden-trump-bebf8f798e6212ee53b80e2eaea6e712">sanctions</a>&nbsp;aimed at isolating the Kremlin and making Moscow pay an economic price for prosecuting its war.

Biden on Monday marveled that at the start of the war Putin thought Russian forces would easily defeat Ukraine in a matter of days. It was an assessment U.S. and European intelligence officials shared.

Instead, Biden said his administration and its allies have “laid the foundation” for the Trump administration to help Ukraine eventually arrive at a moment where it can negotiate a just end to the nearly three-year old conflict.

“Today, Ukraine is still a free and independent country with the potential for a bright future," Biden said.

Trump has criticized the cost of the war to U.S. taxpayers and has vowed to bring the conflict to a quick end.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan made the case that Trump, a billionaire real estate developer, should consider the backing of Ukraine through the prism of a dealmaker.

“Donald Trump has built his identity around making deals, and the way you make a good deal is with leverage,” Sullivan said in an interview. “Our case publicly and privately to the incoming team is build the leverage, show the staying power, back Ukraine, and it is down that path that lies a good deal."

Biden's Mideast diplomacy shadowed by devastation of Gaza

In the Middle East, Biden has stood by Israel as it has worked to root out Hamas from Gaza. That war spawned another in Lebanon, where Israel has mauled Iran’s most powerful ally,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hezbollah-israel-hamas-lebanon-gaza-62d6eb8831fbd871f862146add7970d9">Hezbollah,</a>&nbsp;even as Israel has launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2024/israels-strikes-are-shifting-the-power-balance-in-the-middle-east-with-us-support/">successful airstrikes</a>&nbsp;openly inside of Iran for the first time.

The degradation of Hezbollah in turn played a role when Islamist-led rebels last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-war-assad-russia-news-16-december-2024-72a8e44f762da2ff78434ff76faeb633">ousted longtime Syrian leader Bashar Assad</a>, a brutal fixture of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance."

“Iran is weaker than it’s been in decades," Biden said.

Biden's relationship with Israel's conservative leader Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been strained by the enormous Palestinian death toll in the fighting —now standing at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-01-09-2025-ffae654d619e8e848e2ceda8576e8fe5">more than 46,000 dead</a>&nbsp;— and Israel's blockade of the territory, which has left much of Gaza a hellscape where access to food and basic health care is severely limited.

Pro-Palestinian activists have demanded an arms embargo against Israel, but U.S. policy has largely remained unchanged. The State Department in recent days informed Congress of a planned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-arms-sale-gaza-biden-congress-f6a8f788773ad12a34ad8fb6f7966026">$8 billion weapons sale to Israel.</a>

Aaron David Miller, a former State Department Middle East negotiator, said the approach has put Iran on its heels, but Biden will pay a reputational cost for the devastation of Gaza.

“The administration was either unable or unwilling to create any sort of restraint that normal humans would regard as significant pressure,” Miller said. “It was beyond Joe Biden’s emotional and political bandwidth to impose the kinds of sustained or significant pressures that might have led to a change in Israeli tactics.”

More than 15 months after the Hamas-led attack that prompted the war, around 98 hostages remain in Gaza. More than a third of those are presumed dead by Israeli authorities.

Biden's Middle East adviser Brett McGurk is in the Middle East, looking to complete an elusive hostage and ceasefire deal as time runs out in the presidency.

“We are on the brink of a proposal that I laid out in detail months ago finally coming to fruition,” Biden said.

Trump, for his part, is warning that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-press-conference-takeaways-imperialism-agenda-c91f3423cab5f8f49e4db983ecb7daa9">“all hell” will be unleashed on Hamas</a>&nbsp;if the hostages aren't freed by Inauguration Day.

Sullivan declined to comment on Trump's threats to Hamas, but offered that the two sides are in agreement about the most important thing: getting a deal done.

“Having alignment of the outgoing and incoming administration that a hostage deal at the earliest possible opportunity is in the American national interest,” he said. “Having unity of message on that is a good thing, and we have closely coordinated with the incoming team to this effect.”

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;said Monday that his stewardship of American foreign policy has left the U.S. safer and economically more secure, arguing that President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;will inherit a nation viewed as stronger and more reliable than it was four years ago.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1407032123603207%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1025" 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 trumpeted his administration's work on expanding NATO, rallying allies to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-us-aid-weapons-trump-6f8eeb09dbc69d3ae2e097bb8eb10151">provide Ukraine with military aid</a>&nbsp;to fight Russia and bolstering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ai-artificial-intelligence-chips-computer-trade-4495b5b4a48e856dc612e7abe3e47d20">American chip manufacturing</a>&nbsp;to better compete with China during a wide-ranging speech to reflect on his foreign policy legacy a week before ceding the White House to Trump.Biden’s case for his achievements will be shadowed and shaped, at least in the near term, by the messy counterfactual that American voters once again turned to Trump and his protectionist worldview. And he will leave office at a turbulent moment for the globe, with a series of conflicts raging.“Thanks to our administration, the United States is winning the worldwide competition compared to four years ago,” Biden said in his address at the State Department. “America is stronger. Our alliances are stronger. Our adversaries and competitors are weaker. We have not gone to war to make these things happen.”The one-term Democrat took office in the throes of the worst&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-covid19-coronavirus-national-emergency-e3a52722b57a6b4f24187426c27b3b39">global pandemic</a>&nbsp;in a century, and his plans to repair alliances strained by four years of Trump’s “America First” worldview were quickly stress-tested by international crises:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-islamic-state-group-e10e038baea732dae879c11234507f81">the chaotic U.S. withdrawal</a>&nbsp;from Afghanistan,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine</a>, and Hamas' brutal 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mideast-wars">war in the Middle East</a>.Biden argued that he provided a steady hand when the world needed it most. He was tested by war, calamity and miscalculation.“My administration is leaving the next administration with a very strong hand to play,” Biden said. “America is once again leading."<h2>Chaotic US exit from Afghanistan was an early setback for Biden</h2><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Biden on Afghanistan: &quot;Ending the war was the right thing to do and I believe history will reflect that.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/mKH9VRdCll">pic.twitter.com/mKH9VRdCll</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1878893129895457024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>With the U.S. completing its 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, Biden fulfilled a campaign promise to wind down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-islamic-state-group-dd43bcc58bd17668b1cf4ae79997142b">America’s longest war</a>.But the 20-year conflict ended in disquieting fashion: The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-taliban-kabul-bagram-e1ed33fe0c665ee67ba132c51b8e32a5">U.S.-backed Afghan government collapsed</a>, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-withdrawal-abbey-gate-28dcaccf6f946bc171a2133ddbb123de">grisly bombing</a>&nbsp;killed 13 U.S. troops and 170 others, and thousands of desperate Afghans descended on Kabul’s airport in search of a way out before the final U.S. aircraft departed over the Hindu Kush.The Afghanistan debacle was a major setback just eight months into Biden's presidency that he struggled to recover from.“Ending the war was the right thing to do, and I believe history will reflect that," Biden said. "Critics said if we ended the war, it would damage our alliances and create threats to our homeland from foreign-directed terrorism out of a safe haven in Afghanistan — neither has occurred.”Biden's Republican detractors, including Trump, cast it as a signal moment in a failed presidency.“I’ll tell you what happened, he was so bad with Afghanistan, it was such a horrible embarrassment, most embarrassing moment in the history of our country,” Trump said in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-panic-performance-democrats-debate-trump-cnn-fe6546f2c9762e80e6067ba10abedea8">lone 2024 presidential debate with Biden</a>, just weeks before the Democrat announced he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6">ending his reelection campaign.</a><h2>Biden's legacy in Ukraine may hinge on Trump's approach going forward</h2><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">President Biden: &quot;When Putin invaded Ukraine he thought he&#39;d conquer Kyiv in a matter of days. But the truth is since that war began, I’m the only one that&#39;s stood in the center of Kyiv, not him. Putin never has.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/R7LrpoxC5d">pic.twitter.com/R7LrpoxC5d</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1878889675563188260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>With Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Biden rallied allies in Europe and beyond to provide Ukraine with billions in military and economic assistance — including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cfr.org/article/how-much-us-aid-going-ukraine">more than $100 billion</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. alone. That allowed Kyiv to stay in the fight with Russian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/vladimir-putin">Vladimir Putin's</a>&nbsp;vastly bigger and better-equipped military.Biden's team also coordinated with allies to hit Russia with a steady stream of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-sanctions-energy-ukraine-war-biden-trump-bebf8f798e6212ee53b80e2eaea6e712">sanctions</a>&nbsp;aimed at isolating the Kremlin and making Moscow pay an economic price for prosecuting its war.Biden on Monday marveled that at the start of the war Putin thought Russian forces would easily defeat Ukraine in a matter of days. It was an assessment U.S. and European intelligence officials shared.Instead, Biden said his administration and its allies have “laid the foundation” for the Trump administration to help Ukraine eventually arrive at a moment where it can negotiate a just end to the nearly three-year old conflict.“Today, Ukraine is still a free and independent country with the potential for a bright future," Biden said.Trump has criticized the cost of the war to U.S. taxpayers and has vowed to bring the conflict to a quick end.White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan made the case that Trump, a billionaire real estate developer, should consider the backing of Ukraine through the prism of a dealmaker.“Donald Trump has built his identity around making deals, and the way you make a good deal is with leverage,” Sullivan said in an interview. “Our case publicly and privately to the incoming team is build the leverage, show the staying power, back Ukraine, and it is down that path that lies a good deal."<h2>Biden's Mideast diplomacy shadowed by devastation of Gaza</h2>In the Middle East, Biden has stood by Israel as it has worked to root out Hamas from Gaza. That war spawned another in Lebanon, where Israel has mauled Iran’s most powerful ally,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hezbollah-israel-hamas-lebanon-gaza-62d6eb8831fbd871f862146add7970d9">Hezbollah,</a>&nbsp;even as Israel has launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2024/israels-strikes-are-shifting-the-power-balance-in-the-middle-east-with-us-support/">successful airstrikes</a>&nbsp;openly inside of Iran for the first time.The degradation of Hezbollah in turn played a role when Islamist-led rebels last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-war-assad-russia-news-16-december-2024-72a8e44f762da2ff78434ff76faeb633">ousted longtime Syrian leader Bashar Assad</a>, a brutal fixture of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance."“Iran is weaker than it’s been in decades," Biden said.Biden's relationship with Israel's conservative leader Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been strained by the enormous Palestinian death toll in the fighting —now standing at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-01-09-2025-ffae654d619e8e848e2ceda8576e8fe5">more than 46,000 dead</a>&nbsp;— and Israel's blockade of the territory, which has left much of Gaza a hellscape where access to food and basic health care is severely limited.Pro-Palestinian activists have demanded an arms embargo against Israel, but U.S. policy has largely remained unchanged. The State Department in recent days informed Congress of a planned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-arms-sale-gaza-biden-congress-f6a8f788773ad12a34ad8fb6f7966026">$8 billion weapons sale to Israel.</a>Aaron David Miller, a former State Department Middle East negotiator, said the approach has put Iran on its heels, but Biden will pay a reputational cost for the devastation of Gaza.“The administration was either unable or unwilling to create any sort of restraint that normal humans would regard as significant pressure,” Miller said. “It was beyond Joe Biden’s emotional and political bandwidth to impose the kinds of sustained or significant pressures that might have led to a change in Israeli tactics.”More than 15 months after the Hamas-led attack that prompted the war, around 98 hostages remain in Gaza. More than a third of those are presumed dead by Israeli authorities.Biden's Middle East adviser Brett McGurk is in the Middle East, looking to complete an elusive hostage and ceasefire deal as time runs out in the presidency.“We are on the brink of a proposal that I laid out in detail months ago finally coming to fruition,” Biden said.Trump, for his part, is warning that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-press-conference-takeaways-imperialism-agenda-c91f3423cab5f8f49e4db983ecb7daa9">“all hell” will be unleashed on Hamas</a>&nbsp;if the hostages aren't freed by Inauguration Day.Sullivan declined to comment on Trump's threats to Hamas, but offered that the two sides are in agreement about the most important thing: getting a deal done.“Having alignment of the outgoing and incoming administration that a hostage deal at the earliest possible opportunity is in the American national interest,” he said. “Having unity of message on that is a good thing, and we have closely coordinated with the incoming team to this effect.”