Man arrested over New York murder of healthcare CEO

Hi. New York police have arrested a man in connection with the murder of healthcare chief executive Brian Thompson. In Syria, we examine the notorious Saydnaya prison - described by rights groups as the Assad regime's "slaughterhouse". And read on for what is reported to be the biggest deal in the history of sport.

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New York police make arrest over murder of healthcare chief Brian Thompson

The suspect in the murder of Brian Thompson. Credit: NYPD

Police in New York say Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old originally from Maryland, has been arrested as a "strong person of interest" in the Manhattan murder of healthcare boss Brian Thompson. Mangione was apprehended at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania after a tip-off, and was found with what is thought to be a 3D-printed firearm and a suppressor, a fake ID and a three-page "manifesto". He has been charged with firearms offences.

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Saydnaya prison: Mapping Assad's 'human slaughterhouse'

An outside view of Saydnaya prison. Credit: White Helmets

For decades, Saydnaya prison near Damascus had been the feared symbol of the Assad regime's power over its people. Thousands who passed through its gates were never seen alive again. Matt Murphy reports on what is being discovered about a place dubbed a "human slaughterhouse" by rights groups.

What is Saydnaya?

The prison was established in the early 1980s in a small town about 30km (19 miles) north of Damascus. It was run by Assad's feared military police and military intelligence service, was ringed by high walls, barbed wire and anti-tank mines, and held up to 20,000 prisoners.

What is known about what went on inside?

The prison's layout has been a closely guarded secret and images from inside have never been seen before. In 2017 former guards were quoted as saying that it was cleared out in 2011 to become the "main political prison" for those arrested in protests against the Assad regime, and detailed purpose-built torture and execution chambers.

How many died there?

Rights groups estimate that between 2011 and 2018 alone, more than 30,000 people were either executed in Saydnaya or died due to torture, starvation or lack of medical care. The US says a crematorium was added during this time.

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And finally... in the UK

King Charles has recalled how his mother practised wearing the crown for her 1953 Coronation when she bathed him as a child. According to a new documentary, he told a dozen Canadian women who attended his mother's coronation as 17-year-olds that "you have to get used to how heavy [it] is". Read more here.