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  • Volunteers scour the desert for Nancy Guthrie

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    The disappearance of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother three weeks ago has inspired a small number of volunteers to launch their own searches in the dense desert near her home in hopes of cracking the case.The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said while it appreciates the concern for Nancy Guthrie, it asked people inquiring about volunteering to give investigators space to do their jobs. Video above: Nancy Guthrie search turns to Mexico”We all want to find Nancy, but this work is best left to professionals,” the agency said in a statement over the weekend.Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home just outside Tucson on Jan. 31 and was reported missing the following day. Authorities believe she was kidnapped, abducted or otherwise taken against her will. Drops of her blood were found on the front porch, but authorities haven’t publicly revealed much evidence. Despite the sheriff’s request for people not to search on their own, volunteers have continued to look. A small group reported finding a black backpack on Sunday, but it wasn’t the same brand as one identified in video surveillance that the FBI released of a masked man at Guthrie’s home the night she disappeared. A sheriffs’ spokesperson told Tucson television station KOLD that the bag and its contents didn’t appear to be viable leads. The Associated Press reached out to the sheriff’s department for comment on Monday.Two women from the group Madres Buscadoras de Sonora, or “Searching Mothers of Sonora,” who were carrying digging tools Sunday outside of Guthrie’s home, said they, too, would join the search. They posted fliers on Guthrie’s mailbox with her picture and their contact information.Tony Estrada, the former long-time sheriff in neighboring Santa Cruz County, said volunteer searchers have good intentions in wanting to help and can serve as a force multiplier, but it’s crucial that their efforts be coordinated with law enforcement.”You can’t have people all over the place looking for something and not reporting to anybody or letting them know that they’re going to be in that area,” Estrada said. “They may be trampling into things that may come out to be helpful in the future.”Nearly all search operations for U.S. law enforcement agencies are staffed with volunteers, said Chris Boyer, executive director of the National Association for Search and Rescue.Untrained volunteers who show up to help in a search may mean well, but experts say they could end up contaminating a crime scene.”It’s painful for law enforcement when that happens,” Boyer said. Volunteers should undergo background checks, be trained in things like administering first aid and preserving crime scenes, and work under the direction of law enforcement authorities, said Boyer, whose group provides education, certification and advocacy for search and rescue efforts across the United States and other countries.Several hundred people are working the Guthrie investigation, and more than 20,000 tips have been received, the sheriff’s office has said. The FBI and other agencies are assisting. Video below: United Cajun Navy says it will join search for Nancy GuthrieThe sheriff’s office has watched around the clock lately at Guthrie’s house. It also enacted a temporary one-way flow on the road so that emergency vehicles and trash collection trucks could get through. The constant presence of news crews, bloggers and curious onlookers has drawn mixed reaction from neighbors.Some appreciated the attention the case has been getting. Others have placed traffic cones and signs on their properties to keep people off. Meanwhile, the tribute to Nancy Guthrie outside her home keeps growing, with flowers, yellow ribbons, crosses, prayers and patron saints for older adults and in desperate situations.Aran Aleamoni and his daughter Ariana picked out a bouquet of red, pink and white flowers and placed them at the edge of Guthrie’s yard, alongside a sign that read “Let Nancy Come Home” and a statuette of an angel.”My heart goes out to the entire family,” said Aran Aleamoni, who has known the Guthrie family for a long time. “We are all pulling for you. We’re with you in your corner.”Billeaud reported from Phoenix.

    TUCSON, Ariz. —

    The disappearance of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother three weeks ago has inspired a small number of volunteers to launch their own searches in the dense desert near her home in hopes of cracking the case.

    The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said while it appreciates the concern for Nancy Guthrie, it asked people inquiring about volunteering to give investigators space to do their jobs.

    Video above: Nancy Guthrie search turns to Mexico

    “We all want to find Nancy, but this work is best left to professionals,” the agency said in a statement over the weekend.

    Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home just outside Tucson on Jan. 31 and was reported missing the following day. Authorities believe she was kidnapped, abducted or otherwise taken against her will. Drops of her blood were found on the front porch, but authorities haven’t publicly revealed much evidence.

    Despite the sheriff’s request for people not to search on their own, volunteers have continued to look. A small group reported finding a black backpack on Sunday, but it wasn’t the same brand as one identified in video surveillance that the FBI released of a masked man at Guthrie’s home the night she disappeared.

    A sheriffs’ spokesperson told Tucson television station KOLD that the bag and its contents didn’t appear to be viable leads. The Associated Press reached out to the sheriff’s department for comment on Monday.

    Two women from the group Madres Buscadoras de Sonora, or “Searching Mothers of Sonora,” who were carrying digging tools Sunday outside of Guthrie’s home, said they, too, would join the search. They posted fliers on Guthrie’s mailbox with her picture and their contact information.

    Tony Estrada, the former long-time sheriff in neighboring Santa Cruz County, said volunteer searchers have good intentions in wanting to help and can serve as a force multiplier, but it’s crucial that their efforts be coordinated with law enforcement.

    Felicia Fonseca

    Neighbors walk by a growing memorial for Nancy Guthrie, the missing mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, outside her home in Tucson, Ariz., Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.

    “You can’t have people all over the place looking for something and not reporting to anybody or letting them know that they’re going to be in that area,” Estrada said. “They may be trampling into things that may come out to be helpful in the future.”

    Nearly all search operations for U.S. law enforcement agencies are staffed with volunteers, said Chris Boyer, executive director of the National Association for Search and Rescue.

    Untrained volunteers who show up to help in a search may mean well, but experts say they could end up contaminating a crime scene.

    “It’s painful for law enforcement when that happens,” Boyer said.

    Volunteers should undergo background checks, be trained in things like administering first aid and preserving crime scenes, and work under the direction of law enforcement authorities, said Boyer, whose group provides education, certification and advocacy for search and rescue efforts across the United States and other countries.

    Several hundred people are working the Guthrie investigation, and more than 20,000 tips have been received, the sheriff’s office has said. The FBI and other agencies are assisting.

    Video below: United Cajun Navy says it will join search for Nancy Guthrie

    The sheriff’s office has watched around the clock lately at Guthrie’s house. It also enacted a temporary one-way flow on the road so that emergency vehicles and trash collection trucks could get through. The constant presence of news crews, bloggers and curious onlookers has drawn mixed reaction from neighbors.

    Some appreciated the attention the case has been getting. Others have placed traffic cones and signs on their properties to keep people off.

    Meanwhile, the tribute to Nancy Guthrie outside her home keeps growing, with flowers, yellow ribbons, crosses, prayers and patron saints for older adults and in desperate situations.

    Aran Aleamoni and his daughter Ariana picked out a bouquet of red, pink and white flowers and placed them at the edge of Guthrie’s yard, alongside a sign that read “Let Nancy Come Home” and a statuette of an angel.

    “My heart goes out to the entire family,” said Aran Aleamoni, who has known the Guthrie family for a long time. “We are all pulling for you. We’re with you in your corner.”

    Billeaud reported from Phoenix.

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  • Homeland Security suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

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    Homeland Security suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs

    MARSHALL AIRPORT, WHERE OUR KATE AMARA IS REPORTING THE LATEST DETAILS. ACCORDING TO FEDERAL OFFICIALS, 61,000 TSA OFFICERS, 56,000 COAST GUARD EMPLOYEES, AND THOUSANDS MORE FEMA, SECRET SERVICE AND CSO WORKERS ARE CURRENTLY ON THE JOB AND ON THE CLOCK WITHOUT GETTING PAID FOR IT. THERE’S NO ONE HERE, AND IT LOOKS LIKE PRECHECK IS 1 TO 3 MINUTES, SO I THINK IT’S OKAY. AT BWI MONDAY AFTERNOON, ALL THREE SECURITY CHECKPOINTS WERE OPEN AND LINE FREE. BUSINESS AS USUAL. ACCORDING TO TICKETED PASSENGERS WE TALKED TO. LET’S SEE WHAT HAPPENED. WE’RE HOPING FOR THE BEST. MANY AWARE THAT THEY WERE FLYING DURING A PARTIAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND THAT TSA OFFICERS AT U.S. AIRPORTS WERE WORKING WITHOUT GETTING PAID. I HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER THAT WORKED WORKED FOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. HE KEPT COMPLAINING LIKE, WHAT? THESE DAYS? WHY ARE WE GOING THROUGH THIS? WE WORK SO HARD. WE’VE BEEN IN THIS SYSTEM FOR SO LONG, SO WHY DO WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS? BALTIMORE’S TSA OFFICERS AMONG 61,000 NATIONWIDE REQUIRED TO WORK WITHOUT PAY DURING THE SHUTDOWN. THE ACTING ADMINISTRATOR TOLD MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AT A HEARING LAST WEEK. AND SHE SAID MANY ARE STILL PLAYING CATCH UP FINANCIALLY FROM THE LAST SHUTDOWN LAST FALL. THAT LASTED 43 DAYS. WE HEARD REPORTS OF OFFICERS SLEEPING IN THEIR CARS AT AIRPORTS TO SAVE MONEY ON GAS, SELLING THEIR BLOOD AND PLASMA, AND TAKING ON SECOND JOBS TO MAKE ENDS MEET. LAWMAKERS ALSO HEARD FROM THE HEADS OF FEMA, CISA, THE SECRET SERVICE AND THE COAST GUARD. THE UNCERTAINTY OF MISSING PAYCHECKS NEGATIVELY IMPACTS READINESS AND CREATES A SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL HARDSHIP FOR SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. LABOR LEADERS ALSO WORRIED ABOUT THE STEEP PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CONSEQUENCES FOR MEMBERS DURING THE SECOND SHUTDOWN. IN THE SPAN OF FIVE MONTHS. FOR ME, EVENTUALLY IT’S GOING TO COME DOWN TO DO. I PUT GAS IN THE CAR TO GO TO WORK FOR FREE, OR DO I PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE WITH THAT MONEY FOR MY KIDS? LAWMAKERS LEFT WASHINGTON LAST WEEK FOR A PLANNED RECESS THIS WEEK, WITH NO PLANS TO RETURN. COMPOUNDING CONCERNS FOR MANY ON THE GROUND HERE AND ELSEWHERE ABOUT JUST HOW LONG THIS PARTIAL

    Homeland Security suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs

    Updated: 11:59 PM EST Feb 21, 2026

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is suspending the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs as a partial government shutdown continues.The programs are designed to help speed registered travelers through security lines. Suspending them could cause headaches for fliers.Video above: TSA officers working without pay amid partial government shutdownHomeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement that “shutdowns have serious real world consequences.” She also said that “TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts.”The partial government shutdown began Feb. 14 after Democrats and the White House were unable to reach a deal on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats have been demanding changes to immigration operations that are core to President Donald Trump’s deportation campaign.

    WASHINGTON —

    The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is suspending the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs as a partial government shutdown continues.

    The programs are designed to help speed registered travelers through security lines. Suspending them could cause headaches for fliers.

    Video above: TSA officers working without pay amid partial government shutdown

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement that “shutdowns have serious real world consequences.” She also said that “TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts.”

    The partial government shutdown began Feb. 14 after Democrats and the White House were unable to reach a deal on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats have been demanding changes to immigration operations that are core to President Donald Trump’s deportation campaign.

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  • Monarch butterflies survive arctic blast in Mexico

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    Monarch butterflies wintering in the mountains of western Mexico have survived January’s arctic blast, according to scientists studying the impact of the cold air on their overwintering sites.”There was a lot of concern that the arctic blast would reach all the way down to their overwintering sites. But it appears that it did not,” said Emily Geest from the Oklahoma City Zoo.Despite the close brush with the arctic intrusion, Geest noted that monarchs are surprisingly resilient to cold, emphasizing the importance of moisture.”They can tolerate temperatures as low as 18 degrees Fahrenheit, even though freezing occurs near 32 degrees. They can tolerate so long as they don’t have moisture on their bodies,” she said.In previous years, such as 2002 and 2016, the reserve saw a combination of cold and moisture, leading to significant declines in monarch numbers that took years to recover.However, reports from Mexico suggest that it’s been a positive overwintering year.”Some of the reports coming out of Mexico suggest that it’s been a really good overwintering year. The population is as big as it’s ever been, but we’ll have to see what happens,” Geest said.Monarchs are expected to begin their migration back north in a few weeks, arriving in Oklahoma by early April.Excitingly, monarchs tagged in Oklahoma last fall have been found at the overwintering sites.”We just found out a few days ago that at least two of them were found again in the overwintering sites – so we’re really excited to see what happens with these monarchs,” Geest said.However, the lingering drought in Oklahoma poses a potential concern for the butterflies upon their return, as rainfall is crucial for their food source.”They need plants – they need flowers and nectar. And if we persist into a drought, things may stay dry. There may not be enough nectar for them,” Geest said.

    Monarch butterflies wintering in the mountains of western Mexico have survived January’s arctic blast, according to scientists studying the impact of the cold air on their overwintering sites.

    “There was a lot of concern that the arctic blast would reach all the way down to their overwintering sites. But it appears that it did not,” said Emily Geest from the Oklahoma City Zoo.

    Despite the close brush with the arctic intrusion, Geest noted that monarchs are surprisingly resilient to cold, emphasizing the importance of moisture.

    “They can tolerate temperatures as low as 18 degrees Fahrenheit, even though freezing occurs near 32 degrees. They can tolerate so long as they don’t have moisture on their bodies,” she said.

    In previous years, such as 2002 and 2016, the reserve saw a combination of cold and moisture, leading to significant declines in monarch numbers that took years to recover.

    However, reports from Mexico suggest that it’s been a positive overwintering year.

    “Some of the reports coming out of Mexico suggest that it’s been a really good overwintering year. The population is as big as it’s ever been, but we’ll have to see what happens,” Geest said.

    Monarchs are expected to begin their migration back north in a few weeks, arriving in Oklahoma by early April.

    Excitingly, monarchs tagged in Oklahoma last fall have been found at the overwintering sites.

    “We just found out a few days ago that at least two of them were found again in the overwintering sites – so we’re really excited to see what happens with these monarchs,” Geest said.

    However, the lingering drought in Oklahoma poses a potential concern for the butterflies upon their return, as rainfall is crucial for their food source.

    “They need plants – they need flowers and nectar. And if we persist into a drought, things may stay dry. There may not be enough nectar for them,” Geest said.

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  • Savannah Guthrie’s latest message to mother’s kidnapper: ‘Do the right thing’

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    Investigators packed up equipment near Nancy Guthrie’s home Thursday on day 12 of the search for the missing 84-year-old, and new tips are flowing in in her disappearance. Doorbell camera footage was released earlier in the week of *** masked and armed person on her front porch. From that video, the FBI now saying the suspect is male, 5’9 to 5’10, and wearing *** black 25 L Ozark Trail hiker pack backpack. The height and the backpack are very good clues, and what the The FBI will do is they’ll start with the realm of the possible. How many of these backpacks were sold, when they were sold. *** white tent was temporarily placed outside the front door of Guthrie’s home Thursday, and the sheriff’s department says it has discovered multiple gloves in the investigation. They’re going to check this thing every possible scientific way for anything that can bring them to *** clue or *** person. Today Show anchor Savannah Guthrie posting *** tribute to her mother on social media as she and her siblings. Desperately hold on to hope for her return. Near her home, yellow ribbons lined trees and sympathizers added flowers to *** growing shrine outside. In front of *** local news station in Tucson, *** banner has been placed reading Bring Her Home. Some neighbors are writing messages of support. I think we’re all just wishing the best for them and praying for *** resolution. So praying for, obviously it would be amazing if she were brought back to them. I’m Cherelle Hubbard reporting.

    Savannah Guthrie’s latest message to mother’s kidnapper: ‘Do the right thing’

    Updated: 5:51 PM PST Feb 15, 2026

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    On Sunday evening, Savannah Guthrie took to social media in another attempt to plead to the kidnapper of her mother, Nancy.It has been two weeks since 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped from her Tucson, Arizona, home. Video above: New tips in Nancy Guthrie caseEarlier Sunday, the FBI said DNA recovered from a glove near Nancy Guthrie’s home appears to match glove worn by suspect in video.In the Instagram video, Savannah Guthrie said, “It’s been two weeks since our mom was taken and I just wanted to come on and say that we still have hope and we still believe. I wanted to say to whoever has her, or knows where she is, that it’s never too late and you’re not lost or alone. And it is never to late to do the right thing. We are here. We believe. And we believe in the essential goodness of every human being. It’s never too late.”Guthrie, her sister and her brother have gone on social media and shared multiple video messages to their mother’s purported captor.The family’s Instagram videos have shifted in tone from impassioned pleas to whoever may have their mom, saying they want to talk and are even willing to pay a ransom, to bleaker and more desperate requests for the public’s help. A video on Thursday was simply a home video of their mother and a promise to “never give up on her.”Sunday’s video issued an appeal to whoever abducted her mother or anyone who knows where she is being kept. Authorities have expressed concern about Nancy Guthrie’s health because she needs vital daily medicine. She is said to have a pacemaker and have dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.

    On Sunday evening, Savannah Guthrie took to social media in another attempt to plead to the kidnapper of her mother, Nancy.

    It has been two weeks since 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped from her Tucson, Arizona, home.

    Video above: New tips in Nancy Guthrie case

    Earlier Sunday, the FBI said DNA recovered from a glove near Nancy Guthrie’s home appears to match glove worn by suspect in video.

    In the Instagram video, Savannah Guthrie said, “It’s been two weeks since our mom was taken and I just wanted to come on and say that we still have hope and we still believe. I wanted to say to whoever has her, or knows where she is, that it’s never too late and you’re not lost or alone. And it is never to late to do the right thing. We are here. We believe. And we believe in the essential goodness of every human being. It’s never too late.”

    Guthrie, her sister and her brother have gone on social media and shared multiple video messages to their mother’s purported captor.

    The family’s Instagram videos have shifted in tone from impassioned pleas to whoever may have their mom, saying they want to talk and are even willing to pay a ransom, to bleaker and more desperate requests for the public’s help. A video on Thursday was simply a home video of their mother and a promise to “never give up on her.”

    Sunday’s video issued an appeal to whoever abducted her mother or anyone who knows where she is being kept.

    Authorities have expressed concern about Nancy Guthrie’s health because she needs vital daily medicine. She is said to have a pacemaker and have dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.

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  • From burying to marrying: Funeral home director officiates wedding after judge doesn’t show

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    An Iowa couple ran into a wedding day hiccup Thursday when the judge scheduled to marry them didn’t show up, but love and a quick phone call found a way.Alexis and Rean Webb planned to tie the knot at the Marshall County Courthouse at 4 p.m. on Feb. 12. It was always meant to be something intimate, where they would be surrounded by close loved ones. “We wanted something very small and low-key,” said Rean Webb. The couple, joined by their children, posed for a photo inside the courthouse.Unfortunately, just moments later, they would learn the judge they had an appointment with wasn’t going to show up, and there wasn’t a different judge available. While the no-show could have derailed their plans, the Webbs kept calm. In fact, they said they were more surprised by how quickly everything came together next.”My dad instantly jumped up, and he was like, ‘I know somebody: Jody,’” Alexis Webb said.That “somebody” was Jody Anderson. He’s a family friend and is ordained. He and his wife are also the owners and funeral directors of Anderson Funeral Homes. Anderson said he was at home when Alexis’ father called his phone. His wife woke him up to let him know who was on the line.”I rolled into the funeral home. Parking lot was full of cars. Family members. Didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” Anderson said.Still, he opened the doors to the funeral home’s chapel, welcomed the family inside, and took time to speak with the couple.”I took five to 10 minutes, met with them, discussed the importance, made sure they were both for real,” Anderson said.They were.Within 30 minutes of that first phone call, Alexis and Rean Webb were married in a ceremony the couple said turned out to be more meaningful than they expected.”It was even better than we expected because we kind of did get a real wedding in a sense. We’re in a chapel. I got to walk down the aisle with my dad. The girls got to be flower girls. My son got to be the ring bearer, and his son got to be his best man. I mean, what more could we ask for?” Alexis Webb said.For the Webbs, what began as a setback ended with a wedding they’ll never forget, and they’re grateful for Anderson.As for Anderson, helping was never a question.”It goes back to my career as a funeral director. The phone rings? I go. I mean, you don’t say no. You help people, and I think that’s what the good Lord put me on the Earth to do, is to help people, and I was just happy to help,” Anderson said.

    An Iowa couple ran into a wedding day hiccup Thursday when the judge scheduled to marry them didn’t show up, but love and a quick phone call found a way.

    Alexis and Rean Webb planned to tie the knot at the Marshall County Courthouse at 4 p.m. on Feb. 12. It was always meant to be something intimate, where they would be surrounded by close loved ones.

    “We wanted something very small and low-key,” said Rean Webb.

    The couple, joined by their children, posed for a photo inside the courthouse.

    Unfortunately, just moments later, they would learn the judge they had an appointment with wasn’t going to show up, and there wasn’t a different judge available.

    While the no-show could have derailed their plans, the Webbs kept calm. In fact, they said they were more surprised by how quickly everything came together next.

    “My dad instantly jumped up, and he was like, ‘I know somebody: Jody,’” Alexis Webb said.

    That “somebody” was Jody Anderson. He’s a family friend and is ordained. He and his wife are also the owners and funeral directors of Anderson Funeral Homes.

    Anderson said he was at home when Alexis’ father called his phone. His wife woke him up to let him know who was on the line.

    “I rolled into the funeral home. Parking lot was full of cars. Family members. Didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” Anderson said.

    Still, he opened the doors to the funeral home’s chapel, welcomed the family inside, and took time to speak with the couple.

    “I took five to 10 minutes, met with them, discussed the importance, made sure they were both for real,” Anderson said.

    They were.

    Within 30 minutes of that first phone call, Alexis and Rean Webb were married in a ceremony the couple said turned out to be more meaningful than they expected.

    “It was even better than we expected because we kind of did get a real wedding in a sense. We’re in a chapel. I got to walk down the aisle with my dad. The girls got to be flower girls. My son got to be the ring bearer, and his son got to be his best man. I mean, what more could we ask for?” Alexis Webb said.

    For the Webbs, what began as a setback ended with a wedding they’ll never forget, and they’re grateful for Anderson.

    As for Anderson, helping was never a question.

    “It goes back to my career as a funeral director. The phone rings? I go. I mean, you don’t say no. You help people, and I think that’s what the good Lord put me on the Earth to do, is to help people, and I was just happy to help,” Anderson said.

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  • Law enforcement block road near Nancy Guthrie’s home

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    Law enforcement investigating the disappearance of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother sealed off a road near Nancy Guthrie’s home in Arizona late Friday night.Video above: New tips in Nancy Guthrie caseA parade of sheriff’s and FBI vehicles, including forensics vehicles, passed through the roadblock that was set up about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the house.The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the activity was part of the Nancy Guthrie case, but it said the FBI requested that it not release further information.Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing on Feb. 1. Authorities say her blood was found on the front porch of her Tucson-area home. Purported ransom notes were sent to news outlets, but two deadlines for paying have passed.Authorities have expressed concerns about Nancy Guthrie’s health because she needs daily medication. She is said to have a pacemaker and has dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.Investigators have studied surveillance video, sorted through thousands of tips, and submitted DNA and other evidence for laboratory analysis.The FBI said it has collected more than 13,000 tips since Feb. 1, the day Nancy Guthrie was reported missing. The sheriff’s department, meanwhile, said it has taken at least 18,000 calls.On Tuesday, authorities released footage showing an armed, masked person at Nancy Guthrie’s doorstep on the night she was abducted. The videos — less than a minute combined in length — gave investigators and the public their first glimpse of who was outside Nancy Guthrie’s home in the foothills outside Tucson.Experts say the video could contain a mountain of clues. ___Associated Press writer Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu contributed to this report.

    TUCSON, Ariz. —

    Law enforcement investigating the disappearance of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother sealed off a road near Nancy Guthrie’s home in Arizona late Friday night.

    Video above: New tips in Nancy Guthrie case

    A parade of sheriff’s and FBI vehicles, including forensics vehicles, passed through the roadblock that was set up about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the house.

    The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the activity was part of the Nancy Guthrie case, but it said the FBI requested that it not release further information.

    Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing on Feb. 1. Authorities say her blood was found on the front porch of her Tucson-area home. Purported ransom notes were sent to news outlets, but two deadlines for paying have passed.

    Authorities have expressed concerns about Nancy Guthrie’s health because she needs daily medication. She is said to have a pacemaker and has dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.

    Investigators have studied surveillance video, sorted through thousands of tips, and submitted DNA and other evidence for laboratory analysis.

    The FBI said it has collected more than 13,000 tips since Feb. 1, the day Nancy Guthrie was reported missing. The sheriff’s department, meanwhile, said it has taken at least 18,000 calls.

    On Tuesday, authorities released footage showing an armed, masked person at Nancy Guthrie’s doorstep on the night she was abducted. The videos — less than a minute combined in length — gave investigators and the public their first glimpse of who was outside Nancy Guthrie’s home in the foothills outside Tucson.

    Experts say the video could contain a mountain of clues.

    ___

    Associated Press writer Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu contributed to this report.

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  • Law enforcement block road near Nancy Guthrie’s home

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    Law enforcement investigating the disappearance of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother sealed off a road near Nancy Guthrie’s home in Arizona late Friday night.A parade of sheriff’s and FBI vehicles, including forensics vehicles, passed through the roadblock that was set up about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the house.Video above: New tips in Nancy Guthrie caseThe Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the activity was part of the Guthrie case. But it said further information was unavailable since it was a joint investigation with the FBI.Guthrie, 84, was reported missing on Feb. 1. Authorities say her blood was found on the front porch of her Tucson-area home. Purported ransom notes were sent to news outlets, but two deadlines for paying have passed.Authorities have expressed concerns Guthrie’s health because she needs daily medication. She is said to have a pacemaker and has dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.Investigators have studied surveillance video, sorted through thousands of tips and submitted DNA and other evidence for laboratory analysis.The FBI said it has collected more than 13,000 tips since Feb. 1, the day Guthrie was reported missing. The sheriff’s department, meanwhile, said it has taken at least 18,000 calls.On Tuesday, authorities released footage showing an armed, masked person at Guthrie’s doorstep on the night she was abducted. The videos — less than a combined minute in length — gave investigators and the public their first glimpse of who was outside Guthrie’s home in the foothills outside Tucson.Experts say the video could contain a mountain of clues.Associated Press writer Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu contributed to this report.

    TUCSON, Ariz. —

    Law enforcement investigating the disappearance of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie‘s mother sealed off a road near Nancy Guthrie’s home in Arizona late Friday night.

    A parade of sheriff’s and FBI vehicles, including forensics vehicles, passed through the roadblock that was set up about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the house.

    Video above: New tips in Nancy Guthrie case

    The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the activity was part of the Guthrie case. But it said further information was unavailable since it was a joint investigation with the FBI.

    Guthrie, 84, was reported missing on Feb. 1. Authorities say her blood was found on the front porch of her Tucson-area home. Purported ransom notes were sent to news outlets, but two deadlines for paying have passed.

    Authorities have expressed concerns Guthrie’s health because she needs daily medication. She is said to have a pacemaker and has dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.

    Investigators have studied surveillance video, sorted through thousands of tips and submitted DNA and other evidence for laboratory analysis.

    The FBI said it has collected more than 13,000 tips since Feb. 1, the day Guthrie was reported missing. The sheriff’s department, meanwhile, said it has taken at least 18,000 calls.

    On Tuesday, authorities released footage showing an armed, masked person at Guthrie’s doorstep on the night she was abducted. The videos — less than a combined minute in length — gave investigators and the public their first glimpse of who was outside Guthrie’s home in the foothills outside Tucson.

    Experts say the video could contain a mountain of clues.

    Associated Press writer Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu contributed to this report.

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  • South Carolina university on lockdown after fatal shooting, officials say

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    South Carolina State University officials say the campus is on lockdown following a shooting that left two people dead and one person injured.The lockdown began on Thursday around 9:15 p.m. when a shooting was reported in an apartment at the Hugine Suites student residential complex. The State Law Enforcement Division, SLED, is on site and actively investigating. While the campus remains on lockdown, officers with the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety and the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office are patrolling along with the university’s Department of Public Safety.University officials have yet to confirm the victims’ identities or the condition of the wounded person. All classes have been canceled for Friday, and the university says counselors are available to students.

    South Carolina State University officials say the campus is on lockdown following a shooting that left two people dead and one person injured.

    The lockdown began on Thursday around 9:15 p.m. when a shooting was reported in an apartment at the Hugine Suites student residential complex.

    The State Law Enforcement Division, SLED, is on site and actively investigating.

    While the campus remains on lockdown, officers with the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety and the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office are patrolling along with the university’s Department of Public Safety.

    University officials have yet to confirm the victims’ identities or the condition of the wounded person.

    All classes have been canceled for Friday, and the university says counselors are available to students.

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  • South Carolina university on lockdown after fatal shooting, officials say

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    South Carolina State University officials say the campus is on lockdown following a shooting that left two people dead and one person injured.The lockdown began on Thursday around 9:15 p.m. when a shooting was reported in an apartment at the Hugine Suites student residential complex. The State Law Enforcement Division, SLED, is on site and actively investigating. While the campus remains on lockdown, officers with the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety and the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office are patrolling along with the university’s Department of Public Safety.University officials have yet to confirm the victims’ identities or the condition of the wounded person. All classes have been canceled for Friday, and the university says counselors are available to students.

    South Carolina State University officials say the campus is on lockdown following a shooting that left two people dead and one person injured.

    The lockdown began on Thursday around 9:15 p.m. when a shooting was reported in an apartment at the Hugine Suites student residential complex.

    The State Law Enforcement Division, SLED, is on site and actively investigating.

    While the campus remains on lockdown, officers with the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety and the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office are patrolling along with the university’s Department of Public Safety.

    University officials have yet to confirm the victims’ identities or the condition of the wounded person.

    All classes have been canceled for Friday, and the university says counselors are available to students.

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  • Washington Post publisher Will Lewis says he’s stepping down

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    Washington Post publisher Will Lewis said Saturday that he’s stepping down, ending a troubled tenure three days after the newspaper said that it was laying off one-third of its staff.Lewis announced his departure in a two-paragraph email to the newspaper’s staff, saying that after two years of transformation, “now is the right time for me to step aside.” The Post’s chief financial officer, Jeff D’Onofrio, was appointed temporary publisher.Neither Lewis nor the newspaper’s billionaire owner Jeff Bezos participated in the meeting with staff members announcing the layoffs on Wednesday. While anticipated, the cutbacks were deeper than expected, resulting in the shutdown of the Post’s renowned sports section, the elimination of its photography staff and sharp reductions in personnel responsible for coverage of metropolitan Washington and overseas.They came on top of widespread talent defections in recent years at the newspaper, which lost tens of thousands of subscribers following Bezos’ order late in the 2024 presidential campaign pulling back from a planned endorsement of Kamala Harris, and a subsequent reorienting of its opinion section in a more conservative direction.Martin Baron, the Post’s first editor under Bezos, condemned his former boss this week for attempting to curry favor with President Donald Trump and called what has happened at the newspaper “a case study in near-instant, self-inflicted brand destruction.”The British-born Lewis was a former top executive at The Wall Street Journal before taking over at The Post in January 2024. His tenure has been rocky from the start, marked by layoffs and a failed reorganization plan that led to the departure of former top editor Sally Buzbee.His initial choice to take over for Buzbee, Robert Winnett, withdrew from the job after ethical questions were raised about both he and Lewis’ actions while working in England. They including paying for information that produced major stories, actions that would be considered unethical in American journalism. The current executive editor, Matt Murray, took over shortly thereafter.Lewis didn’t endear himself to Washington Post journalists with blunt talk about their work, at one point saying in a staff meeting that they needed to make changes because not enough people were reading their work.This week’s layoffs have led to some calls for Bezos to either increase his investment in The Post or sell it to someone who will take a more active role. Lewis, in his note, praised Bezos: “The institution could not have had a better owner,” he said.“During my tenure, difficult decisions have been taken in order to ensure the sustainable future of The Post so it can for many years ahead publish high-quality nonpartisan news to millions of customer each day,” Lewis said.D’Onofrio, who joined the paper last June after serving as the financial chief for the digital ad management company Raptive, said in a note to staff that “we are ending a hard week of change with more change.“This is a challenging time across all media organizations, and The Post is unfortunately no exception,” he wrote. “I’ve had the privilege of helping chart the course of disrupters and cultural stalwarts alike. All faced economic headwinds in changing industry landscapes, and we rose to meet those moments. I have no doubt we will do just that, together.”

    Washington Post publisher Will Lewis said Saturday that he’s stepping down, ending a troubled tenure three days after the newspaper said that it was laying off one-third of its staff.

    Lewis announced his departure in a two-paragraph email to the newspaper’s staff, saying that after two years of transformation, “now is the right time for me to step aside.” The Post’s chief financial officer, Jeff D’Onofrio, was appointed temporary publisher.

    Neither Lewis nor the newspaper’s billionaire owner Jeff Bezos participated in the meeting with staff members announcing the layoffs on Wednesday. While anticipated, the cutbacks were deeper than expected, resulting in the shutdown of the Post’s renowned sports section, the elimination of its photography staff and sharp reductions in personnel responsible for coverage of metropolitan Washington and overseas.

    They came on top of widespread talent defections in recent years at the newspaper, which lost tens of thousands of subscribers following Bezos’ order late in the 2024 presidential campaign pulling back from a planned endorsement of Kamala Harris, and a subsequent reorienting of its opinion section in a more conservative direction.

    Martin Baron, the Post’s first editor under Bezos, condemned his former boss this week for attempting to curry favor with President Donald Trump and called what has happened at the newspaper “a case study in near-instant, self-inflicted brand destruction.”

    The British-born Lewis was a former top executive at The Wall Street Journal before taking over at The Post in January 2024. His tenure has been rocky from the start, marked by layoffs and a failed reorganization plan that led to the departure of former top editor Sally Buzbee.

    ALLISON ROBBERT

    A protester holds a cutout of Jeff Bezos’ face outside of the Washington Post office following a mass layoff, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026.

    His initial choice to take over for Buzbee, Robert Winnett, withdrew from the job after ethical questions were raised about both he and Lewis’ actions while working in England. They including paying for information that produced major stories, actions that would be considered unethical in American journalism. The current executive editor, Matt Murray, took over shortly thereafter.

    Lewis didn’t endear himself to Washington Post journalists with blunt talk about their work, at one point saying in a staff meeting that they needed to make changes because not enough people were reading their work.

    This week’s layoffs have led to some calls for Bezos to either increase his investment in The Post or sell it to someone who will take a more active role. Lewis, in his note, praised Bezos: “The institution could not have had a better owner,” he said.

    “During my tenure, difficult decisions have been taken in order to ensure the sustainable future of The Post so it can for many years ahead publish high-quality nonpartisan news to millions of customer each day,” Lewis said.

    D’Onofrio, who joined the paper last June after serving as the financial chief for the digital ad management company Raptive, said in a note to staff that “we are ending a hard week of change with more change.

    “This is a challenging time across all media organizations, and The Post is unfortunately no exception,” he wrote. “I’ve had the privilege of helping chart the course of disrupters and cultural stalwarts alike. All faced economic headwinds in changing industry landscapes, and we rose to meet those moments. I have no doubt we will do just that, together.”

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  • Iran’s president seeks ‘fair and equitable negotiations’ with the United States

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    Iran’s president said Tuesday that he instructed the country’s foreign minister to “pursue fair and equitable negotiations” with the United States, the first clear sign from Tehran it wants to try to negotiate as tensions remain high with Washington after the Mideast country’s bloody crackdown on nationwide protests last month.The announcement marked a major turn for reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who broadly had warned Iranians for weeks that the turmoil in his country had gone beyond his control. It also signals that the president received support from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for talks that the 86-year-old cleric previously had dismissed.Video above: Iran warns of “regional war” if U.S. attacksTurkey had been working behind the scenes to make the talks happen there later this week as U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff is traveling in the region.But whether Iran and the U.S. can reach an agreement remains to be seen, particularly as President Donald Trump now has included Iran’s nuclear program in a list of demands from Tehran in any talks. Trump ordered the bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day war Israel launched against Iran in June.Iran’s president signals talks are possibleWriting on X, Pezeshkian said in English and Farsi that the decision came after “requests from friendly governments in the region to respond to the proposal by the President of the United States for negotiations.”“I have instructed my Minister of Foreign Affairs, provided that a suitable environment exists — one free from threats and unreasonable expectations — to pursue fair and equitable negotiations, guided by the principles of dignity, prudence, and expediency,” he said.The U.S. has yet to acknowledge the talks will take place. A semiofficial news agency in Iran on Monday reported — then later deleted without explanation — that Pezeshkian had issued such an order to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who held multiple rounds of talks with Witkoff before the 12-day war.Khamenei adviser speaks on the nuclear issueLate Monday, the pan-Arab satellite channel Al Mayadeen, which is politically allied with the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, aired an interview with Ali Shamkhani, a top Khamenei adviser on security.Shamkhani, who now sits on the country’s Supreme National Security Council and who in the 1980s led Iran’s navy, wore a naval uniform as he spoke.He suggested if the talks happened, they would be indirect at the beginning, then moving to direct talks if a deal appeared to be attainable. Direct talks with the U.S. long have been a highly charged political issue within Iran’s theocracy, with reformists like Pezeshkian pushing for them and hard-liners dismissing them.The talks would solely focus on nuclear issues, he added.Asked about whether Russia could take Iran’s enriched uranium like it did in Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, Shamkhani dismissed the idea, saying there was “no reason” to do so. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Monday said Russia had “long offered these services as a possible option that would alleviate certain irritants for a number of countries.”“Iran does not seek nuclear weapons, will not seek a nuclear weapon and will never stockpile nuclear weapons, but the other side must pay a price in return for this,” he said.Video below: “HELP IS ON ITS WAY:” Trump weighs response to deadly protests in IranIran had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. The International Atomic Energy Agency had said Iran was the only country in the world to enrich to that level that wasn’t armed with the bomb.Iran has been refusing requests by the IAEA to inspect the sites bombed in the June war.“The quantity of enriched uranium remains unknown, because part of the stockpile is under rubble, and there is no initiative yet to extract it, as it is extremely dangerous,” Shamkhani said.Witkoff traveling to IsraelWitkoff is expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli security officials on Tuesday, according to a White House official who was not authorized to comment publicly about the talks and spoke on condition of anonymity. He will travel to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, later in the week for Russia-Ukraine talks, the official said.“We have talks going on with Iran, we’ll see how it all works out,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday. Asked what his threshold was for military action against Iran, he declined to elaborate.“I’d like to see a deal negotiated,” Trump said. “Right now, we’re talking to them, we’re talking to Iran, and if we could work something out, that’d be great. And if we can’t, probably bad things would happen.” Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani, Matthew Lee and Konstantin Toropin in Washington contributed to this report.

    DUBAI, Dubai —

    Iran’s president said Tuesday that he instructed the country’s foreign minister to “pursue fair and equitable negotiations” with the United States, the first clear sign from Tehran it wants to try to negotiate as tensions remain high with Washington after the Mideast country’s bloody crackdown on nationwide protests last month.

    The announcement marked a major turn for reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who broadly had warned Iranians for weeks that the turmoil in his country had gone beyond his control. It also signals that the president received support from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for talks that the 86-year-old cleric previously had dismissed.

    Video above: Iran warns of “regional war” if U.S. attacks

    Turkey had been working behind the scenes to make the talks happen there later this week as U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff is traveling in the region.

    But whether Iran and the U.S. can reach an agreement remains to be seen, particularly as President Donald Trump now has included Iran’s nuclear program in a list of demands from Tehran in any talks. Trump ordered the bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day war Israel launched against Iran in June.

    Iran’s president signals talks are possible

    Writing on X, Pezeshkian said in English and Farsi that the decision came after “requests from friendly governments in the region to respond to the proposal by the President of the United States for negotiations.”

    “I have instructed my Minister of Foreign Affairs, provided that a suitable environment exists — one free from threats and unreasonable expectations — to pursue fair and equitable negotiations, guided by the principles of dignity, prudence, and expediency,” he said.

    The U.S. has yet to acknowledge the talks will take place. A semiofficial news agency in Iran on Monday reported — then later deleted without explanation — that Pezeshkian had issued such an order to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who held multiple rounds of talks with Witkoff before the 12-day war.

    Khamenei adviser speaks on the nuclear issue

    Late Monday, the pan-Arab satellite channel Al Mayadeen, which is politically allied with the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, aired an interview with Ali Shamkhani, a top Khamenei adviser on security.

    Shamkhani, who now sits on the country’s Supreme National Security Council and who in the 1980s led Iran’s navy, wore a naval uniform as he spoke.

    He suggested if the talks happened, they would be indirect at the beginning, then moving to direct talks if a deal appeared to be attainable. Direct talks with the U.S. long have been a highly charged political issue within Iran’s theocracy, with reformists like Pezeshkian pushing for them and hard-liners dismissing them.

    The talks would solely focus on nuclear issues, he added.

    Asked about whether Russia could take Iran’s enriched uranium like it did in Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, Shamkhani dismissed the idea, saying there was “no reason” to do so. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Monday said Russia had “long offered these services as a possible option that would alleviate certain irritants for a number of countries.”

    “Iran does not seek nuclear weapons, will not seek a nuclear weapon and will never stockpile nuclear weapons, but the other side must pay a price in return for this,” he said.

    Video below: “HELP IS ON ITS WAY:” Trump weighs response to deadly protests in Iran

    Iran had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. The International Atomic Energy Agency had said Iran was the only country in the world to enrich to that level that wasn’t armed with the bomb.

    Iran has been refusing requests by the IAEA to inspect the sites bombed in the June war.

    “The quantity of enriched uranium remains unknown, because part of the stockpile is under rubble, and there is no initiative yet to extract it, as it is extremely dangerous,” Shamkhani said.

    Witkoff traveling to Israel

    Witkoff is expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli security officials on Tuesday, according to a White House official who was not authorized to comment publicly about the talks and spoke on condition of anonymity. He will travel to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, later in the week for Russia-Ukraine talks, the official said.

    “We have talks going on with Iran, we’ll see how it all works out,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday. Asked what his threshold was for military action against Iran, he declined to elaborate.

    “I’d like to see a deal negotiated,” Trump said. “Right now, we’re talking to them, we’re talking to Iran, and if we could work something out, that’d be great. And if we can’t, probably bad things would happen.”

    Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani, Matthew Lee and Konstantin Toropin in Washington contributed to this report.

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  • Snowy footprints lead police to alleged vape thief

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    Fresh snow in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, helped police officers find a suspect in a business break-in and theft over the weekend. Police responded to a business alarm in the 1300 block of Southwest Market Street early Sunday. When they arrived, they discovered the front door was shattered. Officers checked the building and learned a “large quantity” of nicotine vapes were stolen. Outside the business, the suspect left behind a major clue: a trail of footprints in the snow. Police used a thermal-imaging drone, plus the assistance of K-9 officer Roy, to track the footprints back to a nearby home. Officers made contact with the residents inside, and a juvenile reportedly admitted to the burglary and showed officers the stolen vapes. “Thanks to a quick response, teamwork, and some helpful snowy conditions, the suspect was taken into custody, and the stolen property was returned to the business,” police said on social media. Charges are pending, police said. The suspect’s age was not specified, but the case was submitted to juvenile court.

    LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. —

    Fresh snow in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, helped police officers find a suspect in a business break-in and theft over the weekend.

    Police responded to a business alarm in the 1300 block of Southwest Market Street early Sunday. When they arrived, they discovered the front door was shattered. Officers checked the building and learned a “large quantity” of nicotine vapes were stolen.

    Outside the business, the suspect left behind a major clue: a trail of footprints in the snow.

    Lee’s Summit Police Department

    Police used a thermal-imaging drone, plus the assistance of K-9 officer Roy, to track the footprints back to a nearby home.

    Officers made contact with the residents inside, and a juvenile reportedly admitted to the burglary and showed officers the stolen vapes.

    “Thanks to a quick response, teamwork, and some helpful snowy conditions, the suspect was taken into custody, and the stolen property was returned to the business,” police said on social media.

    Charges are pending, police said. The suspect’s age was not specified, but the case was submitted to juvenile court.

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  • NBA suspends 76ers’ Paul George 25 games

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    Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers was suspended 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA’s anti-drug program, the league announced Saturday.The NBA did not disclose the nature of the violation or the substance that was involved, and George released a statement to ESPN saying he took something that was “improper.”Video above: Philadelphia 76ers player injured in hit-and-run“Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication,” George said in the statement released to the network.He apologized to the team and its fans, saying he takes “full responsibility for my actions.”The 25-game suspension, by terms of the agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, indicates that this was a first violation by George. He will begin serving the suspension Saturday when Philadelphia hosts New Orleans.The suspension will cost George — a nine-time All-Star — roughly $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary, or about $469,691.72 for each of the 25 games missed. Some of that forfeited money will turn into a credit and put Philadelphia closer to getting out of the luxury tax; the 76ers would be about $1.3 million over that line when factoring in the money George isn’t getting.George is expected to be eligible to return on March 25, when Philadelphia plays host to Chicago. The 76ers will have 10 games remaining in the regular season at that point.Philadelphia entered Saturday at 26-21, sixth in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers are 16-11 when George plays, 10-10 when he does not.Sixers coach Nick Nurse declined ahead of Saturday’s game to discuss details of the conversation he had with George after the suspension was announced. Nurse said he hadn’t noticed any personal issues with George, even as mental health concerns were addressed in the statement.“I think he’s been fine,” Nurse said. “Really fun to coach. Really good teammate. His teammates really like him. Showing some great leadership.”George has averaged 16 points in 27 games this season for the Sixers, with that scoring average third-highest on the team behind Tyrese Maxey (29.4) and Joel Embiid (25.7). He had one of his best games of the season earlier this week, a 32-point outburst fueled by nine 3-pointers in a win over Milwaukee on Tuesday.The 35-year-old George signed a $212 million, four-year contract in free agency ahead of the 2024 season. But his first year in Philly was marred by knee and adductor injuries that resulted in the forward having one of the worst years of his NBA career.George averaged 16.2 points in just 41 games, easily his lowest scoring average in a full season since he averaged 12.1 points for Indiana in his second NBA season.“I think there’s been a lot of circumstances that have been really unfortunate,” Nurse said. “I also feel like he’s played pretty well this year. Borderline very well, considering he’s played such a critical role for us. Kind of slotted in like a really good role player on this particular team. I think he’s done what we’ve need him to do.”Last season was so miserable that George called his first year in Philly “rock bottom” over the course of his career.It’s certainly not any better now.“As with all our players, dealing with this kind of stuff, you care about them,” Nurse said. “We’re to help him. The organization is in any way possible. And try to get past it as soon as we can, get through it the best way we can, and then go from there.”George had surgery in July on his left knee after he was injured during a workout and missed the first 12 games of this season.George and two-time NBA scoring champion Joel Embiid had been healthy enough this season to keep the Sixers in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Maxey blossomed into an All-Star starter and a strong rookie season from No. 3 overall draft pick VJ Edgecombe had the Sixers hopeful they could make some noise in the playoffs.With the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching, George’s suspension could have a profound impact on what the Sixers do as they make a playoff push.The 76ers will go through the deadline while they are on a five-game West Coast road trip that starts Monday at the Los Angeles Clippers.“You get the punch to the gut, but listen, me, I’ve got to lead the charge here,” Nurse said. “We’ve got to get fighting and we’ve got to get to work.”

    Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers was suspended 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA’s anti-drug program, the league announced Saturday.

    The NBA did not disclose the nature of the violation or the substance that was involved, and George released a statement to ESPN saying he took something that was “improper.”

    Video above: Philadelphia 76ers player injured in hit-and-run

    “Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication,” George said in the statement released to the network.

    He apologized to the team and its fans, saying he takes “full responsibility for my actions.”

    The 25-game suspension, by terms of the agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, indicates that this was a first violation by George. He will begin serving the suspension Saturday when Philadelphia hosts New Orleans.

    The suspension will cost George — a nine-time All-Star — roughly $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary, or about $469,691.72 for each of the 25 games missed. Some of that forfeited money will turn into a credit and put Philadelphia closer to getting out of the luxury tax; the 76ers would be about $1.3 million over that line when factoring in the money George isn’t getting.

    George is expected to be eligible to return on March 25, when Philadelphia plays host to Chicago. The 76ers will have 10 games remaining in the regular season at that point.

    Philadelphia entered Saturday at 26-21, sixth in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers are 16-11 when George plays, 10-10 when he does not.

    Sixers coach Nick Nurse declined ahead of Saturday’s game to discuss details of the conversation he had with George after the suspension was announced. Nurse said he hadn’t noticed any personal issues with George, even as mental health concerns were addressed in the statement.

    “I think he’s been fine,” Nurse said. “Really fun to coach. Really good teammate. His teammates really like him. Showing some great leadership.”

    George has averaged 16 points in 27 games this season for the Sixers, with that scoring average third-highest on the team behind Tyrese Maxey (29.4) and Joel Embiid (25.7). He had one of his best games of the season earlier this week, a 32-point outburst fueled by nine 3-pointers in a win over Milwaukee on Tuesday.

    The 35-year-old George signed a $212 million, four-year contract in free agency ahead of the 2024 season. But his first year in Philly was marred by knee and adductor injuries that resulted in the forward having one of the worst years of his NBA career.

    George averaged 16.2 points in just 41 games, easily his lowest scoring average in a full season since he averaged 12.1 points for Indiana in his second NBA season.

    “I think there’s been a lot of circumstances that have been really unfortunate,” Nurse said. “I also feel like he’s played pretty well this year. Borderline very well, considering he’s played such a critical role for us. Kind of slotted in like a really good role player on this particular team. I think he’s done what we’ve need him to do.”

    Last season was so miserable that George called his first year in Philly “rock bottom” over the course of his career.

    It’s certainly not any better now.

    “As with all our players, dealing with this kind of stuff, you care about them,” Nurse said. “We’re to help him. The organization is in any way possible. And try to get past it as soon as we can, get through it the best way we can, and then go from there.”

    George had surgery in July on his left knee after he was injured during a workout and missed the first 12 games of this season.

    George and two-time NBA scoring champion Joel Embiid had been healthy enough this season to keep the Sixers in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Maxey blossomed into an All-Star starter and a strong rookie season from No. 3 overall draft pick VJ Edgecombe had the Sixers hopeful they could make some noise in the playoffs.

    With the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching, George’s suspension could have a profound impact on what the Sixers do as they make a playoff push.

    The 76ers will go through the deadline while they are on a five-game West Coast road trip that starts Monday at the Los Angeles Clippers.

    “You get the punch to the gut, but listen, me, I’ve got to lead the charge here,” Nurse said. “We’ve got to get fighting and we’ve got to get to work.”

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  • ‘It’s a fun job’: Neighbors help rid sidewalks of snow and ice for free

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    With all the snow and ice still on the streets after Sunday’s storm, one mayor in Maryland asked for volunteers to help clear sidewalks.For middle and high school students in Baltimore, it’s a chance to get credit for volunteer hours. For adults, it’s just the satisfaction of being a neighbor helping a neighbor.Volunteers come armed with shovels and clear walkways within minutes. They’re part of the Baltimore City Snow Corps, and their job is to break the ice and clear the snow — free of charge for homeowners.”I’m not going to lie. It’s very tedious. I (have fun) doing it,” said Joel Rodgers-Turner, a Snow Corps volunteer.”A mess. It’s just a mess. You have to really dig it up and take your time, though,” said Martrell Marshall, another volunteer.The program started with a call from Mayor Brandon Scott.”We are asking for people to help their neighbor. We want volunteers to help shovel out their neighbors across the city of Baltimore,” Scott said in a video posted to Instagram.”Mayor Brandon Scott. Big encouragement to come outside to help Baltimore City,” said Jordan Carter.Volunteers sign up and go to those in need — older adults, people with disabilities and others who may not be able to pick up a shovel and clear snow and ice from sidewalks.”The trucks are doing what they have to do on the streets, so we have to do what we have to do,” Carter said. “When you bring people help, they may help someone else. It’s better when we all come together and get it done. It’s going to get done a lot faster.”The group of volunteers said it has removed snow outside of 60 houses and off 80 cars throughout 12-hour shifts.”We do it quick, like 15 minutes. We’ll be in and out,” said Donta Crosby. “It’s really fun. It’s a fun job. I encourage everybody to volunteer and do it, too.”When volunteers aren’t working, they’re singing about the volunteer job they do.

    With all the snow and ice still on the streets after Sunday’s storm, one mayor in Maryland asked for volunteers to help clear sidewalks.

    For middle and high school students in Baltimore, it’s a chance to get credit for volunteer hours. For adults, it’s just the satisfaction of being a neighbor helping a neighbor.

    Volunteers come armed with shovels and clear walkways within minutes. They’re part of the Baltimore City Snow Corps, and their job is to break the ice and clear the snow — free of charge for homeowners.

    “I’m not going to lie. It’s very tedious. I (have fun) doing it,” said Joel Rodgers-Turner, a Snow Corps volunteer.

    “A mess. It’s just a mess. You have to really dig it up and take your time, though,” said Martrell Marshall, another volunteer.

    The program started with a call from Mayor Brandon Scott.

    “We are asking for people to help their neighbor. We want volunteers to help shovel out their neighbors across the city of Baltimore,” Scott said in a video posted to Instagram.

    “Mayor Brandon Scott. Big encouragement to come outside to help Baltimore City,” said Jordan Carter.

    Volunteers sign up and go to those in need — older adults, people with disabilities and others who may not be able to pick up a shovel and clear snow and ice from sidewalks.

    “The trucks are doing what they have to do on the streets, so we have to do what we have to do,” Carter said. “When you bring people help, they may help someone else. It’s better when we all come together and get it done. It’s going to get done a lot faster.”

    The group of volunteers said it has removed snow outside of 60 houses and off 80 cars throughout 12-hour shifts.

    “We do it quick, like 15 minutes. We’ll be in and out,” said Donta Crosby. “It’s really fun. It’s a fun job. I encourage everybody to volunteer and do it, too.”

    When volunteers aren’t working, they’re singing about the volunteer job they do.

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  • Canada gives conditional approval for Marineland to export remaining belugas to the US

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    Canada’s last captive whales have received a reprieve from death after the government conditionally approved a plan Monday to export them to the United States.Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson met Monday with officials from Marineland, the shuttered theme park and zoo in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to talk about its proposed plan to move the animals south. The park is in discussions with four U.S. institutions to take its 30 beluga whales and four dolphins.Video above: Animal Stories with Dan Green: a baby beluga whale“It was a constructive meeting, and I provided conditional approval for export permits,” Thompson said in a statement posted on social media Monday. “I will issue the final permits once final required information is received from Marineland.”Marineland pleaded with the minister, telling her repeatedly the park was running out of money. The park had told Thompson the animals would be euthanized if the export permits were not authorized by Jan. 30, according to a letter she wrote to Marineland on Monday, which was obtained by The Canadian Press news agency.Marineland said in a statement that it has Thompson’s support for the relocation of the animals. “We extend our gratitude to the minister and the Canadian government for prioritizing the lives of these remarkable marine mammals,” it said.The move comes after Marineland presented what it called an urgent rescue solution to the federal government last week.The park is reportedly in discussions with the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut and SeaWorld, which has several U.S. locations.Ontario Premier Doug Ford supported Thompson’s decision.“They’re going to have a better home than where they are because it’s a terrible home they’re in right now,” Ford said of the animals. “It wasn’t large enough.”Twenty whales — one killer whale and 19 belugas — have died at Marineland since 2019, according to an ongoing tally created by The Canadian Press based on internal records and official statements.In October, Marineland applied for export permits to move its complement of belugas to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, an aquarium in China. Thompson denied those permits, saying she would not subject the whales to a future performing in captivity.That is consistent with a 2019 law that banned whale and dolphin captivity, though Marineland’s animals were grandfathered in.

    , —

    Canada’s last captive whales have received a reprieve from death after the government conditionally approved a plan Monday to export them to the United States.

    Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson met Monday with officials from Marineland, the shuttered theme park and zoo in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to talk about its proposed plan to move the animals south. The park is in discussions with four U.S. institutions to take its 30 beluga whales and four dolphins.

    Video above: Animal Stories with Dan Green: a baby beluga whale

    “It was a constructive meeting, and I provided conditional approval for export permits,” Thompson said in a statement posted on social media Monday. “I will issue the final permits once final required information is received from Marineland.”

    Marineland pleaded with the minister, telling her repeatedly the park was running out of money. The park had told Thompson the animals would be euthanized if the export permits were not authorized by Jan. 30, according to a letter she wrote to Marineland on Monday, which was obtained by The Canadian Press news agency.

    Marineland said in a statement that it has Thompson’s support for the relocation of the animals. “We extend our gratitude to the minister and the Canadian government for prioritizing the lives of these remarkable marine mammals,” it said.

    The move comes after Marineland presented what it called an urgent rescue solution to the federal government last week.

    The park is reportedly in discussions with the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut and SeaWorld, which has several U.S. locations.

    Ontario Premier Doug Ford supported Thompson’s decision.

    “They’re going to have a better home than where they are because it’s a terrible home they’re in right now,” Ford said of the animals. “It wasn’t large enough.”

    Twenty whales — one killer whale and 19 belugas — have died at Marineland since 2019, according to an ongoing tally created by The Canadian Press based on internal records and official statements.

    In October, Marineland applied for export permits to move its complement of belugas to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, an aquarium in China. Thompson denied those permits, saying she would not subject the whales to a future performing in captivity.

    That is consistent with a 2019 law that banned whale and dolphin captivity, though Marineland’s animals were grandfathered in.

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  • Mark Tully, BBC correspondent known as the ‘voice of India,’ dies at 90

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    Mark Tully, a longtime BBC correspondent who was widely known as the “voice of India” for his reporting on the South Asian nation, has died, the broadcaster said. He was 90.Tully died Sunday at a New Delhi hospital after a brief illness.Video above: Remembering those we lost in 2026Born in India’s Kolkata city in 1935, Tully joined the BBC in 1965 and was appointed its New Delhi correspondent in 1971. He later served for more than two decades as the BBC’s bureau chief for South Asia.Tully reported on some of India’s most consequential events, including the 1971 India-Pakistan war that led to the creation of Bangladesh, the siege of the Golden Temple in 1984, the 1991 assassination of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the 1992 demolition of the Babri mosque, which triggered nationwide riots.Tully also reported from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Tully as “a towering voice of journalism.”“His connect with India and the people of our nation was reflected in his works. His reporting and insights have left an enduring mark on public discourse,” Modi wrote on X.Britain knighted Tully in 2002 for services to broadcasting and journalism. He also received two of India’s highest civilian honors, the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan.

    NEW DELHI, DL —

    Mark Tully, a longtime BBC correspondent who was widely known as the “voice of India” for his reporting on the South Asian nation, has died, the broadcaster said. He was 90.

    Tully died Sunday at a New Delhi hospital after a brief illness.

    Video above: Remembering those we lost in 2026

    Born in India’s Kolkata city in 1935, Tully joined the BBC in 1965 and was appointed its New Delhi correspondent in 1971. He later served for more than two decades as the BBC’s bureau chief for South Asia.

    Tully reported on some of India’s most consequential events, including the 1971 India-Pakistan war that led to the creation of Bangladesh, the siege of the Golden Temple in 1984, the 1991 assassination of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the 1992 demolition of the Babri mosque, which triggered nationwide riots.

    Tully also reported from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Tully as “a towering voice of journalism.”

    “His connect with India and the people of our nation was reflected in his works. His reporting and insights have left an enduring mark on public discourse,” Modi wrote on X.

    Britain knighted Tully in 2002 for services to broadcasting and journalism. He also received two of India’s highest civilian honors, the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan.

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  • Seahawks advance to Super Bowl with thrilling win over Rams in NFC title game

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    Seahawks advance to Super Bowl with thrilling win over Rams in NFC title game

    Updated: 7:25 PM PST Jan 25, 2026

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    Sam Darnold threw for three touchdowns, the Seahawks’ “Dark Side” defense came up with a critical fourth-down stop, and Seattle advanced to the Super Bowl, beating the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in an electrifying NFC championship game on Sunday.Led by second-year coach Mike Macdonald and Darnold — an eight-year veteran playing for his fifth team — the Seahawks (16-3) reached the fourth Super Bowl in franchise history and first in 11 years. Seattle lost that most recent appearance to New England, its opponent in two weeks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.With Los Angeles (14-6) facing fourth-and-4 at the Seattle 6, coach Sean McVay elected to go for it and Matthew Stafford’s pass was broken up in the end zone by Devon Witherspoon. The Rams didn’t get the ball back until there were 25 seconds left, and Puka Nacua was tackled inbounds near midfield on the final play.Stafford threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns, but the Rams were undone by critical errors, including a muffed punt by Xavier Smith in the third quarter.On the next play, Darnold connected with Jake Bobo for a 17-yard touchdown.Darnold, who flopped in his playoff debut last season with the Minnesota Vikings, played through an oblique injury and completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards with no turnovers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 153 yards receiving and a touchdown on 10 catches.

    SEATTLE —

    Sam Darnold threw for three touchdowns, the Seahawks’ “Dark Side” defense came up with a critical fourth-down stop, and Seattle advanced to the Super Bowl, beating the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in an electrifying NFC championship game on Sunday.

    Led by second-year coach Mike Macdonald and Darnold — an eight-year veteran playing for his fifth team — the Seahawks (16-3) reached the fourth Super Bowl in franchise history and first in 11 years. Seattle lost that most recent appearance to New England, its opponent in two weeks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

    With Los Angeles (14-6) facing fourth-and-4 at the Seattle 6, coach Sean McVay elected to go for it and Matthew Stafford’s pass was broken up in the end zone by Devon Witherspoon. The Rams didn’t get the ball back until there were 25 seconds left, and Puka Nacua was tackled inbounds near midfield on the final play.

    Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold throws during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle.

    Godofredo A. Vásquez

    Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold throws during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle.

    Stafford threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns, but the Rams were undone by critical errors, including a muffed punt by Xavier Smith in the third quarter.

    On the next play, Darnold connected with Jake Bobo for a 17-yard touchdown.

    Darnold, who flopped in his playoff debut last season with the Minnesota Vikings, played through an oblique injury and completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards with no turnovers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 153 yards receiving and a touchdown on 10 catches.

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  • Seahawks advance to Super Bowl with thrilling win over Rams in NFC title game

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    Seahawks advance to Super Bowl with thrilling win over Rams in NFC title game

    Updated: 10:25 PM EST Jan 25, 2026

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    Sam Darnold threw for three touchdowns, the Seahawks’ “Dark Side” defense came up with a critical fourth-down stop, and Seattle advanced to the Super Bowl, beating the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in an electrifying NFC championship game on Sunday.Led by second-year coach Mike Macdonald and Darnold — an eight-year veteran playing for his fifth team — the Seahawks (16-3) reached the fourth Super Bowl in franchise history and first in 11 years. Seattle lost that most recent appearance to New England, its opponent in two weeks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.With Los Angeles (14-6) facing fourth-and-4 at the Seattle 6, coach Sean McVay elected to go for it and Matthew Stafford’s pass was broken up in the end zone by Devon Witherspoon. The Rams didn’t get the ball back until there were 25 seconds left, and Puka Nacua was tackled inbounds near midfield on the final play.Stafford threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns, but the Rams were undone by critical errors, including a muffed punt by Xavier Smith in the third quarter.On the next play, Darnold connected with Jake Bobo for a 17-yard touchdown.Darnold, who flopped in his playoff debut last season with the Minnesota Vikings, played through an oblique injury and completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards with no turnovers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 153 yards receiving and a touchdown on 10 catches.

    SEATTLE —

    Sam Darnold threw for three touchdowns, the Seahawks’ “Dark Side” defense came up with a critical fourth-down stop, and Seattle advanced to the Super Bowl, beating the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in an electrifying NFC championship game on Sunday.

    Led by second-year coach Mike Macdonald and Darnold — an eight-year veteran playing for his fifth team — the Seahawks (16-3) reached the fourth Super Bowl in franchise history and first in 11 years. Seattle lost that most recent appearance to New England, its opponent in two weeks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

    With Los Angeles (14-6) facing fourth-and-4 at the Seattle 6, coach Sean McVay elected to go for it and Matthew Stafford’s pass was broken up in the end zone by Devon Witherspoon. The Rams didn’t get the ball back until there were 25 seconds left, and Puka Nacua was tackled inbounds near midfield on the final play.

    Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold throws during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle.

    Godofredo A. Vásquez

    Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold throws during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle.

    Stafford threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns, but the Rams were undone by critical errors, including a muffed punt by Xavier Smith in the third quarter.

    On the next play, Darnold connected with Jake Bobo for a 17-yard touchdown.

    Darnold, who flopped in his playoff debut last season with the Minnesota Vikings, played through an oblique injury and completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards with no turnovers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 153 yards receiving and a touchdown on 10 catches.

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  • Israeli troops kill Palestinians for crossing a vague ceasefire line

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    A dividing line, at times invisible, can mean life or death for Palestinians in Gaza.Those sheltering near the territory’s “yellow line” that the Israeli military withdrew to as part of the October ceasefire say they live in fear as Israeli soldiers direct near-daily fire at anyone who crosses or even lingers near it.Video above: Palestinians struggle for food amid floodingOf the 447 Palestinians killed between the ceasefire taking effect and Tuesday, at least 77 were killed by Israeli gunfire near the line, including 62 who crossed it, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Among them were teenagers and young children, The Associated Press found.And although the military has placed some yellow barrels and concrete barriers delineating the limits of the Palestinian zone, the line is still unmarked in certain places and in others was laid nearly half a kilometer (0.3 miles) deeper than what was agreed to in the ceasefire deal, expanding the part of Gaza that Israel controls, according to Palestinians and mapping experts.“We stay away from the barrels. No one dares to get close” said Gaza City resident Ahmed Abu Jahal, noting that the markers are less than 100 meters (110 yards) from his house — instead of the roughly 500 meters (546 yards) outlined in a map put out by the Israeli military.As of Tuesday, the military had acknowledged killing 57 people around the yellow line, saying most were militants. It said its troops are complying with the rules of engagement in order to counter militant groups, and are informing Palestinians of the line’s location and marking it on the ground to “reduce friction and prevent misunderstandings.”Easy to get lostUnder the ceasefire, Israel withdrew its troops to a buffer zone that is up to 7 kilometers (4 miles) deep and includes most of Gaza’s arable land, its elevated points and all of its border crossings. That hems more than 2 million Palestinians into a strip along the coastline and central Gaza.People of all ages, some already dead, have been showing up almost daily at the emergency room of Gaza City’s Al-Ahli hospital with bullet wounds from straying near the line, said hospital director Fadel Naeem.Amid the vast destruction in Gaza, the demarcation line often isn’t easy to detect, Naeem said. He recounted picking his way through undamaged paths during a recent visit to the southern city of Khan Younis. He didn’t notice he was almost across the line until locals shouted at him to turn back, he said.The Israeli military said most of the people it has killed crossing the line posed a threat to its troops. According to a military official who spoke on the condition of anonymity in line with military rules, troops issue audible warnings and then fire warning shots whenever someone crosses the line. Many civilians retreat when warning shots are fired, though some have been killed, the official acknowledged.Killed while playing near the lineZaher Shamia, 17, lived with his grandfather in a tent 300 meters (330 yards) from the line in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya refugee camp. On Dec. 10, he was playing with his cousin and some friends near the line, according to video he took before his death.Suddenly, shots rang out and the video stopped. Soldiers approaching the line with an armored bulldozer had fired on the teens, hitting Zaher, said a witness.A neighbor eventually found Zaher’s body, which had been crushed by the bulldozer, said Zaher’s grandfather, Kamal al-Beih: “We only recognized him from his head.”Two doctors, Mohamed Abu Selmiya and Rami Mhanna, confirmed that the teen had been killed by gunshots and then run over by a bulldozer. The military official said he was aware that Shamia was a civilian and that the military was looking into it.Maram Atta said that on Dec. 7, her 3-year-old daughter, Ahed al-Bayouk, was playing with siblings outside of their tent, which was near the yellow line along Gaza’s southern coast. Atta was preparing lentils when she heard aircraft overhead, then shots.A stray projectile whizzed close to her and struck Ahed, who was dead before they reached the clinic.“I lost my daughter to what they keep calling a ‘ceasefire’” said Atta, crying. “What ceasefire are they talking about?”A military official denied the killing.Deadly ambiguityThe line’s exact location is ambiguous, differing on maps put out by the Israeli military and the White House.Neither matches the line troops appear to be marking on the ground, according to Palestinians and geolocation specialists.Video below: Palestinians react to UN plan for Gaza futureChris Osiek, an open source intelligence analyst and consultant, has geolocated a number of yellow blocks based on social media videos. He found at least four urban areas where troops set the blocks several hundred meters deeper into Gaza than the military map-specified yellow line.“This is basically what you get when you simply let Trump make an image and post it on Truth Social and let the IDF make their own,” he said, using the acronym for the military. “If it’s not a proper system, with coordinates that make it easy for people to navigate where it is, then you leave the ambiguity free for the IDF to interpret the yellow line how they basically want.”The military official dismissed such criticism, saying any deviations from the map amount to just a few meters. But to Palestinians hemmed in by widespread destruction and displacement, every few meters lost is another house that can’t be sheltered in — another they doubt will ever be returned.‘The line is getting very close’Under the ceasefire, Israeli forces are only supposed to remain at the yellow line until a fuller withdrawal, though the agreement doesn’t give a timeline for that. With the next steps in the deal lagging and troops digging into positions on the Israeli side, though, Palestinians wonder if they are witnessing a permanent land takeover.In December, Israel’s defense minister described the yellow line as “a new border line — serving as a forward defensive line for our communities and a line of operational activity.”The military has continued leveling buildings inside the Israeli-held zone, turning already damaged neighborhoods to moonscapes. Almost all of the city of Rafah, on Gaza’s border with Egypt, has been razed over the past year. The army says this is necessary to destroy tunnels and prepare the area for reconstruction.In some places, demolitions since the ceasefire have encroached beyond the official yellow line. Since November, troops have leveled a swath of Gaza City’s Tuffah neighborhood extending some 300 meters (330 yards) outside the Israeli-held zone, according to Oct. 14 and Dec. 18 satellite photos provided by Planet Labs.Video below: Israeli settlers forcibly enter Palestinian home, kill sheep in latest West Bank attackAbu Jahal moved back to his damaged house in Tuffah at the ceasefire’s start. He said he frequently saw new yellow barrels appear and the military forcing out anyone living on its side of the markers.On Jan. 7, Israeli fire hit a house near him, and the residents had to evacuate, he said. Abu Jahal said his family — including his wife, their child, and seven other relatives — may also have to leave soon.“The line is getting very close,” he said.

    CAIRO, Cairo Governorate —

    A dividing line, at times invisible, can mean life or death for Palestinians in Gaza.

    Those sheltering near the territory’s “yellow line” that the Israeli military withdrew to as part of the October ceasefire say they live in fear as Israeli soldiers direct near-daily fire at anyone who crosses or even lingers near it.

    Video above: Palestinians struggle for food amid flooding

    Of the 447 Palestinians killed between the ceasefire taking effect and Tuesday, at least 77 were killed by Israeli gunfire near the line, including 62 who crossed it, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Among them were teenagers and young children, The Associated Press found.

    And although the military has placed some yellow barrels and concrete barriers delineating the limits of the Palestinian zone, the line is still unmarked in certain places and in others was laid nearly half a kilometer (0.3 miles) deeper than what was agreed to in the ceasefire deal, expanding the part of Gaza that Israel controls, according to Palestinians and mapping experts.

    “We stay away from the barrels. No one dares to get close” said Gaza City resident Ahmed Abu Jahal, noting that the markers are less than 100 meters (110 yards) from his house — instead of the roughly 500 meters (546 yards) outlined in a map put out by the Israeli military.

    As of Tuesday, the military had acknowledged killing 57 people around the yellow line, saying most were militants. It said its troops are complying with the rules of engagement in order to counter militant groups, and are informing Palestinians of the line’s location and marking it on the ground to “reduce friction and prevent misunderstandings.”

    Easy to get lost

    Under the ceasefire, Israel withdrew its troops to a buffer zone that is up to 7 kilometers (4 miles) deep and includes most of Gaza’s arable land, its elevated points and all of its border crossings. That hems more than 2 million Palestinians into a strip along the coastline and central Gaza.

    People of all ages, some already dead, have been showing up almost daily at the emergency room of Gaza City’s Al-Ahli hospital with bullet wounds from straying near the line, said hospital director Fadel Naeem.

    Amid the vast destruction in Gaza, the demarcation line often isn’t easy to detect, Naeem said. He recounted picking his way through undamaged paths during a recent visit to the southern city of Khan Younis. He didn’t notice he was almost across the line until locals shouted at him to turn back, he said.

    The Israeli military said most of the people it has killed crossing the line posed a threat to its troops. According to a military official who spoke on the condition of anonymity in line with military rules, troops issue audible warnings and then fire warning shots whenever someone crosses the line. Many civilians retreat when warning shots are fired, though some have been killed, the official acknowledged.

    Killed while playing near the line

    Zaher Shamia, 17, lived with his grandfather in a tent 300 meters (330 yards) from the line in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya refugee camp. On Dec. 10, he was playing with his cousin and some friends near the line, according to video he took before his death.

    Suddenly, shots rang out and the video stopped. Soldiers approaching the line with an armored bulldozer had fired on the teens, hitting Zaher, said a witness.

    Jehad Alshrafi

    FILE – The body of 11-year-old Palestinian girl Hamsa Hosou, killed by Israeli fire in Jabalia, is brought to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.

    A neighbor eventually found Zaher’s body, which had been crushed by the bulldozer, said Zaher’s grandfather, Kamal al-Beih: “We only recognized him from his head.”

    Two doctors, Mohamed Abu Selmiya and Rami Mhanna, confirmed that the teen had been killed by gunshots and then run over by a bulldozer. The military official said he was aware that Shamia was a civilian and that the military was looking into it.

    Maram Atta said that on Dec. 7, her 3-year-old daughter, Ahed al-Bayouk, was playing with siblings outside of their tent, which was near the yellow line along Gaza’s southern coast. Atta was preparing lentils when she heard aircraft overhead, then shots.

    A stray projectile whizzed close to her and struck Ahed, who was dead before they reached the clinic.

    “I lost my daughter to what they keep calling a ‘ceasefire’” said Atta, crying. “What ceasefire are they talking about?”

    A military official denied the killing.

    Deadly ambiguity

    The line’s exact location is ambiguous, differing on maps put out by the Israeli military and the White House.

    Neither matches the line troops appear to be marking on the ground, according to Palestinians and geolocation specialists.

    Video below: Palestinians react to UN plan for Gaza future

    Chris Osiek, an open source intelligence analyst and consultant, has geolocated a number of yellow blocks based on social media videos. He found at least four urban areas where troops set the blocks several hundred meters deeper into Gaza than the military map-specified yellow line.

    “This is basically what you get when you simply let Trump make an image and post it on Truth Social and let the IDF make their own,” he said, using the acronym for the military. “If it’s not a proper system, with coordinates that make it easy for people to navigate where it is, then you leave the ambiguity free for the IDF to interpret the yellow line how they basically want.”

    The military official dismissed such criticism, saying any deviations from the map amount to just a few meters. But to Palestinians hemmed in by widespread destruction and displacement, every few meters lost is another house that can’t be sheltered in — another they doubt will ever be returned.

    ‘The line is getting very close’

    Under the ceasefire, Israeli forces are only supposed to remain at the yellow line until a fuller withdrawal, though the agreement doesn’t give a timeline for that. With the next steps in the deal lagging and troops digging into positions on the Israeli side, though, Palestinians wonder if they are witnessing a permanent land takeover.

    In December, Israel’s defense minister described the yellow line as “a new border line — serving as a forward defensive line for our communities and a line of operational activity.”

    The military has continued leveling buildings inside the Israeli-held zone, turning already damaged neighborhoods to moonscapes. Almost all of the city of Rafah, on Gaza’s border with Egypt, has been razed over the past year. The army says this is necessary to destroy tunnels and prepare the area for reconstruction.

    In some places, demolitions since the ceasefire have encroached beyond the official yellow line. Since November, troops have leveled a swath of Gaza City’s Tuffah neighborhood extending some 300 meters (330 yards) outside the Israeli-held zone, according to Oct. 14 and Dec. 18 satellite photos provided by Planet Labs.

    Video below: Israeli settlers forcibly enter Palestinian home, kill sheep in latest West Bank attack

    Abu Jahal moved back to his damaged house in Tuffah at the ceasefire’s start. He said he frequently saw new yellow barrels appear and the military forcing out anyone living on its side of the markers.

    On Jan. 7, Israeli fire hit a house near him, and the residents had to evacuate, he said. Abu Jahal said his family — including his wife, their child, and seven other relatives — may also have to leave soon.

    “The line is getting very close,” he said.

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  • Former South Korean president sentenced to 5 years in prison

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    A South Korean court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison Friday on some charges related to his imposition of martial law.The verdict is the first against Yoon in the eight criminal trials over the decree he issued in late 2024 and other allegations.Video above: Former South Korean president arrives at Seoul courtThe most significant charge against him alleges that he led a rebellion in connection with his martial law enforcement and it carries a potential death penalty.The Seoul Central District Court in the case decided Friday sentenced him for other charges like his defiance of authorities’ attempts to detain him.Yoon hasn’t immediately publicly responded to the ruling. But when an independent counsel earlier demanded a 10-year prison term for Yoon over those charges, Yoon’s defense team accused them of being politically driven and lacking legal grounds to demand such “an excessive” sentence.Yoon has been impeached, arrested and dismissed as president after his short-lived imposition of martial law in December 2024 triggered huge public protests calling for his ouster.Yoon maintains he didn’t intend to place the country under military rule for an extended period, saying his decree was only meant to inform the people about the danger of the liberal-controlled parliament which obstructed his agenda. But investigators have viewed Yoon’s decree as an attempt to bolster and prolong his rule, charging him with rebellion, abuse of power and other criminal offenses.

    , Seoul —

    A South Korean court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison Friday on some charges related to his imposition of martial law.

    The verdict is the first against Yoon in the eight criminal trials over the decree he issued in late 2024 and other allegations.

    Video above: Former South Korean president arrives at Seoul court

    The most significant charge against him alleges that he led a rebellion in connection with his martial law enforcement and it carries a potential death penalty.

    The Seoul Central District Court in the case decided Friday sentenced him for other charges like his defiance of authorities’ attempts to detain him.

    Yoon hasn’t immediately publicly responded to the ruling. But when an independent counsel earlier demanded a 10-year prison term for Yoon over those charges, Yoon’s defense team accused them of being politically driven and lacking legal grounds to demand such “an excessive” sentence.

    Yoon has been impeached, arrested and dismissed as president after his short-lived imposition of martial law in December 2024 triggered huge public protests calling for his ouster.

    Yoon maintains he didn’t intend to place the country under military rule for an extended period, saying his decree was only meant to inform the people about the danger of the liberal-controlled parliament which obstructed his agenda. But investigators have viewed Yoon’s decree as an attempt to bolster and prolong his rule, charging him with rebellion, abuse of power and other criminal offenses.

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