Category: U.S. News

A Franklin County judge handed down four consecutive life sentences Thursday to a Columbus woman who admitted to fatally poisoning four men with fentanyl while attempting to rob them.

Rebecca Auborn, 36, received the maximum penalty after entering guilty pleas to charges stemming from a deadly scheme where she would arrange sexual encounters with victims before administering lethal drug doses. The sentences allow for potential parole consideration after 60 years.

Prosecutors brought the case against Auborn in 2023, alleging she systematically targeted men for robbery by using fatal fentanyl overdoses. While she initially maintained her innocence, Auborn changed her plea to guilty in late 2023.

Each life sentence carries eligibility for parole after 15 years, according to the Franklin County court. Additionally, Auborn entered a guilty plea for felonious assault related to an attempted overdose of a fifth victim, Ohio Attorney General David Yost announced Thursday.

“This sentence reflects the defendant’s disregard for life and the callousness not only to kill, but to do it repeatedly,” Yost said. “My heart goes out to the families who lost a loved one — I pray that this measure of justice brings them closure and peace.”

According to Yost, the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force launched their investigation after receiving tips about a sex worker who was drugging clients to steal from them. Authorities indicate the criminal activity occurred throughout 2022 and 2023.

New Mexico’s top prosecutor has revived a criminal probe into suspected illegal activities at Jeffrey Epstein’s former ranch property, citing newly disclosed federal documents.

State Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced the decision Thursday following his office’s review of materials recently made public by the U.S. Department of Justice.

While New Mexico prosecutors had shuttered their original investigation in 2019 following a request from federal authorities in New York, state officials now say “revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination.”

The state justice department indicated that investigators and prosecutors will pursue immediate access to complete, uncensored federal case materials and plan to collaborate with additional law enforcement agencies and a newly formed legislative truth commission examining ranch activities.

“As with any potential criminal matter, we will follow the facts wherever they lead, carefully evaluate jurisdictional considerations, and take appropriate investigative action, including the collection and preservation of any relevant evidence that remains available,” the New Mexico Department of Justice said in a statement.

Earlier this week, New Mexico’s truth commission held its inaugural session. The bipartisan four-member group of state representatives has been tasked with probing claims that the property may have enabled sexual abuse and human trafficking.

State legislators also expressed interest in understanding why Epstein failed to register as a sex offender following his 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from a minor, and whether public officials engaged in corrupt practices.

Epstein acquired the expansive Zorro Ranch property in 1993 from former Democratic Governor Bruce King, subsequently constructing a 26,700-square-foot mansion on a hilltop complete with its own airstrip.

The estate was purchased from Epstein’s creditors in 2023 by the family of Don Huffines, a Texas Republican seeking the state comptroller position. Huffines announced on social media platform X that the property has been rechristened San Rafael Ranch, named for a healing saint, and will serve as a Christian retreat center for his family.

The family of a Jeffrey Epstein victim is expressing hope that recent developments signal the beginning of justice for those connected to the late sex offender’s network of associates.

Sky Roberts, brother of Virginia Giuffre who died by suicide last April, told reporters he views the Thursday arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a pivotal moment in seeking accountability.

“This is where the house of cards starts falling,” Sky Roberts stated during an interview alongside his wife Amanda Roberts.

British authorities arrested King Charles’ brother on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, stemming from allegations he provided confidential government documents to Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor was subsequently released from custody.

The Roberts family is pressing the U.S. Justice Department to pursue additional individuals they believe participated in Epstein’s criminal activities as millions of documents related to the case become public.

The document releases are creating significant political and business disruptions as new information emerges about the disgraced financier’s wide-ranging social network. The situation continues to present challenges for President Donald Trump, who had previously raised questions about Epstein and his connections before returning to office.

Back in 2022, the royal family member resolved a civil case filed in America by Giuffre, who alleged sexual abuse occurred when she was underage at locations connected to Epstein or his associates.

The current criminal investigation is separate from and unrelated to previous sexual misconduct allegations.

The late Queen Elizabeth’s second son has consistently denied any criminal behavior regarding Epstein and has expressed regret about their association.

Polling data from Reuters/Ipsos indicates Americans largely see the Epstein matter as evidence that wealthy, influential people escape consequences and believe government officials are concealing information about Epstein’s client base.

“We are trailing too far behind in justice, especially when we are sitting on the mountains of information that we have,” Amanda Roberts explained. “The world is looking at us to do the right thing here.”

Epstein received immunity in 2008 after pleading guilty to Florida state prostitution charges, serving just 13 months behind bars. Federal authorities arrested him again in July 2019 on sex trafficking charges involving numerous minors. He died in his Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial, with officials ruling his death a suicide.

Amanda Roberts described learning about Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest as bringing “a mixed bag of emotions.”

“Initially we were … vindicated and screaming, at one point at 3 a.m. And then it just hits you – that gut punch of the fact that she’s not here to see this, that we’re not able to call her and tell her how astronomically proud we are of her.”

ATLANTA — District Attorney Fani Willis’ office is defending a decades-old murder conviction against former Black Panther leader H. Rap Brown while simultaneously condemning serious misconduct that occurred during the original prosecution.

In a Wednesday court filing, Georgia prosecutors maintained that recent DNA analysis continues to support Brown’s guilt in the fatal shooting of sheriff’s deputies in 2000. Brown, who later changed his name to Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, was convicted of killing Deputy Ricky Kinchen and wounding Deputy Aldranon English outside his Atlanta residence.

However, the same filing delivered harsh criticism of the case’s original lead prosecutor, Robert McBurney, who now serves as a Fulton County superior court judge. McBurney has presided over several nationally significant cases, including overseeing the special grand jury in Willis’ investigation that led to charges against Donald Trump and others regarding alleged attempts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results.

Willis’ team described McBurney’s trial conduct as “the most egregious” problem in the case, stating he “crossed the line from aggressive advocacy into misconduct that undermined the core principles of justice.”

The filing detailed how McBurney violated Al-Amin’s constitutional rights during closing arguments by presenting a chart titled “Questions for the defendant” and making comments designed to highlight that Al-Amin chose not to testify. When Al-Amin remained seated for religious reasons as the jury entered, McBurney told jurors, “Don’t stand for him.”

“These were not minor oversights; they reflected a troubling pattern of behavior that prioritized winning over truth, and conviction over justice,” prosecutors wrote.

The filing also revealed misconduct by FBI Special Agent James Campbell, who allegedly approached the handcuffed Al-Amin after his arrest, kicked and spat on him, and declared, “This is what we do to cop killers.” Defense lawyers have long claimed Campbell planted the weapons used in the shooting at Al-Amin’s arrest location.

According to the filing, Campbell had previously been transferred to Atlanta after shooting an unarmed Muslim man in the back of the head, with that victim’s supporters also accusing Campbell of planting evidence.

Despite acknowledging these serious issues, prosecutors argue that modern DNA testing strengthens the case against Al-Amin. While DNA tests excluded Al-Amin from genetic material found on both weapons, his DNA was discovered on a leather belt wrapped around one of the guns.

“This case had a trifecta of issues which undermined the process and the public’s confidence in justice,” the filing stated.

Al-Amin died in prison last November, but his family seeks a hearing to clear his reputation. Their attorney, Mawuli Davis, said, “His legacy is still at the center of this.”

Willis’ office indicated it would not oppose a comprehensive review of the case, potentially allowing for public reexamination of a prosecution that has long divided civil rights advocates and law enforcement officials.

The incident occurred on March 16, 2000, when deputies Kinchen and English arrived in Atlanta’s West End neighborhood to serve a warrant on Al-Amin for failing to appear in court on charges of driving a stolen vehicle and impersonating an officer. English testified that Al-Amin opened fire with an assault rifle when they attempted the arrest, then used a handgun to shoot the wounded Kinchen three times as he lay in the street.

Al-Amin was captured four days later in White Hall, Alabama, where he had helped establish a Muslim community.

As a 1960s activist, Al-Amin had famously declared that violence was “as American as cherry pie” and that Black Americans would use force if necessary to combat oppression. He later converted to Islam during a prison term and relocated to Atlanta in the 1970s, where he became a prominent imam and leader of the National Ummah, one of the country’s largest Black Muslim organizations.

McBurney did not respond to requests for comment, and contact information for Campbell could not be located.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — What Michael Black initially mistook for the sound of balloons popping at a hockey game quickly turned into a nightmare when he realized gunshots were echoing through the Rhode Island arena. While crowds fled in panic, Black shouted for his wife to “run, run” before making a split-second decision to charge toward the gunman.

Black succeeded in jamming his left hand into the chamber of Robert Dorgan’s weapon, temporarily disabling it before attempting to wrestle the shooter to the ground. However, Dorgan, who had a background in bodybuilding, lifted Black off his feet until two additional Good Samaritans arrived to help overpower the attacker. Video footage captured one person placing Dorgan in a chokehold.

The gunman collapsed with Black on top of him, but the confrontation ended tragically when Dorgan produced a second firearm and shot himself while making eye contact with Black. Throughout the entire encounter, Black said Dorgan remained completely silent.

“The first thought was the safety of my wife. And the second thought was, because the bullets were coming out, was to focus in on the gun,” Black explained. “Get the gun and then subdue the shooter.”

Pawtucket authorities identified the gunman as Robert Dorgan, who also used the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano. The Monday evening attack claimed the lives of Dorgan’s former spouse Rhonda Dorgan and their grown son Aidan Dorgan.

Three additional victims suffered injuries in the shooting: Rhonda’s parents Linda and Gerald Dorgan, along with family friend Thomas Geruso. All three remained hospitalized in critical condition as of Wednesday.

According to Pawtucket police, the group of “courageous citizens” who intervened in the attack “undoubtedly prevented further injury and increased the chances of survival for the injured.” Besides Black, Robert Rattenni and Ryan Cordeiro received recognition for subduing the gunman. Additionally, Chris Librizzi and Glenn Narodowy, both former Rhode Island firefighters and EMTs, along with nurse Maryann Rattenni, administered emergency medical care immediately following the shooting.

“I look at it as being fortunate, saddened tremendously in the loss, but fortunate that a small group of people could make a difference,” Black shared during a virtual interview Thursday while visiting colleges in South Carolina with his son.

While investigators have not officially addressed questions about Dorgan’s gender identity, calling such matters irrelevant to their case, divorce documents from 2020 reveal that gender identity issues contributed to the end of Dorgan’s nearly three-decade marriage. Dorgan’s social media presence indicated transgender identity and alignment with far-right political views.

Black described watching Dorgan move deliberately through the seating area, intent on harming more people. While restraining the shooter’s head with his knee, Black observed that Dorgan carried extra ammunition magazines containing “quite a few bullets.”

After Dorgan’s death, witnesses shifted their focus to helping the five shooting victims bleeding among the bleachers. Law enforcement arrived within minutes, and Black, nursing his wounded hand, was led to the parking area where he found his wife waiting.

“My wife saw me and she ran underneath the yellow tape, kind of grabbed me from behind, and we gave a big hug,” Black recalled. “She said, ‘I heard you helped with the shooter. And she says, what’s all the blood? I said, ‘I got my hand caught in the gun.’ And then she said, ‘Honey, I don’t know whether I should be proud of you, but I’m pissed off at you for putting yourself in that situation.’”

While receiving medical treatment at the hospital, a nurse praised Black as a hero — recognition that has been extended to all three men who intervened. Black struggled with accepting that designation.

“I said I don’t feel like I’m a hero right now,” Black reflected. “I looked up and I was feeling for the family. So I started getting some tears in my eyes. And then she got tears in her eyes, too. It was just a moment of decompression at that point.”

NEW YORK — A jury began deliberations Thursday to determine the fate of Randy Santos, who fatally attacked four homeless individuals while they slept on Manhattan streets, with his defense team conceding he carried out the violence but maintaining his severe mental illness should exempt him from criminal liability.

The jury’s initial request Thursday focused on revisiting portions of testimony from a defense mental health expert, specifically questioning whether Santos comprehended the moral implications of his violent acts.

The 31-year-old Santos was taken into custody clutching a blood-covered metal pipe following his October 2019 attack spree. The tragic incident highlighted New York City’s ongoing challenges in supporting and safeguarding its homeless community, which had grown to unprecedented numbers.

Santos himself was without housing, similar to several of his victims. The four deceased men — Chuen Kok, Anthony Manson, Florencio Moran and Nazario Vásquez Villegas — were between 39 and 83 years old. Santos faces murder charges for their deaths, plus attempted murder and assault counts related to attacks on other individuals in the days leading up to the Chinatown violence.

Medical professionals had diagnosed Santos with schizophrenia, and his legal team maintains he genuinely believed auditory hallucinations commanded him to kill 40 people or face death himself.

Defense counsel Arnold Levine argued during Wednesday’s closing statements that while Santos may have understood potential legal consequences, his condition prevented him from grasping the moral wrongness of his actions. This moral component could support an insanity verdict if jurors accept that mental illness caused this impairment.

“The only explanation was Randy’s psychosis. … It’s the only thing that explains what happened,” Levine told the panel, stating that “psychosis replaced Randy’s moral judgment.”

The prosecution contends Santos recognized both the illegality and immorality of his attacks. Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Alfred Peterson highlighted Wednesday that Santos occasionally watched for potential witnesses and later told a psychiatrist in 2024: “I know it’s not a good action.”

“Despite his illness, he was able to make a determination that what he was doing was wrong,” Peterson stated during his closing remarks.

Santos, who was born in the Dominican Republic and follows proceedings through a Spanish interpreter, remained largely expressionless during the attorneys’ final arguments. He briefly moved his hands near his face when Levine described how his delusions had previously led him to attack his own grandfather years before the Chinatown murders.

Should jurors reject the insanity claim and find Santos guilty, he faces potential life imprisonment. However, if they determine he was not mentally responsible, he could face indefinite psychiatric commitment as determined by medical professionals and the court.

A tragic avalanche has claimed eight lives in the backcountry terrain northwest of Lake Tahoe, authorities report. The deadly slide struck a group of backcountry skiers in the mountainous region.

Search and rescue operations continue for one person who remains unaccounted for and is believed to have perished in the avalanche. However, hazardous weather and terrain conditions are hampering efforts to locate the missing individual.

The incident highlights the ongoing dangers facing winter recreation enthusiasts in mountainous backcountry areas, where avalanche risks can be severe.

Artists across the country are picking up their sketchbooks and heading to city streets, finding extraordinary beauty in ordinary urban landscapes through a growing movement known as urban sketching.

These community-minded artists gather in groups to capture cityscapes, architecture, and street scenes with watercolors, pens, and other traditional art supplies. The movement encourages people to document their immediate surroundings while fostering a greater connection to their urban environment.

According to participants, the practice of creating artwork together in metropolitan settings provides them with an opportunity to document specific moments in time while developing a heightened awareness of the cities they encounter daily.

The collaborative nature of urban sketching creates a unique social experience where artists of varying skill levels come together to interpret their shared environment through individual artistic perspectives. These gatherings often take place at recognizable landmarks, busy intersections, parks, and other public spaces that define a city’s character.

The movement emphasizes the importance of drawing on location rather than from photographs, encouraging artists to spend extended time observing and interpreting their surroundings in real-time.

When tragedy struck Barbara Alvarez’s family in 2017, she found herself navigating uncharted territory as a newly widowed mother. Her husband’s death came at a particularly challenging time – just as their daughter Monica Dreesen was preparing to begin her college journey.

The timing couldn’t have been more difficult. Alvarez was dealing with her own grief while trying to support her daughter through a major life transition. The responsibilities of helping Monica settle into college life felt overwhelming for someone adjusting to life as a single parent.

During this vulnerable period, an unexpected source of support emerged. A stranger recognized Alvarez’s struggle and offered assistance that would prove invaluable. This individual’s intervention came at exactly the right moment, providing the help Alvarez needed to find her footing as a single mother.

The assistance this good Samaritan provided helped Alvarez discover inner strength she didn’t know she possessed. With this support, she was able to be present for her daughter during the crucial college transition period, despite dealing with her own profound loss.

The story highlights how acts of kindness from unexpected sources can make all the difference during life’s most challenging moments. For Alvarez and her daughter, this stranger’s willingness to help became a turning point in their journey through grief and adjustment to their new reality.

Detectives investigating the vanishing of Nancy Guthrie are exploring the possibility of utilizing DNA genealogy databases, the same approach that cracked high-profile cases including a string of California murders spanning decades and the brutal killings of four Idaho university students.

This approach shows promise: When unidentified DNA samples can be linked to individuals — including distant family members — within public genealogy databases, investigators gain valuable leads that could potentially identify a suspect in Guthrie’s Arizona abduction.

“It’s a fantastic tool,” explained Ruth Ballard, a California-based geneticist who focuses on DNA analysis and has provided expert testimony in hundreds of legal proceedings. “If it’s a good quality sample and they’re able to get a profile, they could find a hit on that fairly quickly.”

Officials with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in Arizona confirmed that DNA samples gathered during their investigation have yielded no matches within CODIS, the national criminal database containing genetic profiles from individuals with criminal convictions and, in certain states, those arrested for specific offenses.

“Investigators are currently looking into additional investigative genetic genealogy options for DNA evidence to check for matches. CODIS is one option of many databases that are available,” the sheriff’s department announced Tuesday.

Department officials revealed Wednesday that biological material from Guthrie’s residence in the Tucson area is undergoing testing, with DNA profiles currently at a laboratory for examination.

Nancy Guthrie, whose daughter Savannah Guthrie co-hosts NBC’s “Today” show, vanished from her residence on February 1st. Federal investigators reported that gloves discovered approximately 2 miles away seemed to correspond with those seen on a masked individual captured by a doorbell camera.

Major genealogy platforms including Ancestry, 23andMe and MyHeritage indicate they will respond to judicial orders requesting data access. GEDmatch, another genealogy service, maintains a policy requiring users to specifically consent to law enforcement access of their information. The Associated Press contacted these companies Wednesday evening to inquire about any involvement in the Guthrie case.

GEDmatch played a crucial role in identifying the notorious Golden State Killer. Law enforcement used crime scene DNA to locate a distant family member and construct a family lineage that ultimately led to Joseph DeAngelo Jr. He admitted guilt in 2020 to 13 murders and numerous sexual assaults throughout California during the 1970s and 1980s.

In the Idaho case, genetic material from a knife cover helped investigators focus on Bryan Kohberger in connection with the 2022 deaths of four University of Idaho students. Detectives employed genealogy websites to develop family connections and collected discarded items from Kohberger’s family residence in Pennsylvania to establish a link. Kohberger entered a guilty plea and received a life sentence.

Ballard noted that the origin and condition of DNA samples in police possession can influence success rates when searching genealogy platforms.

“It does require a much better sample than CODIS searching does,” she explained.

Additional obstacles may arise as well.

“There are a lot of unknowns when you go into these databases,” Ballard observed. “The databases are not equal in terms of ethnic distribution. It’s comparatively easier to find a Caucasian because more have uploaded their data and there are more family trees to mine.”

TRUCKEE, Calif. — A devastating avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains has claimed eight lives and left one person missing after striking a group of experienced backcountry skiers attempting to return home following days of harsh winter conditions.

The deadly slide occurred Tuesday as 15 skiers departed from remote mountain cabins at high elevation, making their way back toward the trailhead. The incident represents the most fatal avalanche in the United States in nearly five decades.

Recovery efforts for the victims’ remains have been delayed as avalanche warnings remain active through early Thursday, with officials waiting for the dangerous storm system to pass. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of those who perished.

The skiing party had strong connections to Lake Tahoe’s mountain recreation scene, particularly the prestigious Sugar Bowl Academy. The institution released a statement Wednesday evening expressing grief over losing individuals with “strong connections to Sugar Bowl, Donner Summit and the backcountry community.”

The academy did not specify the exact relationship between the victims, who ranged from 30 to 55 years old, and the school that provides alpine and backcountry skiing training along with education for aspiring young athletes.

“We are an incredibly close and connected community,” Sugar Bowl Academy executive director Stephen McMahon was quoted as saying in the statement. “This tragedy has affected each and every one of us.”

Among the group were four professional guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, a company specializing in mountaineering expeditions and backcountry skiing adventures throughout the western United States and abroad. One guide survived the disaster.

The three-day excursion, which started Sunday, was designed for skiers with intermediate to advanced abilities, according to information on the outfitter’s website.

Blackbird Mountain Guides announced Wednesday evening that it has initiated a comprehensive investigation and suspended all field activities through the weekend at minimum while focusing on assisting the families of those affected.

The company’s guides possessed training and certification in backcountry skiing techniques and served as instructors with the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education.

During expeditions, guides “are in communication with senior guides at our base, to discuss conditions and routing based upon conditions,” founder Zeb Blais explained in the company’s statement.

“We don’t have all the answers yet, and it may be some time before we do,” the company stated. “In the meantime, please keep those impacted in your hearts.”

Mill Valley Mayor Max Perrey, representing the Marin County community located approximately 14 miles north of San Francisco, verified that several group members were women from his city. He declined to share additional information via email to The Associated Press but indicated more details would be made available later.

The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued an avalanche watch Sunday morning, which was upgraded to a warning by 5 a.m. Tuesday, signaling that avalanche conditions were anticipated. It remains unclear whether the guides received notification of this escalation before beginning their descent.

Officials described a tragic scene as survivors searched through snow for their missing companions and endured a six-hour wait for rescue teams to reach them amid blizzard conditions. The survivors located three bodies, according to Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon.

All skiers carried emergency beacons capable of transmitting location signals to rescue personnel, and at least one guide managed to send text messages for help. However, it’s uncertain whether the group used avalanche airbags, which are inflatable safety devices designed to keep skiers closer to the snow surface during slides, noted Sheriff’s Captain Russell “Rusty” Greene.

One survivor remained in hospital care as of Wednesday, Sheriff Moon reported.

The region has received between 3 and 6 feet of fresh snowfall since Sunday, accompanied by below-freezing temperatures and powerful winds reaching gale force.

This avalanche stands as the most deadly in the United States since 1981, when 11 mountain climbers lost their lives on Washington state’s Mount Rainier. It also marks the second fatal avalanche near Castle Peak this year, following the death of a snowmobile rider in January. Avalanches typically claim 25 to 30 lives annually across the country, according to National Avalanche Center data.

The location near Donner Summit where the skiing expedition occurred ranks among the snowiest regions in the Western Hemisphere and remained off-limits to public access until recent years. The summit bears the name of the notorious Donner Party, pioneer travelers who became stranded there during the winter of 1846-1847 and resorted to cannibalism for survival.

Four men wrongly implicated in a notorious 1991 Texas murder case are seeking official recognition of their innocence from a judge on Thursday, including one individual who was originally sentenced to death for the brutal slayings of four teenage girls at an Austin yogurt shop.

State District Judge Dayna Blazey will hear arguments for a formal innocence declaration that would bring closure to the men, their families, and a community that remained haunted by the unsolved crime for more than three decades.

Last year, investigators working cold cases revealed they had identified the actual perpetrator as someone who died during a police confrontation in Missouri back in 1999.

Two of the four original defendants, Michael Scott and Forrest Welborn, plan to attend Thursday’s proceedings. Robert Springsteen, who faced execution after his initial conviction and remained on death row for years, will not be present. Maurice Pierce passed away in 2010.

Travis County District Attorney José Garza emphasized the significance of the moment when announcing the hearing, stating: “It has been over twenty-five years since the four men wrongfully accused have been waiting for the criminal justice system to clear their names.”

An official “actual innocence” determination would enable the men and their relatives to pursue monetary compensation for the time they spent incarcerated.

The victims were Amy Ayers, 13; Eliza Thomas, 17; and sisters Jennifer and Sarah Harbison, ages 17 and 15. All four were restrained, silenced with gags, and executed with gunshots to their heads at the “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt” shop where two held jobs. The perpetrator then ignited the building.

Law enforcement pursued countless tips and investigated multiple bogus admissions of guilt before taking the four men into custody in late 1999.

Courts convicted Springsteen and Scott primarily on confessions both men claimed police had forced from them through coercion. Appeals courts reversed both verdicts during the mid-2000s.

Authorities charged Welborn but never brought him to trial after two separate grand juries declined to issue indictments. Pierce remained behind bars for three years until prosecutors dropped the charges and freed him.

Officials planned to retry Springsteen and Scott, but a judge dismissed all charges in 2009 after advanced DNA testing unavailable in 1991 identified genetic material from an unknown male suspect.

The investigation stalled until 2025, when an HBO documentary series examining the unsolved murders brought renewed public interest to the case.

Authorities announced in September that fresh evidence analysis and reexamination of existing materials identified Robert Eugene Brashers as the killer.

Beginning in 2018, law enforcement had used sophisticated DNA technology to connect Brashers to the strangulation murder of a South Carolina woman in 1990, the sexual assault of a 14-year-old Tennessee girl in 1997, and the shooting deaths of a mother and daughter in Missouri in 1998.

The Austin connection emerged when DNA material collected from beneath Ayers’ fingernail matched Brashers’ genetic profile from the 1990 South Carolina homicide.

Austin detectives also discovered that officers had arrested Brashers at a border checkpoint near El Paso just two days following the yogurt shop killings. His stolen vehicle contained a handgun matching the same caliber used to kill one of the Austin victims.

Investigators noted striking parallels between the yogurt shop crime and Brashers’ other offenses: victims were restrained using their own garments, subjected to sexual assault, and several crime scenes were deliberately set ablaze.

Brashers took his own life in 1999 during an extended police standoff at a motel in Kennett, Missouri.

HONOLULU (AP) — Mason Aiona’s day begins with unwelcome sounds long before dawn breaks over his Hawaiian residence.

However, the 74-year-old retiree says the 3 a.m. rooster calls aren’t his biggest concern. Instead, he spends his days constantly chasing off feral chickens that create holes throughout his property, enduring nonstop noise and wing-beating, and confronting individuals who provide food to these wild birds at a nearby park.

“It’s a big problem,” he said of the roosters, hens and chicks waddling around on the narrow road between his Honolulu house and the city park. “And they’re multiplying.”

Municipalities throughout Hawaii have struggled with widespread fowl populations for numerous years. Honolulu has invested thousands in trapping efforts with minimal success. State legislators are now evaluating potential remedies — including proposals allowing citizens to eliminate wild chickens, classify them as a “controllable pest” on Honolulu public property, and impose penalties on those feeding or abandoning them in parks.

However, what troubles some residents serves as a cultural emblem for others, a tension that has emerged in Miami and additional cities hosting wild chicken populations.

Kealoha Pisciotta, who practices Hawaiian culture and advocates for animals, opposes eliminating feral chickens merely due to inconvenience. Many current chickens trace their lineage to those transported to the islands by original Polynesian travelers, she explained.

“The moa is very significant,” she said, using the Hawaiian word for chicken. “They were on our voyaging, came with us.”

The Hawaiian Humane Society opposes letting residents kill the chickens “as a means of population control unless all other strategies have been exhausted.”

Democratic Representative Scot Matayoshi, who serves the Honolulu suburb of Kaneohe, explained he began developing chicken management legislation after learning from a local elementary educator that the birds were intimidating students.

“The children were afraid of them, and they would kind of more aggressively go after the children for food,” Matayoshi said.

Representative Jackson Sayama explained he proposed the chicken elimination legislation due to currently restricted removal options. The lethal approach would remain up to individual property owners.

“If you want to go old-school, just break the chicken’s neck, that’s perfectly fine,” said the Democrat who represents part of Honolulu. “There’s many different ways you can do it.”

Previous chicken elimination proposals have been unsuccessful over the years, Matayoshi noted. Chicken reproductive control was one concept considered during his neighborhood board tenure.

“I think there are people who are taking it more seriously now,” he said.

Aiona has resided for over three decades in a valley close to downtown Honolulu in his wife Leona’s childhood home. Wild chickens didn’t appear in their area until approximately ten years ago, the couple reported. The bird population expanded significantly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

He witnessed someone remove a chicken from their vehicle, abandon it in the park, and depart, he recalled.

When chickens initially appeared near his residence, he captured one manually and placed it in a plastic garbage container, then transported it to a park close to the airport. “I took off the cover, tipped it over and the chicken ran right out,” he said. “I said … ‘Don’t come back again.’”

However, he soon recognized the labor-intensive approach was pointless.

He personally has no interest in eliminating chickens, preferring someone collect them for relocation to a countryside farm. A municipal trapping initiative costs too much, he noted.

The city employs a pest management company for chicken trapping services. Property owners pay $375 for week-long service, plus $50 for cage rental and $10 per chicken for disposal.

The program captured over 1,300 chickens during the previous year, according to Honolulu Department of Customer Services spokesperson Harold Nedd, who noted the department experienced a 51% rise in feral chicken complaints in 2025.

Wild chickens don’t provide an economical meal option. The meat is more difficult to chew than commercially raised poultry, and these feral birds may carry diseases.

One of Aiona’s neighbors uses a leaf blower to drive them away. “I have a blower, too, but mine is electric,” Aiona said. “It can only go so far with the cord.”

Aiona has grown weary of spending his retirement years instructing park visitors to stop providing food to the chickens. While he doesn’t suggest anyone consume them, he welcomes anyone interested in taking one.

“No charge,” he said.

New Mexico state authorities announced Wednesday they are examining disturbing allegations that the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein directed the burial of two foreign girls near his secluded ranch property.

The claims surfaced in recently disclosed federal documents, prompting the New Mexico Department of Justice to seek complete, unredacted versions of the materials from federal officials.

“We are actively investigating this allegation and are conducting a broader review in light of the latest release from the U.S. Department of Justice,” stated Lauren Rodriguez, spokesperson for the New Mexico Department of Justice, in response to media inquiries about the case.

Federal authorities have not yet responded to requests for comment, and the FBI has declined to provide statements regarding the matter.

Just one day prior, New Mexico’s state legislature initiated its first thorough examination of claims that Epstein sexually victimized girls and women at the Zorro Ranch, located 30 miles south of Santa Fe, spanning over twenty years.

The disturbing allegations originated from a partially censored 2019 email that was included in the most recent batch of Epstein-related documents released by federal justice officials. The message was sent several months following Epstein’s death to Eddy Aragon, a New Mexico radio personality who had previously discussed the Zorro Ranch on his show.

The email’s author, who identified themselves as a former ranch worker, demanded payment of one bitcoin in exchange for videos allegedly taken from Epstein’s residence showing the financier engaging in sexual acts with minors.

During a telephone conversation, Aragon confirmed he considered the email credible and immediately shared it with the FBI. He indicated he never received payment from or maintained further communication with the sender, though he recently attempted to respond but found the email address was no longer active.

According to the censored email sent to Aragon, two foreign girls had been interred on Epstein’s instructions “somewhere in the hills outside the Zorro” and that both had perished “by strangulation during rough, fetish sex.”

A 2021 FBI document, also part of the recent file disclosure, confirmed Aragon visited an FBI facility to report the email, which proposed seven videos documenting sexual abuse and the burial location of two foreign girls at Zorro Ranch in return for one bitcoin.

A review of additional documents within the Justice Department’s releases revealed no other mentions of these specific allegations or investigators’ assessment of the claims.

Federal justice officials cautioned last year that some disclosed files from their Epstein investigation “contain untrue and sensationalist claims,” noting they include anonymous allegations that investigators could not verify, or in certain instances determined to be fabricated.

New Mexico State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard revealed Wednesday that her office discovered the censored email while reviewing the latest Epstein document release.

In a February 10 correspondence to federal justice officials and accompanying statement, Garcia Richard urged both federal and state authorities to thoroughly examine allegations of criminal activity on Epstein’s ranch and surrounding state property.

Epstein had leased approximately 1,243 acres of state land surrounding the ranch in 1993. Garcia Richard terminated these leases in September 2019 after determining Epstein failed to use the property for ranching or farming purposes, instead utilizing it as a privacy barrier around his ranch.

Epstein died in a New York detention facility in August 2019. Officials determined his death was suicide.

Former Victoria’s Secret CEO Leslie Wexner appeared before congressional investigators Wednesday, acknowledging he once set foot on Jeffrey Epstein’s private island while maintaining he knew nothing about the convicted sex offender’s illegal activities.

The 88-year-old retail magnate testified that he terminated his relationship with Epstein approximately 20 years ago and has faced no criminal allegations himself.

Recent document releases by the Justice Department have revealed extensive connections between Epstein and numerous high-profile individuals, spanning both before and after his 2008 guilty plea on prostitution-related charges involving a minor. Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail cell in 2019.

“And, let me be crystal clear: I never witnessed nor had any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activity. I was never a participant nor co-conspirator in any of Epstein’s illegal activities,” Wexner stated in his written congressional testimony.

Congressional investigators questioned Wexner for six hours during the closed-door session.

The L Brands founder brought Epstein on as his financial advisor during the 1980s. Wexner has claimed Epstein misappropriated his funds for unauthorized property and merchandise purchases, leading him to end their association around 2007 when criminal charges first emerged against Epstein.

“To my enormous embarrassment and regret I, like many others, was duped by a world-class con man. I cannot undo that part of my personal history even as I regret ever having met him,” he stated.

Democratic Representative Robert Garcia, serving as the ranking member on the House oversight committee, declared that “there was no single person that was more involved in providing Jeffrey Epstein with the financial support to commit his crimes than Les Wexner.”

Regarding his island visit, Wexner described stopping there briefly with his family during a boat cruise, spending only “a few hours” one morning shortly after Epstein acquired the property.

Wexner maintained that Epstein embezzled “vast sums” from his family’s wealth. “Once I learned of his abusive conduct and theft from my family, I never spoke with Epstein again,” he concluded.

TRUCKEE, Calif. — Search and rescue teams have recovered eight bodies from a catastrophic avalanche near Lake Tahoe, with one skier still unaccounted for in what officials are calling the nation’s most deadly avalanche disaster in nearly 50 years.

The tragedy unfolded with devastating speed, according to authorities.

“Someone saw the avalanche, yelled ‘Avalanche!’ and it overtook them rather quickly,” said Capt. Russell “Rusty” Greene, of the Nevada County sheriff’s office.

Rescue teams pulled six survivors from the snow approximately six hours after the avalanche struck Tuesday morning. The group had been wrapping up a three-day backcountry skiing expedition in Northern California’s Sierra Nevada mountains during a powerful winter storm. Four professional guides were part of the group, with three of them presumed dead. The skiing party consisted of both men and women ranging in age from 30 to 55.

Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon indicated investigators will examine why the expedition continued despite weather warnings issued Sunday. At 6:49 a.m. that morning, the Sierra Avalanche Center had issued an avalanche watch, signaling that significant avalanches were probable within the following 24 to 48 hours.

Before the deadly slide occurred, officials upgraded the watch to a warning status, indicating avalanches were anticipated. It remains uncertain whether the guides received notification of this escalation before departing the backcountry area.

With one individual still missing, the operation has transitioned from rescue efforts to body recovery, Moon explained.

Officials are delaying the release of victims’ identities to allow families time to process the tragedy. “They’re still reeling,” Moon said. “I could not imagine what they’re going through.”

The deceased were discovered in close proximity to each other, Greene reported. Recovery teams have been unable to retrieve the victims due to hazardous mountain conditions.

Between three and six feet of snow has accumulated since Sunday. The region has also experienced below-freezing temperatures and powerful winds. The Sierra Avalanche Center warned that additional avalanche risks persisted Wednesday, leaving the snowpack dangerous and unpredictable in terrain characterized by steep, rocky cliffs.

Emergency beacons and cell phones guided rescue teams through treacherous conditions

Rescue personnel reached the survivors shortly before nightfall Tuesday.

All skiers carried emergency beacons capable of transmitting location signals to rescuers, and at least one guide managed to send text messages. However, it’s unclear whether they had avalanche airbags – inflatable safety devices designed to keep skiers closer to the snow surface, Greene noted.

While awaiting rescue, the survivors constructed emergency shelter using their gear to protect against sub-freezing temperatures. During their wait, they discovered three additional fatalities, Moon said.

Rescue teams utilized a snowcat vehicle to approach within two miles of the survivors, then carefully skied the remaining distance to avoid triggering additional avalanches, the sheriff explained.

One rescued individual remained hospitalized Wednesday, Moon confirmed.

The location near Donner Summit ranks among the snowiest regions in the Western Hemisphere and was restricted to public access until recently. The area typically receives nearly 35 feet of annual snowfall, according to the Truckee Donner Land Trust, which operates a series of mountain huts near Frog Lake where the group had been staying.

This avalanche represents the most fatal in the United States since 1981, when 11 mountaineers perished on Mount Rainier in Washington state. The National Avalanche Center reports that 25 to 30 people typically die in avalanches across the U.S. each winter.

This marks the second deadly avalanche near California’s Castle Peak this year, following a January incident that killed a snowmobiler.

Group was departing wilderness area when avalanche occurred

Greene said authorities learned of the avalanche through Blackbird Mountain Guides, the company organizing the trip, and emergency beacon alerts. The sheriff’s department confirmed Tuesday evening that 15 backcountry skiers participated in the expedition, not 16 as initially reported. One participant had withdrawn from the trip at the last moment, Moon said.

The group was completing their final day of the backcountry adventure after spending two nights in mountain huts, according to Steve Reynaud, an avalanche forecaster with the Sierra Avalanche Center.

Accessing the winter huts requires several hours of travel and demands advanced backcountry expertise, avalanche education, and specialized safety gear. Blackbird Mountain Guides marketed the tour for intermediate-to-expert level skiers.

The Donner Summit area remained closed for nearly 100 years before the Truckee Donner Land Trust and partner organizations reopened it in 2020. Donner Summit takes its name from the tragic Donner Party, a group of 19th-century settlers who turned to cannibalism after becoming stranded during the harsh winter of 1846-1847.

When asked about her thoughts as emergency personnel and volunteers responded to the scene, Moon said she hoped they would reach the location safely. Once they arrived, she said she was “immediately thinking of the folks that didn’t make it, and knowing our mission now is to get them home.”

A bizarre legal case involving one of Manhattan’s most recognizable hotels has concluded with a fraud conviction after a man’s elaborate scheme to claim ownership of the entire building.

Mickey Barreto admitted guilt to fraud charges this Wednesday, bringing closure to an unusual case that began when he exploited little-known tenant protections to secure free housing at the New Yorker Hotel for several years.

According to Barreto’s account, he and his partner paid $200 for a single night’s stay at the famous Art Deco hotel in 2018. The building houses over 1,000 rooms and stands as one of Manhattan’s most photographed landmarks. Following his overnight stay, Barreto demanded a formal lease agreement, arguing that city housing regulations for single-room occupancy buildings constructed prior to 1969 entitled him to tenant rights.

When hotel management rejected his lease request, Barreto pursued the matter through housing court proceedings. The hotel’s failure to send legal representation to a crucial court hearing resulted in Barreto being granted “possession” of his room.

However, prosecutors from Manhattan revealed that Barreto’s actions escalated significantly beyond securing his room. They alleged he committed fraud against the state by creating and uploading falsified ownership documents to an official city website, purporting to transfer the entire hotel property to himself.

The New Yorker Hotel is currently under the ownership of the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity, an organization established in South Korea by the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon, who declared himself a messiah. The religious organization did not provide a response to media inquiries.

Following his fraudulent ownership claim, Barreto allegedly attempted to collect rental payments from hotel guests and instructed the hotel’s financial institution to transfer all accounts under his control, according to prosecution statements.

Barreto’s occupancy ended in 2024 when he was removed from the property and subsequently faced multiple felony fraud charges. Court proceedings were delayed after he was determined mentally unfit for trial and required psychiatric care.

The resolution of his case includes a six-month jail term, which Barreto has already completed, plus five years of supervised probation, as confirmed by a representative from the Manhattan district attorney’s office.

Brian Hutchinson, representing Barreto in the case, has not yet responded to requests for comment.

In previous statements to the Associated Press, Barreto defended his actions, claiming the judge’s decision to grant him room “possession” effectively transferred the entire building since it had never been legally subdivided into separate units.

“I never intended to commit any fraud. I don’t believe I ever committed any fraud,” Barreto stated previously. “And I never made a penny out of this.”

Operations at Newark Liberty International Airport faced delays Wednesday evening when a JetBlue aircraft experienced mechanical problems during departure and had to make an emergency return.

JetBlue Flight 543, an Airbus A320 destined for West Palm Beach, Florida, encountered engine trouble shortly after takeoff around 5:55 p.m. Eastern Time. The flight crew detected smoke in the cockpit and made the decision to head back to Newark immediately.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, all passengers and crew members safely exited the aircraft on a taxiway using emergency evacuation slides. Airport officials confirmed that no one sustained injuries during the incident.

The emergency situation prompted the FAA to temporarily halt some incoming flights to Newark while crews responded to the scene. Federal investigators will now examine what caused the engine malfunction on the Florida-bound flight.

Norman Francis, an education advocate and civil rights trailblazer who spearheaded New Orleans’ recovery following Hurricane Katrina, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 94.

Throughout Louisiana, community leaders, activists, and residents paid tribute to Francis and his remarkable legacy of service.

“The nation is better and richer for his having lived among us,” stated Reynold Verret, Xavier University’s current president, in a Wednesday announcement confirming Francis’ passing.

Following Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, Francis assumed leadership of the Louisiana Recovery Authority, the organization responsible for managing the massive, multi-billion-dollar reconstruction initiative.

Mitch Landrieu, who previously served as New Orleans mayor, described how Francis “stood in the breach” during the post-Katrina period. Landrieu, who held the lieutenant governor position when the 2005 hurricane destroyed much of New Orleans, frequently sought Francis’ guidance during challenging times.

“The most defining part of his character is that he treats every human being with dignity and respect,” Landrieu wrote on X Wednesday.

Francis gained widespread recognition during his 47-year tenure as head of Xavier University in New Orleans, America’s sole predominantly Black Catholic institution of higher learning, starting in 1968.

Under his leadership, student enrollment increased by more than 100%, the university’s endowment grew substantially, and the physical campus underwent significant expansion. The institution earned national acclaim for preparing African American students for careers in medicine and graduating professionals in science fields including biology, chemistry, physics, and pharmacy.

When Hurricane Katrina flooded portions of Xavier’s campus with 8 feet of water, Francis made a commitment that the institution would rebuild and reopen.

Several civil rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, recognized Francis among America’s most distinguished university leaders. President George W. Bush presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2006.

“Dr. Francis was more than an administrator. He was an institution builder, a civil rights champion, and a man of quiet generosity,” Louisiana Congressman Troy Carter wrote on social media. “He believed education was the pathway to justice. He believed lifting one student could lift an entire family.”

Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, to a barber, Francis graduated from Xavier with his undergraduate degree in 1952. He broke racial barriers by becoming Loyola University law school’s first Black student, completing his legal education in 1955.

After serving two years in military service, Francis joined the U.S. Attorney General’s office to assist with integrating federal government departments.

Despite his professional achievements, racial segregation still prevented him from entering many New Orleans establishments through their main entrances.

“Some people say to me, ‘My God! How did you take that?’” Francis recalled during a 2008 Associated Press interview. “Well, you took that because you had to believe that one day, the words that your parents said to you ‘You’re good enough to be president of the United States’ yes, we held onto that.”

Francis began his long career at Xavier in 1957 as Dean of Men, launching what would become nearly five decades of service to the university.

His wife Blanche passed away in 2015. Together, they raised six children and had several grandchildren.

A tragic avalanche near California’s Lake Tahoe has claimed the lives of eight backcountry skiers, with search efforts continuing for one person who remains unaccounted for, officials report.

According to authorities, the deadly snowslide also trapped six additional skiers who were successfully rescued alive. The incident has prompted an extensive search and rescue operation in the backcountry area.

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has deployed rescue teams to the Soda Springs area as part of the ongoing recovery efforts. Images from the scene show rescue personnel working in challenging mountain conditions.

This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by outdoor enthusiasts venturing into backcountry terrain during winter months, particularly in areas prone to avalanche activity near the popular Lake Tahoe region.

Authorities have confirmed the deaths of eight skiers who were caught in a deadly avalanche at Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe.

The tragic incident occurred in the backcountry skiing area, where avalanche conditions can quickly turn dangerous for outdoor enthusiasts. Emergency responders worked to recover the victims from the slide zone.

The Castle Peak avalanche represents one of the deadliest skiing accidents in the region, underscoring the serious risks that backcountry skiers face in mountainous terrain during winter conditions.

Following Wednesday’s confirmation that eight backcountry skiers perished and one person remains unaccounted for in an avalanche near Lake Tahoe, officials report this Northern California Sierra Nevada incident ranks among America’s most fatal snow disasters. The tragedy prompts a review of other catastrophic avalanches throughout U.S. history:

The nation’s deadliest snow disaster occurred when an enormous snow wall engulfed two Great Northern passenger trains, plunging them into a canyon and claiming 96 lives. The trains had been stranded on the railway for multiple days due to severe weather conditions, though some passengers who had walked to nearby towns were spared from the disaster.

During the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, a sequence of snow slides in April 1898 became the era’s most devastating tragedy, taking approximately 65 lives along the Chilkoot Trail.

Mount Rainier witnessed the nation’s most fatal climbing disaster when a tremendous ice avalanche struck the Ingraham Glacier, claiming the lives of ten climbers and their guide.

The community of Twin Lakes, located near Independence Pass, suffered a devastating blow when an avalanche destroyed multiple residences, resulting in seven fatalities that included five young children.

Alpine Meadows Ski Resort near Lake Tahoe experienced tragedy when an avalanche struck the facility, claiming seven lives, including four staff members who had stayed despite the resort’s closure due to hazardous conditions. Remarkably, a 22-year-old chairlift operator survived and was found five days later by a specially trained rescue dog in the ski chalet debris.

The leader of California’s troubled high-speed rail project has stepped away from his position temporarily after facing domestic violence allegations that led to his arrest earlier this month.

Ian Choudri, who heads the California High-Speed Rail Authority as CEO, was taken into custody on February 4th in Folsom, a city near Sacramento, confirmed police Lieutenant Lou Wright. Authorities have not released further information about the incident.

No charges were filed against Choudri, and prosecutors did not require him to make a court appearance, according to his attorney Allen Sawyer. Choudri has decided to take several days off from his leadership role, his lawyer indicated.

“While my client appreciates that this legal matter has been thoroughly evaluated, his family needs time to privately process and heal,” Sawyer stated. “He remains committed to his work, and this short absence will also give the board space to independently review the conclusions of the legal process.”

Neither the prosecutor’s office, the rail authority, nor California’s transportation department provided responses to requests for comment.

News of Choudri’s arrest became public this week when Sacramento television station KCRA first broke the story.

The rail authority brought Choudri on board in 2024, drawing from his experience with European high-speed rail networks. His mission has been to breathe new life into what ranks as the country’s most ambitious infrastructure undertaking, which has been plagued by soaring expenses and lost federal support during the previous Trump presidency.

The ambitious project aims to link San Francisco and Los Angeles by high-speed rail.

In previous interviews with The Associated Press, Choudri expressed his desire to join the effort to “completely turn it around” and secure stable financing. His strategy has involved seeking private sector partnerships to help fund the massive undertaking.

Last year, Governor Gavin Newsom and California legislators committed to providing $1 billion each year through 2045 for the project, funded through the state’s cap-and-trade program designed to cut emissions from major polluters.

When California voters initially backed $10 billion in bonds in 2008, they were told this would cover roughly one-third of the expected costs and that trains would be operating by 2020. More than four years beyond that target date, officials now estimate the project could require over $120 billion to complete.

DENVER — Five people have lost their lives following a devastating series of crashes on a Colorado interstate where more than 30 vehicles, including seven big rigs, collided after powerful winds created a blinding dust storm, state officials confirmed Wednesday.

Colorado State Patrol initially reported four fatalities and 29 injuries from Tuesday’s accidents on Interstate 25 near Pueblo. However, one additional person succumbed to their injuries at the hospital, bringing the death toll to five.

The catastrophic chain of events began around 10 a.m. Tuesday when fierce winds swept across drought-stricken farmland adjacent to the highway, creating what Major Brian Lyons of the Colorado State Patrol described as a “brown out” condition.

“Visibility was next to nothing,” Lyons explained.

The National Weather Service recorded wind speeds reaching approximately 70 mph in the area Tuesday morning. Dramatic footage captured by a motorist trapped in the aftermath shows massive clouds of dust rolling across the highway, with damaged vehicles gradually becoming visible through the thick, dusty haze.

Hospital staff treated the wounded for injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening, Lyons reported. While accidents occurred on both sides of the interstate, the northbound collision resulted in the fatalities, whereas the southbound incident caused only vehicle damage, patrol officials noted.

Among the vehicles involved was a pickup truck towing a livestock trailer containing 30 sheep and one goat, according to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, which responded to assist with the animals. Some livestock became trapped inside the damaged trailer while others escaped and roamed free until humane society workers could safely capture them. Four sheep sustained injuries too severe for recovery, the organization reported.

The investigation into the crashes, which occurred approximately two miles from Pueblo, remains ongoing. While poor visibility will be examined as a primary factor, other contributing elements may also be considered, stated Trooper Sherri Mendez, a patrol spokesperson.

The same powerful wind system that struck eastern Colorado Tuesday, combined with unusually warm temperatures and extremely dry conditions, also fueled wildfires across the region and caused flight delays at Denver International Airport. Similar dangerous wind and drought conditions continued Wednesday, maintaining elevated fire risks throughout the area.

GLOUCESTER, Mass. — Search teams are utilizing advanced underwater technology in their ongoing effort to locate a commercial fishing vessel that went down in Atlantic waters last month, claiming the lives of all seven people on board. However, harsh winter conditions continue to hamper recovery operations.

The Lily Jean, measuring 72 feet in length, was heading back to harbor during the early morning hours of January 30 for equipment repairs when the vessel sank in icy waters near the historic Massachusetts fishing community of Gloucester. Several agencies are now working in partnership to find the vessel’s remains and possibly retrieve the bodies of those who perished, authorities announced Wednesday. The collaborative effort includes the U.S. Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Massachusetts Environmental Police.

Recovery operations face significant challenges as the Lily Jean rests in waters exceeding 300 feet in depth under extremely harsh winter conditions. Environmental police teams have deployed side-scan sonar equipment to collect information and identify unusual objects on the seafloor, according to officials. Plans also include sending a remotely operated underwater vehicle to capture images and footage, though rough sea conditions have prevented this step so far.

Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, a Republican representing Gloucester, promised that officials would keep the mourning community informed of developments.

“One of the most haunting things about grief or loss at sea is the not knowing,” Tarr said during a news conference on Wednesday. “Answering those questions requires a tremendous amount of effort.”

The Coast Guard initially began search and rescue operations after receiving a distress signal from the boat approximately 25 miles off Cape Ann. Recovery teams discovered scattered debris in the area where the alert originated, along with one body and an unoccupied life raft, Coast Guard officials reported. The search operation was called off the next day, and the local community has since come together to support the victims’ families.

Gloucester holds the distinction of being America’s oldest seaport and maintains a reputation for its tight-knit fishing industry. The community gained national attention through “The Perfect Storm” book and film, which drew inspiration from the FV Andrea Gail that disappeared at sea in 1991.

Coast Guard representatives have released the names of those who died when the Lily Jean sank: captain Accursio “Gus” Sanfilippo and crew members Paul Beal Sr., Paul Beal Jr., John Rousanidis, Freeman Short and Sean Therrien. Jada Samitt, a fisheries observer working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, was also on board.

Ricky Beal, whose brother Paul Beal Sr. was among the victims, expressed hope during Wednesday’s press conference that the investigation would help families understand the tragedy. He also urged people following the case to avoid sharing unverified information.

“As of now, hopefully in the future, the investigation will give us some light on what happened. But as of now, only God knows what happened that fateful morning,” Beal said.

The Lily Jean and its crew, led by Sanfilippo, appeared in a 2012 History Channel episode of “Nor’Easter Men.” The program portrayed Sanfilippo as a fifth-generation commercial fisherman operating out of Gloucester in the Georges Bank area. The show documented the crew working through dangerous weather for extended periods, sometimes spending up to 10 days at sea harvesting haddock, lobster and flounder.

Federal transportation officials are ordering the closure of over 550 commercial driving schools nationwide after discovering serious safety violations that put the public at risk, according to an announcement made Wednesday.

The schools, which train future truck and bus drivers, were found to have hired instructors without proper qualifications, skipped essential student testing, and committed other critical safety infractions during federal inspections.

This action represents the Transportation Department’s ongoing campaign to enhance trucking industry safety standards. Unlike previous efforts last fall that targeted up to 7,500 schools including many already-closed facilities, this current initiative specifically addresses active schools with major deficiencies identified during 1,426 inspection visits.

Federal officials have intensified their scrutiny of states issuing commercial driver’s licenses to unqualified immigrants following a deadly August crash in Florida. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that an unauthorized truck driver performed an illegal U-turn, resulting in three fatalities. Additional fatal incidents, including a recent Indiana crash that claimed four lives, have heightened these safety concerns.

According to Duffy, 448 schools failed to satisfy fundamental safety requirements. Inspectors documented problems including unqualified teaching staff, inadequate student skill assessments, insufficient hazardous materials training, and inappropriate training equipment. An additional 109 schools voluntarily withdrew from the official registry upon learning of planned inspections.

“American families should have confidence that our school bus and truck drivers are following every letter of the law and that starts with receiving proper training before getting behind the wheel,” Duffy said.

The targeted schools are predominantly smaller operations, including several programs operated by school districts. Larger, well-established schools were typically excluded from this enforcement action. Currently, 97 additional schools remain under investigation for compliance violations.

Industry observers point to a fundamental issue within the trucking sector: schools and companies can essentially approve their own operations when applying for certification, with questionable practices potentially going undetected until later Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration audits.

The number of students affected by these school closures remains unclear. However, the industry currently has excess driver capacity due to a 10% decline in shipping volumes since 2022 amid economic uncertainty, though many trucking companies continue struggling to recruit well-qualified drivers with clean driving records.

Beyond threatening to revoke federal funding from states with inadequate commercial driver’s license programs, the Trump Administration has emphasized enforcing English proficiency requirements for truck drivers. California stands as the sole state to lose funding thus far, with $160 million in federal support being withheld.

A devastating avalanche struck a group of 15 skiers during a guided backcountry expedition in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains on Tuesday, leaving nine people still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue.

The skiing party was participating in a three-day wilderness adventure organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides in the remote backcountry near Frog Lake, close to Lake Tahoe. Participants had been staying overnight in mountain huts positioned at an elevation of 7,600 feet, bringing their own provisions for the multi-day journey.

According to the tour company’s promotional materials, they promised clients an elevated experience: “If you’ve booked the Frog Lake Huts in Truckee, trust our guides to elevate your trip to the next level. We’ll navigate in and out of the huts, manage the risks, and find the best terrain and snow quality for you and your group!”

When disaster struck Tuesday, six members of the skiing group managed to find safety and were successfully rescued after spending hours taking shelter while rescue teams worked through blizzard conditions. However, nine individuals remain missing.

In an official statement, Blackbird Mountain Guides confirmed they are working closely with rescue authorities. The company explained that the avalanche occurred as the group, which included four professional guides, was making their way back to the starting point of their trek.

The guide service operates from locations in both California and Washington, providing mountaineering and backcountry skiing experiences throughout the western United States, as well as international destinations in Europe and Japan. Additionally, they provide educational programs focusing on wilderness survival skills and emergency medical training.

The remote area where the skiers went missing had remained inaccessible to the general public for 100 years until the Truckee Donner Land Trust purchased the property and established the mountain huts, which feature basic amenities including sleeping pads, cooking stoves, and restroom facilities.

This particular expedition was designed for skiers with intermediate to advanced abilities, requiring participants to be capable of ascending up to 2,500 vertical feet during a single day’s journey. While guides provide first aid supplies and waste disposal equipment, skiers must supply their own gear and avalanche safety equipment, including locator beacons, shovels, and probes.

The company’s website acknowledged the challenging nature of these excursions: “Generally our guides are able to find excellent backcountry snow conditions, but often we need to travel through difficult conditions to access the goods. This requires riders to be adept with their backcountry touring skills and have a solid foundation of touring before the trip.”

Weather conditions had been deteriorating throughout the week, with avalanche warnings issued as early as Sunday when a major winter storm system began affecting the region. The Sierra Avalanche Center escalated their alert to a more serious avalanche warning for the Central Sierra Nevada and Greater Lake Tahoe area, beginning Tuesday morning at 5 a.m., with predictions of significant slides continuing through Wednesday.

The dangerous conditions resulted from rapidly accumulating snowfall on unstable underlying snow layers, combined with powerful wind conditions that created extremely hazardous avalanche potential.

Snow measurements from Soda Springs, located near the avalanche site, showed at least 30 inches of new snowfall accumulated within a 24-hour timeframe, according to data from the Soda Springs Mountain Resort.

CHICAGO — One day following the passing of civil rights legend Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., his five children delivered a heartfelt memorial Wednesday outside the family’s Chicago residence, sharing memories that ranged from lighthearted moments about his famous determination to tearful reflections on losing their father.

The 82-year-old activist passed away Tuesday at his Chicago residence following a prolonged battle with a rare neurological condition that impaired his mobility and speech. Gathering on the front steps of the home where Jackson lived for years, his children — including Congressman Jonathan Jackson — celebrated both his monumental contributions to the civil rights movement and his dedication as a spiritual guide and parent.

“Our father is a man who dedicated his life to public service to gain, protect and defend civil rights and human rights to make our nation better, to make the world more just, our people better neighbors with each other,” his youngest son, Yusef Jackson, stated while visibly emotional during parts of his remarks.

The Jackson family indicated that while specific arrangements for the funeral will be shared later, memorial services are scheduled to commence next week. Jackson will lie in repose at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago, the organization he established and which Yusef now leads. A larger church venue will host subsequent services to handle anticipated attendance.

Jackson gained national recognition sixty years ago as a close associate of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., participating in the historic voting rights demonstration from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. King subsequently assigned Jackson to Chicago to establish Operation Breadbasket, a Southern Christian Leadership Conference initiative designed to push corporations toward hiring African American employees.

Jackson was present with King during the assassination of the civil rights leader on April 4, 1968.

Tributes have arrived from around the globe for Jackson, with flowers accumulating outside the residence where large photographs of the smiling leader have been displayed. However, his children emphasized that family always came first for their father.

“Our father took fatherhood very seriously,” his oldest daughter, Santita Jackson, remarked. “It was his charge to keep.”

The children’s remembrances echoed the eloquent style characteristic of their late father — incorporating prayer, emotion, and occasional humor, including references to the disagreements that naturally arise in a bustling, large household.

Former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., his eldest son, explained that his father’s funeral services would welcome everyone, “Democrat, Republican, liberal and conservative, right wing, left wing — because his life is broad enough to cover the full spectrum of what it means to be an American.”

The family’s only request is that attendees show respect during the services.

“If his life becomes a turning point in our national political discourse, amen,” he stated. “His last breath is not his last breath.”

Emergency teams navigated treacherous mountain terrain through blizzard conditions to reach six backcountry skiers who lived through an avalanche near Lake Tahoe, though nine members of their group are still unaccounted for.

According to Nevada County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Ashley Quadros, two of the rescued skiers required hospital care following their ordeal.

Officials corrected earlier reports Tuesday evening, confirming 15 skiers were part of the expedition, not the initially reported 16.

Emergency responders rushed to Frog Lake in the Castle Peak region, located northwest of Lake Tahoe, following a 911 emergency call about an avalanche with people buried beneath the snow. The incident occurred as a fierce winter storm battered California.

Harsh mountain conditions in Northern California significantly hampered rescue operations. Teams spent multiple hours navigating to the trapped skiers and transporting them to safety, where Truckee Fire Department personnel conducted medical evaluations.

County sheriff officials announced they will share additional details about ongoing rescue operations during a Wednesday morning press briefing.

Final Day of Mountain Adventure

The group was completing their final day of a three-day wilderness skiing adventure, according to Steve Reynaud, an avalanche specialist with the Sierra Avalanche Center who maintained communication with personnel at the scene. Reynaud explained the skiers had spent two nights in mountain shelters during an expedition requiring navigation through challenging mountain landscape for distances up to 4 miles while carrying all necessary provisions and gear.

Nevada County Sheriff Captain Russell Greene reported authorities learned of the avalanche through both the tour operator, Blackbird Mountain Guides, and emergency locator devices carried by the skiers. Rescue teams approached the avalanche site with extreme caution due to continued avalanche risks.

Blackbird Mountain Guides posted a statement on their website confirming their cooperation with authorities in the rescue mission.

Extreme Mountain Hazards

California faces severe weather this week from an intense winter storm system delivering dangerous thunderstorms, powerful winds, and substantial mountain snowfall.

“Backcountry conditions are extremely hazardous right now because we’re experiencing the storm’s peak intensity,” explained Brandon Schwartz, the primary avalanche specialist for Tahoe National Forest at the Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee.

The center issued avalanche alerts for Central Sierra Nevada areas, including the greater Lake Tahoe vicinity, beginning Tuesday at 5 a.m. with expectations of major slides continuing through Wednesday.

Soda Springs, located close to the avalanche site, measured over 30 inches of snowfall in a single 24-hour span, based on data from Soda Springs Mountain Resort.

The hazardous situation resulted from rapidly building snow accumulation on unstable underlying snow layers, combined with powerful winds.

The storm created widespread transportation problems from the Sierra Nevada mountains to Sonoma County. Interstate 80 traffic was temporarily stopped in both directions over and around Donner Summit because of vehicle spinouts and collisions.

Multiple Tahoe area ski facilities closed completely or partially due to weather conditions. Resort areas along major highways maintain avalanche prevention programs and faced lower risk compared to wilderness areas, where the center strongly advised against any travel in or near avalanche-prone terrain.

Location’s Tragic Past

Castle Peak, standing 9,110 feet tall north of Donner Summit, attracts many wilderness skiing enthusiasts. The peak takes its name from the notorious Donner Party, pioneer travelers who turned to cannibalism after becoming stranded in the area during the harsh winter of 1846-1847.

This past January, an avalanche in the same region trapped and killed a snowmobile rider, officials reported. The National Avalanche Center reports that avalanches claim 25 to 30 lives annually across the United States.

Avalanche safety training and specialized rescue equipment are strongly recommended for wilderness skiing, also called off-piste skiing, which involves traveling into remote wilderness areas far beyond resort boundaries. Wilderness skiing equipment features wider, heavier skis designed for ascending and descending ungroomed mountain terrain, unlike cross-country skis that are narrower and built for flatter, maintained trails.

Despite escalating military buildups on both sides, the United States and Iran have committed to continuing diplomatic negotiations, officials from both countries announced.

In the corporate world, Paramount is making one last attempt to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in what could be a major media industry consolidation.

On the technology front, Meta’s Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg is scheduled to provide testimony in a legal case focused on social media addiction, marking another significant moment in ongoing debates about tech platform responsibility.

Rescue teams successfully pulled six backcountry skiers to safety following a devastating avalanche that struck California on Tuesday. Local sheriff’s officials confirmed the rescue while emphasizing that search operations remain active for nine additional skiers who are still missing.

The avalanche trapped a total of 15 skiers in the backcountry area. While authorities have not released details about the condition of the rescued individuals, the focus now shifts to locating the remaining nine people caught in the snow slide.

Sheriff’s department officials stated that search efforts for the missing skiers are continuing as teams work against time and challenging mountain conditions.

Federal court proceedings came to an abrupt halt Tuesday when a judge in Fort Worth terminated the trial of nine defendants accused in connection with gunfire that erupted at an immigration enforcement facility in Alvarado, Texas.

The mistrial declaration ends the current prosecution phase for the nine individuals who faced charges related to the shooting incident that took place outside the ICE detention center during the previous year.

Court officials have not yet announced whether prosecutors will pursue a new trial in the case.

While moviegoers associate the rolling tumbleweed with classic Western films and the rugged American frontier, agricultural experts reveal these plants are actually harmful invasive species causing serious problems for farming communities.

These distinctive rolling plants, which have become as much a symbol of the American West as cattle ranchers and frontier life, create substantial challenges for agricultural operations throughout the nation’s western plains regions.

Rather than being native flora that belongs in the Western landscape, tumbleweeds represent an ongoing environmental concern that farmers must continuously battle as these invasive plants spread across their properties and disrupt normal farming activities.

While lawmakers on Capitol Hill remain at an impasse over Department of Homeland Security budget approval, former agency chief Janet Napolitano is offering her insights on Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and what lies ahead for the controversial agency.

The congressional standoff has left DHS funding in limbo as legislators simultaneously wrestle with proposals requiring body-worn cameras for immigration agents and mandating warrants before conducting enforcement operations.

Napolitano, who previously served as the department’s top official, is sharing her views on how ICE has evolved and where the agency may be headed as these policy debates continue to unfold in Washington.

Federal investigators have uncovered DNA evidence on a glove discovered roughly two miles away from the Arizona residence of missing woman Nancy Guthrie, according to the FBI.

Authorities report that the glove, which contained genetic material, appears to correspond with protective handwear observed on a masked individual who was captured on surveillance footage outside Guthrie’s front entrance during the evening when she disappeared.

The discovery represents a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Guthrie’s disappearance, as law enforcement agencies continue working to piece together the circumstances surrounding the case.

The evidence was processed as part of the comprehensive investigation being conducted by federal and local authorities in Arizona.

Daycare centers and early childhood education facilities across Illinois are expressing serious concerns about their ability to remain operational as a dispute over federal funding continues to unfold.

The Prairie State has joined four other Democratic-controlled states in legally challenging the current administration’s decision to suspend federal child care assistance programs.

Operators of child care facilities throughout Illinois are warning that without the restoration of this critical federal financial support, many centers will have no choice but to permanently close their doors, leaving families without essential services.

The funding freeze has created significant anxiety among those who run these vital community services, as they face the prospect of losing the resources needed to keep their programs running and staff employed.

A previous leader of the Federal Emergency Management Agency recently discussed with National Public Radio how a closure of the Department of Homeland Security might impact disaster response operations.

Deanne Criswell, who previously served as FEMA’s administrator, participated in an interview with NPR’s Leila Fadel to examine the potential consequences that a DHS shutdown could have on the emergency management agency’s day-to-day functions.

The conversation centered on understanding how such a government closure might influence FEMA’s capacity to carry out its critical disaster relief mission during times when communities need assistance most.

Television anchor Savannah Guthrie has made a renewed public appeal for her mother’s safe return while law enforcement officials continue their investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s mysterious disappearance.

Investigators are currently analyzing DNA evidence collected from a glove that was discovered roughly two miles away from Nancy Guthrie’s home. Officials are hopeful that the genetic material will provide crucial leads that could identify a person of interest in the case.

The ongoing investigation has captured significant attention as authorities work to piece together the circumstances surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s vanishing. The DNA testing represents a potential breakthrough in the search efforts that have been underway since her disappearance.

A catastrophic avalanche near California’s Lake Tahoe has left 10 skiers unaccounted for and six others trapped at the scene, according to authorities responding to Tuesday’s emergency.

The deadly slide occurred around 11:30 a.m. Pacific time in the Castle Peak backcountry area of Truckee, California, roughly 10 miles north of Lake Tahoe, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office reported on Facebook. The avalanche completely buried a skiing party of 16 people.

The skiing group included four professional guides leading 12 clients when the mountain gave way. Six individuals survived the slide and remained at the disaster site waiting for emergency crews, while 10 others could not be located, officials confirmed.

Should all the missing skiers lose their lives, this tragedy would become one of America’s most fatal single avalanche events in recorded history. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center reports six avalanche deaths nationwide this season so far.

Over the last ten years, avalanches have killed an average of 27 people annually across the United States, according to avalanche tracking data.

Northern California was under a winter storm warning Tuesday, with forecasters predicting heavy snowfall across the Sierra Nevada’s higher elevations.

Early Tuesday morning, the Sierra Avalanche Center had issued warnings about “high avalanche danger” conditions in backcountry skiing areas, the sheriff’s department noted.

Emergency rescue teams from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center rushed to the avalanche site, where dozens of first responders assembled for search operations.

Dangerous weather patterns continue threatening the Sierra backcountry terrain, with forecasters expecting more avalanche activity through Tuesday evening and Wednesday, authorities warned.

California Governor Gavin Newsom received briefings on the disaster, with state officials “coordinating an all-hands search-and-rescue effort” alongside local emergency response teams, his office announced on social media.

Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in America’s civil rights movement and a respected religious leader, has passed away at the age of 84, according to reports Tuesday.

The influential minister and former presidential candidate dedicated his life to advancing social justice causes and championing equality for all Americans throughout his remarkable career spanning several decades.

NPR correspondent Michel Martin discussed Jackson’s significant contributions and lasting impact on American society, highlighting his roles as both a spiritual leader and political activist who helped shape the nation’s ongoing dialogue about civil rights.

Jackson’s death marks the end of an era for those who witnessed his tireless advocacy work and his efforts to bridge divides within American communities.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the civil rights movement who passed away Tuesday at 84, played a pivotal role in championing the widespread adoption of ‘African American’ as a term that would honor cultural heritage and restore dignity to the community.

Jackson, who learned from and worked alongside the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., became part of a broader movement in the late 1980s that included NAACP leaders and other activists seeking to move away from terms like ‘colored’ and ‘blacks’ toward language that better reflected ancestral connections and commanded respect.

‘To be called African Americans has cultural integrity — it puts us in our proper historical context,’ Jackson stated during that era. ‘Every ethnic group in this country has a reference to some base, some historical, cultural base.’

The two-time presidential contender, who carried forward the Civil Rights Movement following King’s death, succumbed to a rare neurological condition at his Chicago residence with family by his side, according to his daughter Santita Jackson’s confirmation Tuesday.

Throughout his life’s work, Jackson championed voting access, employment opportunities, and educational advancement for marginalized communities while promoting Black pride. He believed that terminology originating from within the Black community could strengthen collective self-worth.

While academics had utilized ‘African American’ before Jackson and the NAACP’s campaign, the term remained largely academic until the reverend mobilized grassroots support. Historical records show the phrase appeared as early as 1782 in a Philadelphia sermon pamphlet authored ‘By an African American,’ according to Yale law librarian Fred R. Shapiro’s research.

Jackson drew inspiration from similar efforts by other minority communities working to reshape their public identification and recognition.

The 1990s brought discussions around ‘Latino’ versus ‘Hispanic’ terminology. Meanwhile, Asian Americans had successfully petitioned the U.S. Census Bureau to include Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the 1990 census for the first time. Though ‘African American’ gained prominence too late for that census, the bureau issued guidance stating ‘Black or Negro includes African-Americans.’

Black sociologist Walter Allen described the term’s acceptance as ‘a significant psychological and cultural turning point’ in a January 1989 New York Times piece.

This assessment followed Jackson’s December gathering of 75 Black organizations, encompassing fraternities, sororities, advocacy groups, and social organizations, where organizers reported ‘overwhelming consensus’ supporting the terminology shift. Chicago and Atlanta school systems quickly embraced the change, integrating it into their educational programs.

Today, ‘Black’ and ‘African American’ are commonly used interchangeably throughout the United States, though ‘Black’ is often considered more encompassing as it includes individuals from Latin America and the Caribbean.

Critics of ‘African American’ argue it qualifies their American identity or implies contemporary African connections that may not reflect their actual experiences.

Investigators searching for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie, received disappointing news Tuesday when genetic testing on a key piece of evidence yielded no results.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI announced that DNA extracted from a glove discovered near Guthrie’s Arizona residence failed to generate any matches when cross-referenced with the national Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database.

This development represents a significant blow to the investigation as authorities continue their search for the elderly woman, now missing for 17 days since her apparent abduction.

Law enforcement officials had high hopes for the glove, which was recovered from a roadside area approximately two miles from Guthrie’s Tucson-area home. The item appeared similar to gloves worn by a masked, armed individual captured on surveillance video attempting to tamper with her doorbell camera during the early morning hours before her disappearance.

Sheriff Chris Nanos has identified the masked figure – who was also carrying an oversized backpack and wearing a holstered firearm – as the primary suspect in what authorities believe was a kidnapping for ransom.

“At this point, there have been no confirmed CODIS matches in this investigation,” the sheriff’s office stated, while noting that additional genetic evidence collected from Guthrie’s property remains under analysis. “CODIS is one option of many databases that are available,” officials added.

The case has captured worldwide attention, with media outlets closely monitoring each development in the investigation.

Beyond high-tech forensic analysis, detectives have employed traditional investigative methods, including collaboration with Walmart store managers to track down purchasers of backpacks matching the one seen in surveillance footage.

Phillip Martin, who co-owns a Tucson firearms retailer, confirmed to Reuters that an FBI agent working the Guthrie case visited his establishment over a week ago with a list of fewer than 20 potential customers, inquiring about weapon purchases. Martin reported finding no matches after checking his records.

A law enforcement source revealed that the list shown to gun stores was compiled by cross-referencing backpack and holster purchase data with other investigative leads.

Authorities have also deployed advanced “signal sniffer” technology that creates heat maps to identify potential search locations. Parsons Corp, the system’s developer, confirmed its use by helicopter, ground vehicle, and foot search teams in the Guthrie case.

Nancy Guthrie was last observed on January 31 when family members dropped her off at home following dinner together. Relatives reported her missing the next day.

Sheriff Nanos has explained that the elderly woman’s severely limited mobility made it impossible for her to leave home without assistance, leading investigators to quickly determine she had been taken against her will.

Two alleged ransom demands have emerged since her disappearance, both initially delivered to news organizations rather than directly to the family or law enforcement.

Savannah Guthrie, 54, has released multiple video appeals alongside her siblings Camron and Annie Guthrie, pleading for their mother’s safe return and requesting public assistance in the case.

On Sunday, Sheriff Nanos issued a statement clearing all immediate family members – including siblings and their spouses – as suspects. “The Guthrie family are victims, plain and simple,” he declared.

DNA analysis confirmed that blood traces discovered on Guthrie’s front porch belonged to the missing woman, officials announced last week. Both law enforcement and family members have described her as being in fragile health, requiring daily medication for survival, and dependent on a pacemaker.

While acknowledging that no evidence of life has emerged since the abduction, Nanos told Reuters last week that “there’s not been any proof of death either,” stating his operating assumption remains that Nancy Guthrie is still alive.

MINNEAPOLIS — State and federal investigators are examining allegations that immigration agents brutally assaulted a Mexican national during a January arrest, leaving him with eight fractured skull bones that required intensive care treatment at a Minneapolis medical facility.

Last week, FBI agents and St. Paul Police Department investigators combed through a shopping center parking lot where Alberto Castañeda Mondragón claims Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers dragged him from a car, slammed him onto the pavement, and repeatedly bludgeoned his head with a metal baton.

Immigration officials have placed responsibility for the injuries on Castañeda Mondragón himself, claiming he tried to escape while restrained and “fell and hit his head against a concrete wall.”

However, medical personnel who provided care to the victim informed The Associated Press that such a fall would not reasonably explain the patient’s brain bleeding and memory loss. Medical imaging revealed fractures across the front, rear, and sides of his skull — damage that a physician described to the AP as incompatible with a simple fall.

In a recent AP interview, Castañeda Mondragón described the arresting officers as “racist” and said they “started beating me right away when they arrested me.” His legal representatives argue that ICE agents targeted him based on racial bias.

During distinct visits to the shopping center last week, both local and federal investigators sought security camera recordings from multiple businesses. However, store employees informed the AP that their surveillance systems either failed to record the January 8th incident or had automatically deleted the footage after more than 30 days elapsed before authorities requested it.

Johnny Ratana, owner of Teepwo Market, an Asian grocery store overlooking the parking area where the detention took place, reported that St. Paul police investigators visited his establishment twice recently. During the second visit, he explained, a technical specialist attempted to retrieve footage that had been automatically erased after the standard 30-day period.

Ratana also confirmed that FBI representatives had contacted him seeking the same video evidence.

Neither the St. Paul Police Department nor the FBI provided responses to requests for statements.

These investigations unfold alongside another federal inquiry examining whether two ICE agents committed perjury regarding a Minneapolis shooting incident. Federal prosecutors dismissed charges against two Venezuelan individuals — previously accused of assaulting an officer with a snow shovel and broom handle — after video evidence undermined the officers’ sworn statements.

Additionally, the FBI informed Minnesota officials last week that it would withhold all information and evidence gathered regarding the January 24th fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents. That incident remains under Justice Department civil rights review.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security declined for weeks to address any details concerning Castañeda Mondragón’s injuries and has ignored comprehensive questions from the AP, including whether officers captured body camera video during the arrest.

The agency reaffirmed its position last week that Castañeda Mondragón caused his own harm.

“On January 8, 2026, ICE conducted a targeted enforcement operation to arrest Alberto Castaneda Mondragon, a 31-year-old illegal alien from Mexico who overstayed his visa,” stated Tricia McLaughlin, the department’s assistant secretary for public affairs. “While in handcuffs, Castaneda attempted to escape custody and ran toward a main highway. While running, Castaneda fell and hit his head against a concrete wall.”

McLaughlin’s statement claiming Castañeda Mondragón was specifically targeted for deportation conflicts with a January 20th court document where ICE indicated officers only discovered the man had exceeded his work visa terms after taking him into custody. McLaughlin did not address questions about which version was accurate.

Legal counsel for Castañeda Mondragón refused to comment on ICE’s official statement.

The criminal investigations may face challenges due to the delayed law enforcement response, despite calls for answers from multiple elected officials.

St. Paul police informed the AP on February 5th that while they recognized “the serious allegations” surrounding the arrest, they could not initiate an investigation into Castañeda Mondragón’s injuries until he submitted an official police report — a process delayed for weeks due to his hospitalization and unclear immigration circumstances. Officers finally recorded his statement one week ago at the Mexican consulate.

By then, at least one neighboring business had already erased its surveillance recordings.

“It is my expectation that we will investigate past and future allegations of criminal conduct by federal agents to seek the truth and hold accountable anyone who has violated Minnesota law,” declared John Choi, Ramsey County’s chief prosecutor, in an official statement.

Castañeda Mondragón has been ordered to appear at ICE’s primary Minneapolis detention center on February 23rd, creating the possibility he could be detained again and removed from the country.

NEW ORLEANS, La. (AP) — The famous Mardi Gras season came to an end in New Orleans as the city wrapped up its traditional celebration with festive parades and vibrant displays.

The annual Carnival festivities draw attention for their impressive oversized floats and elaborate handcrafted attire. Among the most striking participants are the Black masking Indians, who don intricate costumes adorned with beads, jewels, and magnificent feathered headpieces. Meanwhile, festival attendees stroll through the historic French Quarter wearing homemade outfits that reflect the distinctive character and atmosphere of New Orleans.

This collection features images selected by Associated Press photo editors showcasing the celebration’s conclusion.

Investigators working to find Nancy Guthrie announced Tuesday that genetic material recovered from gloves discovered near her Arizona residence failed to produce any matches when searched against national criminal databases, marking 17 days since the 84-year-old woman vanished.

According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, searches through CODIS, the national Combined DNA Index System, came back empty. “There were no DNA hits in CODIS,” officials stated.

The department added that multiple genetic samples from the investigation have been run through the system without success. “At this point, there have been no confirmed CODIS matches in this investigation,” authorities reported.

The Combined DNA Index System maintains genetic profiles from individuals arrested for crimes or those with criminal convictions. Successful matches could potentially identify persons of interest in Guthrie’s vanishing.

Nancy Guthrie, whose daughter Savannah Guthrie co-hosts NBC’s “Today” show, was last seen on February 1st after spending an evening with relatives at her Tucson-area residence. Investigators discovered blood evidence on her front porch.

Security footage captured a masked individual carrying a backpack and wearing winter clothing including gloves. Federal investigators describe the person as approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall with an average build.

The gloves in question were recovered roughly 2 miles away from Guthrie’s residence. FBI officials believe these gloves match those seen in the surveillance recording.

Authorities revealed that additional genetic evidence collected from the home is currently undergoing laboratory analysis.

The sheriff’s department is also employing cutting-edge technology in hopes of tracking Guthrie through her cardiac pacemaker device.

Parsons Corporation confirmed its BlueFly detection system, weighing under one pound with a detection range extending 218 yards, can identify signals from medical implants and wearable technology. The company verified the equipment has been deployed both from aircraft and ground teams throughout Arizona, though declined to provide additional search details.

On Sunday, Savannah Guthrie shared a video message on Instagram pleading for information about her mother’s whereabouts.

“It is never too late to do the right thing,” she stated. “And we are here. And we believe in the essential goodness of every human being, that it’s never too late.”