An urgent investigation into the kidnapping of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie continued Sunday, one week after she was reported missing from her Arizona home.
Nancy Guthrie is the mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie.
In a social media video released Saturday, a solemn Savannah Guthrie, flanked by her siblings, directly addressed the kidnappers. “We received your message,” she said. “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
An FBI spokesman confirmed Guthrie was referring to a message sent Friday to Tucson television station KOLD. The station declined to disclose its contents, citing the active FBI investigation.
Detectives and federal agents conducted follow-up work at multiple locations Sunday, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said.
In an email to media, the department declined to provide specifics but stated, “Investigators have not identified any suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles connected to this case.”
Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old pro-democracy media tycoon and prominent critic of Beijing, was sentenced to 20 years in prison Thursday under Hong Kong’s national security law—a landmark ruling likely to keep him imprisoned for life.
It is one of the highest-profile prosecutions under the sweeping security legislation imposed by Beijing in 2020. The three government-vetted judges found Lai guilty in December of conspiring with foreign forces and publishing seditious articles, charges that carried a possible life sentence.
Given his age, the 20-year term amounts to a life sentence for the founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, which was a vocal platform for democracy activism before authorities forced its closure in 2021.
“Eighteen years of this sentence will run consecutively with his current fraud sentence of five years and nine months,” Judge Esther Toh said in court. Lai’s eight co-defendants—including former Apple Daily staff and activists—received prison terms ranging from just over six years to 10 years.
Lai smiled and waved to supporters upon arriving in court, but departed solemnly as some in the public gallery wept. His lawyer, Robert Pang, declined to comment on whether Lai would appeal.
The verdict solidifies Beijing’s campaign to stifle dissent in Hong Kong, where once-vibrant opposition voices have been largely silenced under the national security law.
In a fitting finish, it was Ilia Malinin who received the first gold medal for the U.S. figure skating team Sunday night. After all, he was the one who delivered it.
With the entire competition tied and resting on his final free skate, the American they call the “Quad God” transformed pressure into perfection.
He cleanly landed five quadruple jumps to score 200.03 points, erasing the memory of his uncharacteristically modest short program from the night before.
His performance held off Japanese rival Shun Sato, who followed with a valiant effort and three quads but fell short with 194.86 points.
The victory secured the U.S. team’s successful gold medal defense with 69 points to Japan’s 68.
It was a sweet redemption for the Americans, who finally received an on-podium Olympic medal ceremony after a two-year wait due to the Russian doping scandal at the 2022 Beijing Games.
“I was like, ‘OK, I’m the deciding factor,’” Malinin said. “‘I need to just do what I need to do.’”
The Seattle Seahawks are champions again, lifted by a dominant defense that sealed a 29-13 Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots.
While kicker Jason Myers set a Super Bowl record with five field goals, the offense finally broke through in the fourth quarter on a Sam Darnold touchdown pass to AJ Barner.
But the game turned on defense. After New England’s Drake Maye connected with Mack Hollins for a touchdown to pull within one score, the Seahawks responded instantly.
An interception and a forced fumble returned for a touchdown by Uchenna Nwosu slammed the door shut.
The night also featured a historic halftime show, as Bad Bunny brought a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture to the global stage.
The Seahawks’ formula of steady scoring and defensive takeaways proved unbeatable, securing the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy.
(Reuters) – Manchester City’s Erling Haaland converted a stoppage-time penalty to give his side a 2-1 victory at Liverpool on Sunday, narrowing the gap with Premier League leaders Arsenal to six points and breathing new life into the title race.
The Norwegian’s 21st league goal of the season capped a thrilling comeback after Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free kick put Liverpool ahead in the 74th minute, only for Bernardo Silva to equalise late before Haaland’s decisive spot-kick.
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In a chaotic finale, City’s Rayan Cherki appeared to have scored from the halfway line after goalkeeper Alisson ventured upfield, with Haaland and Szoboszlai both sprinting and grappling as the ball crept over the line.
However, the referee disallowed the goal after a VAR check and awarded a free kick to City while Szoboszlai was sent off for tugging Haaland’s shirt.
“Come on referee, give the goal and go home,” City boss Pep Guardiola told the BBC. “It was a brilliant advert for the Premier League. First half was really good and we lost a bit of momentum in the second half. Anfield can feel like that.
“What a strike from Szoboszlai and after that, led by our captain Bernardo, we come back.”
City were staring at a nine-point deficit, but the victory keeps Pep Guardiola’s side in contention while Liverpool slumped to sixth place, now 11 points behind City.
GUEHI BOOED AT ANFIELD
The visitors dominated the early possession to silence the Anfield crowd, with Haaland nearly opening the scoring in the second minute when Silva played him through, but goalkeeper Alisson sprinted off his line to smother the attempt.
City’s January signing Marc Guehi received a hostile reception from the Liverpool crowd, with boos ringing out when he touched the ball — a pointed reminder of his failed summer transfer move to Anfield from Crystal Palace.
But the England defender kept his composure, snuffing out dangerous chances for Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike as Liverpool failed to get a shot on target in the first half.
Towards the end of the opening period, Salah screamed for a penalty after Silva tugged at him during a set piece as the Egyptian fell over attempting a shot.
However, neither the referee nor VAR spotted a foul, leaving the teams deadlocked at the break.
Having been second-best in the first half, Liverpool emerged transformed after the restart, firing four shots in 11 minutes as the Anfield crowd found their voice.
SWERVING FREE KICK FROM SZOBOSZLAI
Ekitike missed two chances while Szoboszlai tested City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, before the Hungarian midfielder’s moment of magic arrived with a swerving free kick that sailed past the Italian, who could only watch as it found the net.
But City’s response was swift as they equalised 10 minutes later when Haaland headed a cross over the defence for Silva to score from the edge of the six-yard box.
The decisive moment came in added time when Matheus Nunes was brought down in the penalty area by Alisson after being put through on the right flank, allowing Haaland to step up and silence the crowd with his first goal at Anfield.
Haaland had scored one league goal since the turn of the year and the striker celebrated by removing his shirt as City breathed a huge sigh of relief with three points in the bag.
“For the distance that we have to Arsenal, coming here it is the toughest place in the Premier League by far but we needed to go for another goal,” Silva told Sky Sports. “When I scored, I was happy but we needed another and Erling got it.
“We could be closer to Arsenal … I feel the whole team knew before the game if we lost it then the title race was probably over. We felt like we needed to win.”
Crystal Palace ended a 12-game winless run in all competitions by beating rival Brighton 1-0 in the Premier League on Sunday.
Ismaila Sarr scored the only goal of the match at the Amex Stadium to move Palace nine points clear of the relegation zone and leapfrog Brighton into 13th place.
“It was an unbelievable atmosphere and what a way to start my Palace career, a win in a derby,” said Palace’s record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen, who joined from Wolves on deadline day. “It was really important to win as there has been a run without wins before I joined.
“This is the most intense game I have ever played so I’m tired now, but it is worth it.”
Sarr’s winner came after running through in the 61st minute and firing past goalkeeper Bart Verburggen. It was his second goal in as many games and his 10th of the season.
Palace’s last win in any competition was against Shelbourne in the Conference League on Dec. 11.
Liverpool hosted second-place Manchester City later Sunday.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has objected to the revival of the Azimio La Umoja Coalition Party and the appointment of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as its leader.
Azimio was a conglomerate of over 16 political parties, and a ticket with which the late Raila Odinga sought the presidency in 2022.
The coalition remained active post-election, and even advanced vibrant anti-government protests, until July 2024, when it went inactive after Raila formulated an arrangement with President William Ruto, which saw some ranking members of the ODM party joining the Cabinet.
On February 2, in a bid to revive the coalition, former president Uhuru Kenyatta, in his capacity as Azimio council chairman, appointed Kalonzo the leader of the coalition.
Reacting to the development, Junet noted the appointment was out of order, noting it was unprocedural.
The MP went after Kalonzo, accusing him of ignorantly embracing Uhuru’s appointment despite being aware it was against the deed of the coalition, which was presented to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).
“Kalonzo, as senior counsel, I am sure you know that Azimio has a legal document deposited with ORPP. You decided not to follow the provisions of the document to make the changes you purported to have made,” Junet told Kalonzo.
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Kalonzo Musyoka the Azimio La Umoja coalition leader.
The MP, who served as the secretary general of Azimio, also took issue with Kalonzo for laying blame on President William Ruto’s regime for the decision by the government printer to invalidate his appointment by refusing to gazette it.
Junet asked Kalonzo to follow the set procedures for him to substantively take over the coalition as its leader.
He also wondered why Kalonzo had developed an interest in Azimio months after claiming the coalition was long dead.
“Stop blaming other people and follow the right procedure as enshrined in our Azimio deed of agreement. The document that took you nine hours of persuasion to sign the day the coalition was formed. Stick to your Wiper party and make changes as you wish. You told us six months ago that Azimio is dead, but now you think you can resurrect it for your own selfish and parochial use,” Junet went on.
Junet’s arguments came days after the ODM party contested the leadership changes, arguing that the move contravened the coalition’s founding agreement.
In a letter to the Registrar of Political Parties dated Thursday, February 5, ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen questioned the legality of the meeting that endorsed the changes, stressing that such decisions must adhere strictly to the coalition’s Deed of Agreement.
ODM emphasised that the agreement clearly outlines how the Coalition Council is constituted and how leadership appointments or removals should be handled.
The party maintained that the authority to appoint or dismiss coalition officials lies collectively with leaders of all constituent parties, not with any single individual or the council acting independently.
ODM further noted that its party leader, explicitly recognised as a key stakeholder in the agreement, was neither consulted nor informed about the purported changes.
Consequently, ODM declared that the meeting and its resolutions lack legal validity, as they breached the coalition’s governing document.
The party has now urged the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to suspend any actions stemming from the disputed meeting until both the law and the coalition agreement are fully respected.
This dispute follows Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s announcement of his appointment as Azimio’s Party Leader.
In his statement on Tuesday, February 3, Kalonzo confirmed he had accepted the role and expressed gratitude to Azimio’s senior leadership and constituent parties for entrusting him with the position.
The Office of the Attorney General has unveiled a newly established VVIP Marriage Lounge ahead of Valentine’s Day season.
In a statement, the office announced that the VVIP Lounge was put into use on Saturday, February 8, during a civil marriage ceremony hosted within the new facility.
According to the statement, the lounge was created to offer a calm, respectful, and welcoming setting for couples.
“Earlier today, the Office of the Attorney General hosted a civil marriage ceremony at the newly established VVIP Lounge. The facility, set up ahead of the Valentine’s season, is designed to provide a dignified, serene, and welcoming environment for the solemnization of civil unions,” the statement read.
File image of guests at the VVIP lounge
The successful hosting of the ceremony was described as a milestone in improving how services are delivered to the public
“The successful hosting of the ceremony marks a significant step in enhancing the quality of service delivery at the Office, while creating a more personalized and respectful experience for couples choosing to formalize their unions through civil marriage,” the statement added.
File image of the VVIP lounge
The Attorney General’s Office further explained that the establishment of the VVIP Lounge aligns with its long-term commitment to improving public service spaces.
“The establishment of the VVIP Lounge reflects the Office’s broader commitment to continuous improvement, citizen-centered services, and the creation of spaces that uphold the dignity and importance of key life milestones.
“As Valentine’s Day approaches, the new facility adds a meaningful touch to celebrations of love, commitment, and partnership,” the statement further read.
File image of guests at the VVIP lounge
This comes over a year after the office announced the launch of premium marriage services at a higher fee.
In a statement on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor disclosed that her office has launched a VIP Marriage Room in Nairobi, which offers upscale and expedited marriage services for couples seeking an elegant wedding experience.
Oduor revealed that couples can now enjoy garden weddings officiated by the Office of the Attorney General at a prescribed fee.
“We are excited to announce the launch of a VIP Marriage Room, Nairobi, which offers an upscale, expedited marriage service for couples seeking an elegant and efficient wedding experience.
“Couples can now enjoy garden weddings officiated by the Office of the Attorney General at a prescribed fee. Couples can select and procure a beautiful, serene outdoor setting for their special day, ensuring a memorable experience while securing compliance with all legal requirements for marriage registration,” she remarked.
Oduor noted that the services will include premium features, including a private and well-appointed room designed for personalized ceremonies.
Similarly, it will include an option for couples to decorate the room according to their preferences, allowing for a customized touch to their celebration.
“The VIP Marriage Room underscores our commitment to ensuring that all couples have the latitude to create meaningful memories of their wedding day while receiving professional and prompt service,” she added.
Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka has promised major reforms in taxation and education if elected president in the 2027 general election.
In a post on Sunday, February 8, Kalonzo vowed to abolish the housing levy once he gets into office.
The former vice president also promised to tackle what he described as over-taxation that has burdened Kenyans for years.
“We will abolish the housing levy and end the era of over taxation that has strangled Kenyan workers.
“We will restore dignity to the Kenyan pay slip, ensuring that hard work builds futures, not just government coffers,” said Kalonzo.
File image of Kalonzo Musyoka during a town hall meeting with Kenyans living in the United States.
The Azimio leader also mentioned that he will carry out reforms within the education sector.
Kalonzo said he will rebuild the education system to the world-class standards he and President Kibaki once championed.
“We will rebuild our education system to the world-class standard that President Kibaki and I once championed, a system that prepares Kenyans to compete globally, not just survive locally,” Kalonzo added.
However, Kalonzo emphasized that meaningful reform cannot happen without removing the current government from office.
The former vice president further claimed that opposition leaders are frequently targeted by the state because President William Ruto’s administration fears their agenda.
“The current regime attacks us daily because they sense what we already know: change is coming, and it is inevitable. They claim we lack an agenda. The truth? They fear our agenda,” Kalonzo added.
The Wiper party leader’s remarks come after he held a town hall meeting with Kenyans living in Baltimore, USA.
Kalonzo touched down in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, February 4 evening and was received warmly by Kenyans.
In a statement after landing in Washington, Kalonzo said he would attend the 74th National Prayer Breakfast.
The Azimio leader also said he will be holding engagements with the Kenyan community living in the US and other stakeholders.
“Touchdown, Washington, D.C. Grateful to Albina, Shanice, and Enrique for the warm welcome at Dulles International Airport. Looking forward to the 74th National Prayer Breakfast and fruitful engagements with our diaspora community and beyond,” said Kalonzo.
A police recruit is in custody after being arrested in connection with a fake job fraud that saw a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) hopeful losing hundreds of thousands of shillings.
In a statement on Sunday, February 8, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced the arrest of Kipkoech Isaac, who is accused of running a fake KDF recruitment scam.
According to the detectives, Kipkoech, who had joined the police service and was at the National Police College, Embakasi A campus, tricked the victim into believing that he would help him secure a slot in the country’s armed forces.
The unsuspecting victim cooperated with Kipkoech and parted with a huge part of the required amount.
He paid Ksh687,000, after which Kipkoech disappeared.
“Detectives from Kayole Police Station have arrested a Police Recruit Constable accused of running a slick con that fleeced a member of the public of Sh687,000, all under the guise of securing an employment letter from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). On November 12, 2025, the suspect, Kipkoech Isaac, spun a tantalising tale for his victim, promising an official KDF employment letter in exchange for Ksh700,000,” read the DCI’s statement.
The victim reported the matter formally, prompting action by the detectives.
Kipkoech was later trailed at the police college, with the officers booking him into the Kayole Police Station ahead of further police action.
“Following this, detectives launched a manhunt for the suspect, trailing him to the National Police College, Embakasi A campus, and subsequently arresting him. Now cooling his heels in custody, Kipkoech is undergoing processing as he awaits arraignment,” the DCI added.
This came months after DCI officers arrested a man accused of defrauding job seekers of Ksh2.5 million through a fake police recruitment scheme.
The suspect, identified as Benedict Odeng’ero Wekesa, was taken into custody after three victims reported being conned with promises of guaranteed entry into the police service.
Investigators said Wekesa used forged recruitment letters to convince the victims to hand over large sums of money, assuring them their slots in the service were secured.
By the time the victims realised they had been duped, a total of Ksh2.5 million had been lost, and their hopes of joining the police were dashed.
Acting on the complaints, detectives tracked Wekesa to the Sagret Hotel in Kilimani, where they ambushed and arrested him.
During the operation, officers recovered 20 additional fake recruitment letters, exposing what appears to be a well-organised fraud network.
However, Wekesa’s accomplice managed to flee the scene after sensing danger, escaping before police could apprehend him.
