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California residents are facing a week of extreme weather, with a powerful winter storm bringing torrential rain and flooding to Los Angeles and blizzard conditions, including record snowfall, to the Sierra Nevada mountains. The storm, which began impacting the state Monday, has already caused significant disruptions, and officials are warning of continued hazardous conditions in the coming days.
Millions of Los Angeles County residents are under flash flood warnings as the storm delivers heavy rainfall. Areas previously burned by wildfires are particularly vulnerable to mud and debris flows, prompting evacuation warnings for residents in those zones. Meanwhile, Northern California is grappling with high winds and heavy snowfall, creating dangerous travel conditions and closing key transportation routes.
The Sierra Nevada is experiencing some of the worst winter conditions in three years, according to the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab. More than two feet of snow has fallen in the last 24 hours, and up to three more feet are forecast by Wednesday night. The combination of heavy snow, low visibility, and high winds has led to the closure of Interstate 80 over Donner Summit and Highway 50 from Sly Park to Meyers, severely impacting travel plans.
The Bank of England held its key interest rate at 3.75% today, a decision reached by a narrow 5-4 vote within the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), as inflation remains above the Bank’s 2% target.
The pause comes after six consecutive rate cuts since August 2024, and despite growing expectations of a reduction in the coming months. Current inflation stands at 3.4%, according to the Bank of England, and is forecast to fall back to the 2% target later this spring, a slightly quicker pace than previously anticipated.
While the MPC opted to hold rates steady, the close vote signals a shift in sentiment, with a growing number of policymakers believing the risk of persistent inflation has diminished. Four members of the committee voted for an immediate cut, judging that the threat of inflation remaining high had “receded materially.”
The decision was influenced by recent economic data, including a slowdown in wage growth and falling global food prices, both of which are expected to contribute to easing inflationary pressures in the UK. Yesterday’s figures showed a deceleration in wage increases, a factor that, while potentially unwelcome for workers, is seen as a positive sign in the fight against rising prices.
According to the Bank of England, the current Bank Rate affects other interest rates throughout the economy, serving as a primary tool for maintaining price stability. The Bank’s governor, Andrew Bailey, stated that, “we now think that inflation will fall back to around 2 per cent by the spring. That’s good news. We demand to make sure that inflation stays there, so we’ve held rates unchanged at 3.75 per cent today. All going well, there should be scope for some further reduction in the Bank rate this year.”
However, policymakers remain cautious, balancing the risk of inflation falling below the 2% target against the potential for weaker economic growth. The MPC will continue to assess incoming data at each meeting to determine the appropriate level of interest rates needed to ensure inflation remains stable.
Markets are now anticipating a potential rate cut as early as April, a shift from previous expectations of a later reduction. Some mortgage lenders have already begun to adjust their products in response to the MPC’s vote, with experts suggesting the market may now stabilise.
The next scheduled meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee is on March 19, 2026, where the future direction of interest rates will be reassessed.
The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of television journalist Savannah Guthrie, continues with no new leads following the revelation that DNA recovered from a glove found near her Arizona home does not match any profiles in a national database. The lack of a match represents a significant setback in the investigation, which has captivated the nation for over two weeks.
Authorities have been treating Guthrie’s disappearance as a potential kidnapping for ransom. The investigation intensified after the discovery of the glove approximately 3 kilometers from her Tucson residence. Investigators hoped a DNA match would quickly identify a suspect, but Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that analysis of the DNA yielded no results in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a national repository of DNA profiles.
Key Evidence and the Ongoing Investigation
The glove is believed to be connected to the abduction, as it resembles one worn by a masked man seen in surveillance footage shortly before Guthrie went missing on January 31st. The suspect in the video was also observed carrying an overstuffed backpack and a handgun in a holster, leading investigators to believe he is the primary person of interest. Sheriff Nanos stated the man in the video is considered the likely perpetrator.
“There were no DNA hits in CODIS,” Sheriff Nanos said, emphasizing that CODIS is just one of many databases available to law enforcement. Despite the lack of a match in the national database, the investigation remains active and multifaceted.
Law enforcement is pursuing multiple avenues of inquiry, including tracing the purchase of a distinctive black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack seen in the surveillance footage. Investigators have been working with Walmart managers to identify the purchaser. A Reuters report indicated that an FBI agent visited a local gun store more than a week ago with a list of fewer than 20 potential customers, seeking information about weapon purchases, but no matches were found.
Advanced Technology and Family Involvement
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is also utilizing advanced technology in the search, including a “signal sniffer” system designed by Parsons Corp. This technology creates a heat map to identify potential search areas, and is being used by search teams operating via helicopter, ground vehicles, and on foot.
Authorities have ruled out immediate family members as suspects, stating definitively, “The Guthrie family are victims, plain and simple.” This declaration came after investigators thoroughly vetted siblings and their spouses. Traces of blood found on Guthrie’s front porch were confirmed through DNA testing to be hers, according to officials.
Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC News’ Today show, along with her brother Camron Guthrie and sister Annie Guthrie, have publicly appealed for their mother’s safe return and for any information that might assist the investigation.
Health Concerns and Continued Search Efforts
Nancy Guthrie is described by law enforcement and family as being in frail health and requiring daily medication, including treatment related to a pacemaker. Sheriff Nanos has stated that, given her limited mobility, it is unlikely she left her home without assistance. While no proof of life has been established since her disappearance, authorities have also found no evidence to suggest she has been harmed. Sheriff Nanos has indicated his working presumption is that Nancy Guthrie remains alive.
At least two purported ransom notes have surfaced since Guthrie vanished, initially delivered to news media outlets. The investigation into these notes is ongoing.
As the search enters its 17th day, law enforcement continues to follow all available leads, hoping for a breakthrough in this complex case. The focus remains on identifying the masked suspect and securing the safe return of Nancy Guthrie.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, please contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s annual Carnival celebrations continued with a vibrant and well-attended Children’s Parade on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. More than 50,000 people lined the streets to witness the spectacle, a 10,000-person increase from 2025, as young participants showcased their creativity and enthusiasm. The event, a cornerstone of the city’s Carnival festivities, underscores the enduring appeal of this family-friendly tradition.
The parade, known locally as the “Cabalgata Infantil,” featured a colorful procession of floats, murgas (choirs), comparsas (dance groups), and costumed children, all making their way from Manuel Becerra to Mesa y López. This year’s event highlighted the importance of nurturing the next generation of Carnival performers and enthusiasts, solidifying the event’s role in preserving the cultural heritage of Las Palmas.
A Celebration of “Las Minimascaritas”
The Children’s Parade is affectionately known as the celebration of “Las Minimascaritas” – the little masked ones – and this year’s event did not disappoint. Nearly 2,400 participants actively took part in the parade, either marching in the procession or riding on elaborately decorated floats. The route began promptly at 12:00 PM, and despite the warm weather, maintained a brisk pace, reaching Santa Catalina by 1:20 PM and concluding at Mesa y López by 2:10 PM. The final float completed the route at 2:50 PM, according to reports.
Leading the parade was Elena Henríquez González, the current Reina Infantil (Children’s Queen), accompanied by her four Damas de Honor: Shuhayla Lisbey Moya Rodríguez, Gala Nieves Mingorance, Martina Ortiz Rodríguez, and Noa de los Bueis Domínguez. They were preceded by Carnival characters and the energetic Piratas del Caribe batucada (percussion group).
Groups and Performances
The parade showcased a diverse range of young talent, including performances from the murgas Biznietos de SaryMánchez, Trapasitos, and Chahitos. Comparsas Brisa de Volcán, Yurimagua Junior, Rayo de Luna Junior, and Liancerios Junior also participated, adding to the lively atmosphere. Additional musical performances were provided by the Samba Isleña and Caribe Creando Escuela batucadas, as well as the Urban Family group. Fifteen themed floats, sponsored in part by Tirma, completed the procession.
The parade’s success is seen as a testament to the strength of the Carnival’s youth programs and a promising sign for the future of the festivities. Organizers emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for young people to engage with and contribute to the Carnival tradition.
The Children’s Parade is a key event in the Las Palmas Carnival schedule, following closely after the crowning of the adult Carnival Queen, Carla Benítez González, the previous evening. The city’s mayor, Carolina Darias, and Carnival Councilor, Héctor Alemán, were present to support the participants and enjoy the festivities. The city’s official website details the broader Carnival program.
As the Carnival celebrations continue, attention now turns to upcoming events, including the Day Parade, which took place on February 14th, featuring winners of the Carnival galas and aspiring Drag Queens. The festivities will culminate with performances by Gran Combo and Olga Tañón in the Santa Catalina area. Atlanticohoy reports on the continued success of the Carnival events.
The Las Palmas Carnival continues to be a major cultural event for the city, attracting both locals and tourists alike. The enthusiastic participation of the “minimascaritas” ensures that the spirit of Carnival will continue to thrive for generations to come. Share your thoughts and experiences from the parade in the comments below!