JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 966

WINDER, Ga. Prosecutors opened a trial Monday against Colin Gray, the father of the teenager accused in the Sept. 4, 2024, Apalachee High School shooting that killed four people and wounded nine. Gray faces 29 felony counts alleging he supplied a firearm and ammunition after warnings; jurors were seated this week. Prosecutors cited a December 2023 rifle purchase and prior law enforcement alerts about online threats linked to the suspect. Opening statements and witness testimony described warnings and responses by school staff. The trial will determine whether parental conduct meets criminal liability. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Wilmington, N.C. Law enforcement agencies across southeastern U.S. counties are actively searching for multiple missing teenagers this week. Pender County deputies reported 15-year-old Landen Hairr missing after he was last seen Sunday near Pinnacle Parkway in Hampstead. Brunswick County officials said 17-year-old Natayah McCree did not board her bus Feb. 17 after leaving a high school. Charleston deputies seek 17-year-old Sylvanna Jacobs, last seen about two weeks ago in Hollywood. Broward Sheriff’s Office alerted the public after 19-year-old Angelina Anderson went missing Feb. 13. Authorities request any tips and provide contact numbers. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Inglewood, Calif. — Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown disputed Beverly Hills officials' account after police shut down a private event he hosted before the NBA All-Star Game. The Beverly Hills Police Department told The Boston Globe the city denied an event permit because of prior violations at the Trousdale residence and officers responded when organizers proceeded. Brown, who promoted his performance brand 741 and is an Oakley partner, told ESPN and posted video contesting that description and asking questions during the encounter. Reporting cited BHPD statements, Brown's comments to ESPN and social media. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, US and Iranian envoys will meet in Geneva this week for indirect nuclear talks mediated by Oman. The US delegation will include envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner; Iran will send Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. President Donald Trump said Monday he will participate indirectly and warned of consequences if Tehran rejects a deal. The talks follow resumed discussions in Muscat on Feb. 6 and June clashes that involved Israeli strikes on Iranian sites. Diplomats aim to address nuclear, missile and regional security issues. A second round is scheduled Tuesday in Geneva. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, White House border czar Tom Homan defended ICE officers' use of masks on Sunday, saying officers face increased threats and assaults, citing figures he attributed to CBS and DHS. Congressional Democrats demanded restrictions on mask use and other accountability measures after recent fatal shootings by federal officers, triggering a partial Department of Homeland Security funding lapse this week. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reiterated Democratic goals to halt mobile ICE patrols, increase officer accountability, and ban masks. Agencies including TSA and FEMA reported operational impacts nationwide as lawmakers remained in recess. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Lafayette, Louisiana, Firefighters contained multiple structure fires across U.S. communities this week, responding to incidents in Lafayette, Loudoun County, Longwood, Amarillo, New Bedford, and Sterling. Crews reported a sofa fire on February 15 causing moderate damage, a strip mall blaze early Monday damaging several suites, an auto-shop fire contained by Sunday night, and a restaurant exhaust-vent fire extinguished with one precautionary hospitalization; a Sterling house fire remains under investigation. No fatalities were reported. Local departments credited quick suppression and mutual aid for limiting injuries and damage. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in December that the United States would support Israeli strikes on Iran's ballistic missile program if diplomatic talks fail, U.S. media reported. U.S. military and intelligence officials discussed potential assistance options including aerial refueling and diplomatic overflight permissions, while Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE publicly refused to permit attack overflights. U.S.-Iran indirect talks are scheduled in Geneva this week, mediated by Oman. On Feb. 17 Trump warned Tehran of consequences and said he would be indirectly involved in ongoing diplomatic negotiations. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — Lawmakers and the White House showed no signs of compromise Saturday after negotiations failed to fund the Department of Homeland Security, prompting a partial shutdown that paused funding for agencies. Democrats demanded changes to immigration enforcement following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal officers in Minneapolis last month, including body cameras, clearer identification, and use-of-force rules. Congress is on recess until Feb. 23, and DHS says exempt activities such as law enforcement may continue. Work at ICE and CBP is funded under a 2025 law. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting detailed research.

Washington: President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that member states of his newly formed Board of Peace have pledged more than $5 billion for Gaza reconstruction and humanitarian assistance and that they committed thousands of personnel to a UN‑authorized international stabilization force and local police. He said the pledges will be unveiled at the board’s first meeting on February 19 at Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, and recalled the group’s founding ceremony in Davos last month. United Nations, World Bank and EU estimates place Gaza reconstruction costs near $70 billion. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — U.S. forces boarded the Panama-flagged tanker Veronica III in the Indian Ocean on Sunday after tracking the vessel from the Caribbean, the Pentagon said. The department described the action as a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding conducted without incident under INDOPACOM authority. Officials said the ship was linked to networks evading U.S. sanctions on Venezuelan oil; video released by Pentagon showed troops boarding the vessel. The action follows a February 9 interception of the Aquila II and stems from an operation that U.S. leaders said aimed to disrupt illicit oil shipments. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.