JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 967

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.

Tucson, Ariz. Law enforcement investigators continued searching for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie after she was last seen at her home Jan. 31 and reported missing Feb. 1. Authorities found blood on her front porch and received purported ransom notes with missed deadlines. The FBI released surveillance footage showing a masked man near her door and identified him as a suspect. Investigators recovered multiple gloves near the property; one glove found about two miles away underwent DNA testing that produced preliminary results and may be uploaded to the FBI’s national database pending quality-control confirmation. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting additional research.

Baton Rouge — South Carolina defeated No. 6 LSU 79-72 on Saturday, extending its streak against the Tigers to 18 games, and ESPN announced College GameDay will visit Columbia for South Carolina’s Feb. 22 matchup with Ole Miss. Tessa Johnson scored 21 points, Raven Johnson added 19, and Madina Okot posted 12 points with 17 rebounds; Flau'jae Johnson led LSU with 21. The Tigers missed multiple close opportunities, including late free throws that could have tied the game. Poll updates were scheduled Feb. 16 and Feb. 17 ahead of the Feb. 22 game. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington: Former US president Barack Obama addressed a video posted on President Donald Trump's Truth Social account that briefly depicted him and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. The clip, posted on Feb 5 and later removed, accompanied a longer video promoting disputed claims about the 2020 election. White House officials attributed the image to a staff error and removed the post after cross-party criticism. Obama, speaking on Brian Tyler Cohen's podcast this week, said the episode reflects a devolution of political discourse and called the rhetoric "deeply troubling." Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research publicly available.

United States — On Saturday, multiple NCAA Division I teams recorded conference victories across several leagues. Howard defeated Maryland-Eastern Shore 79-53 in Washington; Coppin State beat North Carolina Central 58-56 in Durham, N.C.; Bowling Green topped Toledo 80-70 in Bowling Green, Ohio; Western Carolina overcame Chattanooga 81-76 in Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Norfolk State beat Delaware State 75-58 in Norfolk, Va. Key contributors notably included Cedric Taylor III (22 points), Camaren Sparrow (12), Javontae Campbell (19), Julien Soumaoro (25) and Anthony McComb III (19). Officials and box scores confirmed final scores and individual statistics. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Munich — California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized President Donald Trump while speaking at the Munich Security Conference this week. He labeled Trump "un-American" and called administration environmental rollbacks harmful. Newsom met with international officials after attending Davos last month and plans a memorandum with Ukraine, according to his office. He scheduled U.S. travel for a South Carolina visit and a book-tour stop in Rock Hill, including events on February 23 organized by the South Carolina Democratic Party. Congressional participation at the conference declined after Speaker Mike Johnson canceled the delegation. All items verified. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Meteorologists warn that a cold front moving east from the lower Mississippi Valley will bring strong to severe thunderstorms across Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida on Sunday. Forecast models show a squall line arriving between 2–8 p.m. with damaging wind gusts, tornadoes, and heavy rain possible. The Storm Prediction Center placed portions of the region in Marginal to Slight Risk. Wind advisories and marine gale warnings were issued; rainfall totals of 0.5–1.5 inches were forecast for some areas. Residents should secure outdoor items and monitor updates. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Tucson, Ariz. law enforcement intensified operations this week as investigators probed the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, 84. The Pima County Sheriff's Office, FBI and local police set roadblocks and deployed SWAT and forensics teams near her home and at a Culver's parking lot, conducting searches and inspecting vehicles. Authorities released surveillance images showing a masked person with a backpack and apparent firearm, and reported blood on Guthrie's front porch. Investigators have collected thousands of tips, also submitted DNA and other evidence for testing, and detained one individual briefly during a traffic stop. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

California: Berkeley police and the Consulate General of India continue search operations after 22-year-old postgraduate student Saketh Sreenivasaiah was reported missing this week. Authorities say he was last seen near Lake Anza on February 9–10, and his backpack containing passport and laptop was found in the Park Hills neighbourhood. The Berkeley Police Department is coordinating with East Bay Regional Park District and has classified him as at-risk; the Consulate is in touch with his family and local authorities. His roommate and university contacts have circulated appeals for information and nationwide community assistance. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.