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Savannah Guthrie ‘looking to quit Today Show for good’ as TV segment filmed months before kidnapping ‘made mom target’

SAVANNAH Guthrie is reportedly looking to quit The Today Show for good as she fears her fame made her mother a vulnerable target.

It comes just months after she filmed a segment for the show with her mother Nancy, 84, who has now been missing for two weeks.

Savannah Guthrie is reportedly looking to quit The Today Show for good amid the desperate search for her motherCredit: Alamy
A segment from just months before Nancy vanished was filmed inside her homeCredit: NBC

Sources have said that the co-host is considering a permanent exit from the hit show after her mother was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona, at around 2am on February 1.

“This absolutely came out of the blue, and I think she’s really concerned that it was because of her job,” NewsNation’s Paula Froelich reported, citing sources. 

She added that Savannah, who is said to be a “mess” as the search for her mother enters its third week, fears her fame made her mother more of a target “with bad characters”.

Just months before she was taken, The Today Show filmed a segment with Savannah near Nancy’s $1 million home, which is now a major crime scene.

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In the NBC clip from November 2025, the mother-and-daughter duo paired up for a piece called “Savannah’s Arizona Homecoming” which also featured her sister Annie.

What we know about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance

It documented the television star going back to her roots including her alma mater and El Charro, the oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant in America where she shared a meal with her family for the show.

“I have to come here every time I come home to Tucson,” Savannah said.

Her mother has featured in several segments for the show over the years since Savannah joined in 2012.

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Despite admitting they are ‘exhausted’ by the search for Nancy, who is in poor health and in need of daily medication, cops have vowed they will find her and those responsible for her disappearance.

Investigators have now reportedly turned to high-tech scanners that can detect Bluetooth signals in an attempt to connect to Nancy’s pacemaker as they run out of leads and have no suspects.

A series of ransom notes sent to the family, law enforcement, and several news outlets are further muddying the waters, with a number of them turning out to be fake.

Fox News Digital reported that the Bluetooth devices have been attached to the bottom of police helicopters that are flying in low and slow, in grid-like patterns to try to locate her heart monitor device.

But, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said the search for Nancy could now go on for years as hopes seemingly begin to fade.

Nancy has featured on the show a number of times and Savannah reportedly fears her exposure on national television put her at risk of ‘bad characters’Credit: Getty
FBI and SWAT units perform operations in a neighborhood approximately two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s homeCredit: Getty

Earlier this week, investigators were seen combing through the grounds of her property, and searching inside a septic tank.

On Friday night, a number of people were reportedly detained in a SWAT raid at a nearby home after mystery DNA was recovered in the case, but cops later confirmed no arrests were made.

Meanwhile, investigators are still searching for the masked man captured in chilling doorbell footage taken from Nancy’s home on the night she vanished.

Federal agents have released new details about the suspect as they hope to cut down the number of public tips that have been called in with over 13,000 reported since February 1.

Officials are looking for a man who is around five-foot-nine-inches to five-foot-ten-inches with an average build.

He was seen in the footage wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Hiker Pack backpack.

The reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case has been increased from $50,000 to $100,000.

Timeline of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her home on February 1, 2026.

Timeline:

  • January 31: Nancy is last seen by her family
    • 5:32pm: Nancy travels to her daughter’s home for dinner, about 11 minutes from her own house.
    • 9:48pm: Family members drop off Nancy Guthrie at her home in Tucson. Her garage door closes two minutes later.
  • February 1: Nancy is reported missing and a search begins
    • 1:47am: Nancy’s doorbell camera disconnects
    • 2:12am: Camera software detects a person moving in range of the camera. There is no video, and Nancy does not have a storage description.
    • 2:28am: Nancy’s pacemaker app disconnects from her phone, which is later found still at her house.
    • Around 11am: A parishioner at Nancy’s church calls the mom’s children and says she failed to show up for service.
    • 11:56am: Family members arrive at Nancy’s house to check on her.
    • 12:03pm: The family calls 911 to report Nancy missing.
    • 8:55pm: The Pima County Sheriff’s Office gives its first press conference and reveals some clues found at Nancy’s home caused “grave concern.” Sheriff Chris Nanos says helicopters, drones, and infrared cameras are all being utilized in the search.
  • February 2: Search crews pull back. Nancy’s home is considered a crime scene. Savannah releases a statement thanking supporters for their prayers, which her co-hosts read on Today.
  • February 3: A trail of blood is pictured outside Nancy’s home, where there were reportedly signs of forced entry. Nanos admits they have no suspects, no leads, and no videos that could lead to Nancy’s recovery. He and the FBI beg for more tips and accounts.
  • February 4, 8pm: Savannah and her siblings release a heartbreaking video directed at their mother’s abductors asking for proof she is alive and saying they’re willing to work with them to get her back.
  • February 5: FBI offers $50,000 reward for information on the case.
    • 5pm: First ransom demand deadline for millions in Bitcoin passes. Guthrie family releases demand to speak “directly” to the kidnappers, saying, “We want to talk to you and we are waiting for contact.”
  • February 9, 5pm: Second ransom demand deadline, reportedly with “much more serious” conditions.

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Peru to debate removal of President Jose Jeri four months into his term | Government News

The debate comes as Jeri, who is not running for re-election, faces allegations of bribery and influence-peddling.

The head of Peru’s Congress, Fernando Rospigliosi, has announced a special plenary session to weigh the removal of the country’s right-wing president, Jose Jeri.

The session will take place on the morning of February 17, according to a statement Peru’s Congress posted on social media.

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The debate comes as Jeri’s short tenure grows mired in scandal, just four months after he took office as interim president.

In October, Jeri — the leader of Congress at the time — took over as president following the unanimous impeachment of his predecessor, Dina Boluarte, on the grounds of “permanent moral incapacity”.

Boluarte herself assumed the presidency after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was impeached for attempting a self-coup.

Next week’s debate about Jeri’s future is the latest chapter in the ongoing instability facing Peru’s government. The country has seen eight presidents within the last decade, with several of them impeached or resigning before their term expired.

In recent months, Jeri has become increasingly embroiled in scandal, including one colloquially known as “chifagate”, named for the Peruvian-Chinese fusion cuisine known as “chifa”.

The scandal started when local media outlets obtained video of Jeri arriving late at night at a restaurant to meet with a Chinese businessman, Zhihua Yang, who previously received government approval to build a hydroelectric plant.

Their meeting was not listed in the official presidential agenda, as is required under Peruvian law. Critics have questioned whether Jeri’s outfit — which had a deep hood that rendered him nearly unrecognisable — was meant to be a disguise.

Additional footage placed Jeri at another one of Yang’s businesses days later. Jeri also allegedly met a second Chinese businessman, Jiwu Xiaodong, who was reportedly under house arrest for illegal activities.

Jeri has dismissed some of the off-the-books meetings as planning for an upcoming Chinese-Peruvian friendship event. Others, he said, were simply shopping trips for sweets and other food. He has denied wrongdoing but has acknowledged taking the meetings was a “mistake”.

“I have not lied to the country. I have not done anything illegal,” Jeri told the news outlet Canal N.

But critics have accused Jeri of using his position for influence-peddling at the unregistered interactions.

Similar accusations erupted earlier this month when Peruvian media highlighted the irregular hiring of several women in Jeri’s administration and contracts he awarded as possible evidence of bribery.

The debate over Jeri’s removal comes as Peru hurtles towards a general election on April 12, with the presidency up for grabs. Jeri will not be running to retain his seat.

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Daisy Lowe reveals she’s pregnant with second baby seven months after getting married

DASIY Lowe has revealed she’s pregnant with her second baby, seven months after getting married.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, 37, announced the happy news on Instagram today, sharing pictures from her family holiday with husband Jordan Saul and their daughter Ivy.

Daisy Lowe is pregnant with her second babyCredit: Getty
Daisy married husband Jordan in Somerset last JuneCredit: Alamy

She wrote: “Heading home from our honeymoon with an extra stowaway.

“Little bump is growing FAST & Ivy is so excited to meet *her* baby.”

Pop star and podcast host Jessie Ware commented: “Amazing news!!”

Poppy Delevingne said: “On yeeeeehaaaaaaa Dazzle such wondrous news!!!! Love youuuu guys x X you look AMAZING.”

Spice Girl Mel B wrote: “Awwww amazing!!! Congratulations.”

Lisa Snowdon posted: “Congratulations darling.”

Daisy and property developer Jordan, 31 married in a “wild and romantic” ceremony last June.

The model, whose dad is Bush rocker Gavin Rossdale, wore a Vivienne Westwood couture gown and completed her stunning look with a gorgeous tennis bracelet by The Vault London, a Lulu Guinness shell bag and crystal-dotted Jimmy Choos.

Speaking to British Vogue about her wedding dress, she told them: “When I put it on, I just lit up from the inside out.

“It’s very fitting that I will be wearing her gown for my special day,”

While groom Jordan wore a tuxedo by Richard James.

The couple’s guest list included well known celebrity pals Alexa Chung, Pixie Geldof and Nick Grimshaw.

The Somerset wedding saw guests dine in a vintage marquee before heading off to a barn to dance into the night.

Daisy had her hen do the week before and shared the evening with her followers.

She wore a stunning sheer lace white dress that plunged at the front, and completed her bridal look with a small veil.

Taking to Instagram, she said: “Day 1 of my hen aka #HereForTheLoweJobs. My heart feels like it’s going to EXPLODE.”

She went on to thank best pals Portia and Tilda for planning her “dream sleepover”, calling the experience “one of the best days of my life”.

The night ended with dancing, laughter, and a round of “Daisy Bingo” crafted by her friends.

Daisy gave a special shoutout to photographer Pixie Levinson for capturing the magical moments, allowing everyone else to be totally present.

“You are such a gift, Pix xxx,” she added.

Daisy and Jordan share a daughter called IvyCredit: Instagram

Daisy and Jordan got married exactly five years after they met in June 2020.

The happy couple had a chance encounter while out walking their dogs on London’s Hampstead Heath.

After a whirlwind romance, Daisy announced her first pregnancy in October 2022, a month after getting engaged.

Daisy said at the time: “I wanted to share some news with you. Jordan and I are having a baby.

“We are absolutely bursting at the seams with happiness. I’m oscillating wildly between excitement & nervousness with a dash of morning sickness thrown in for good measure! Big love to all of you.”

The Strictly alum then gave birth to their daughter Ivy the following year.

Daisy found her happy ever after with Jordan after a series of failed romances with famous faces including Dr Who star Matt Smith and DJ Mark Ronson.

She also dated One Direction’s Harry Styles and rapper Tinie Tempah.

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James Van Der Beek’s final TV show to air months after heartbreaking death

Produced by Reese Witherspoon, James Van Der Beek’s final TV role will debut on Amazon Prime later this year, months after the actor’s death following a harrowing cancer battle

James Van Der Beek‘s final TV show will air later this year. The actor, who died aged 48 on 11 February, starred as Dean Wilson in Elle, a prequel series to the iconic Legally Blonde film franchise.

Produced by Reese Witherspoon, the show follows a young Elle Woods (Lexi Minetree) in her pre-Harvard high school years, and James played Dean, a mayoral candidate and the school district’s superintendent. His scenes, the last of his that will ever air, were shot in May 2025.

Elle will air on Prime Video on 1 July 2026. This will come months after James’ death. He died aged 48 after a two-year battle with colorectal cancer.

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The news was confirmed in a statement from his wife, Kimberley: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

In an additional statement, Kimberly said: “James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026, leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children. Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care.

“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.” The family have since launched a GoFundMe to help them cover costs.

James was diagnosed with cancer in August 2023, after getting checked following changes in his bowel movements. He announced the diagnosis over a year later in November 2024.

Speaking about his diagnosis when he chose to go public, he explained: “The trickiest thing is there are so many unknowns with cancer. You think, ‘How do I fix this? Is this healing me? Is this hurting me? Is this working? Is it coming back?’ As someone who likes answers, not knowing is one of the hardest things. I have a lot to live for.”

In November last year, he announced that he would be auctioning off personal items from Dawson’s Creek, where he played Dawson Leery, in order to help with the costs associated with his ongoing treatment.

He starred in the show alongside Katie Holmes, who played Dawson’s childhood love Joey Potter, and Joshua Jackson, who played their friend and Joey’s second love Pacey Witter.

For more information or support about bowel cancer, you can contact Macmillan Cancer Support or you can call 020 7940 1760 for advice.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .



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BBC Radio 1 star reveals when she’ll return to the air nine months after giving birth

BBC Radio 1 presenter Roisin Hastie has shared when she’ll be coming back on air after giving birth.

The radio star welcomed her second child in May of last year with her husband Jimmy blake.

Roisin shared a carousel of images reintroducing herself and her career journey to followersCredit: Instagram
Her sweet second child also made an appearanceCredit: Instagram
The final photo revealed Roisin plans to come back to BBC Radio 1 in April of this yearCredit: Instagram

But nine months on Roisin is gearing up for her big return to the studio.

Roisin shared a carousel of captioned images to her Instagram account this morning, reintroducing herself since exiting the airwaves.

The first snap shows a smiling Roisin in a selfie, with “it’s been a while so thought I’d say hi and introduce myself” penned over the top.

Roisin then shared a throwback snap of herself with a mic in a booth, detailing how she’s been “a journalist for 14 years!”.

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More picture to follow showed Roisin with friends, the love of her life, and of course her newborn baby.

The last photo, however, got fans especially excited.

She wrote over a photo of the iconic BBC News red microphone, Roisin shared: “But making this ]post] has reminded me there’s a whole part of myself I’m excited to get back to.

“I’ll be back on air from April.

“Feels so strange to be thinking about work when I’ve spent the last 9 months in my baby bubble.

Roisin is loved for her cracking sense of humour on airCredit: Instagram

“Keen to jump into this new chapter with both feet.

“DM’s are always open so say hi.”

Fans were thrilled by the news and took to the comment section, with one writing: “Love you! So fab, the best of us.”

“Love this and miss hearing you on R1!,” said a second.

A third added: “ICONIC.”

Rosie works alongside Radio 1 DJ Greg James, who congratulated her live on the radio when she announced the birth of her second baby.

He shared: “We’ve got some breaking news, we’ve got breaking news.

“I’ve just heard from her wonderful husband Jimmy Blake that Roisin has given birth to her wonderful little baby boy Arlo.

“Lovely Arlo finally arrived at 4.55 this morning.

“Lovely Rosie who is still going to be doing the breakfast news when she’s back off maternity leave.

“A 37 hour labour. 37 hours! I want to big up the midwives, Eve and Gemma who were apparently there the whole way through.

“And I’m going to make Arlo star listener!”

Roisin first joined Radio 1 in 2018 as a newsreader.

She gave birth to her son in May of last yearCredit: Instagram

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Ryan Lowe: Wigan Athletic sack head coach after 11 months in charge

Wigan said Glenn Whelan and Graham Barrow will take charge of the first team on an interim basis while the club “will work quickly to identify and appoint” a new head coach.

The club also thanked Lowe for “his efforts and wishes him all the best for the future”.

Lowe previously won promotion from League Two with Bury and Plymouth and finished 13th, 12th and 10th in the Championship with Preston.

Having arrived at the club at the tail end of the 2024-25 season, Lowe guided Wigan to a 15th-placed finish in the table.

After winning against Northampton on the opening day of this season, Wigan’s form soon tailed off as they secured just three victories from 17 matches in all competitions between late August and late November.

Wigan’s next match is at home in the league against Reading on Tuesday (19:45 GMT) before they travel to face Premier League leaders Arsenal in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday, 15 February (16:30).

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Inside the peculiar European island that changes nationality every 6 months

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows A river flows between a tree-covered island and a town with mountains in the background, Image 2 shows Aerial view of Behobia, Irun, and Hendaye with the Bidasoa river mouth and Pheasant Island, on the Spanish-French border

A TINY, curious European island changes nationality every six months – despite being completely uninhabited.

Governed by two different countries, Pheasant Island is the site of a very special historical event.

Pheasant Island is an uninhabited isle on the Bidasoa RiverCredit: Alamy
The island can sometimes be reached on foot from the Spanish side at low tideCredit: Alamy

At only 200 metres long and 40 metres wide, it sits within the Bidasoa river.

Just 10 metres from Irun, Spain and 20 metres from Hendaye, France, Pheasant Island is jointly governed by both countries.

Despite it’s name, you won’t be able to find any pheasants on the island – just green crested mallards and migratory birds.

But at its centre lies an important piece of history.

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On Pheasant Island sits a monolith commemorating where the negotiations of the Treaty of the Pyrenees took place in November 7, 1659.

The monolith’s inscription is in Spanish on one side and French on the other.

This was a monumental moment as it marked the end of the Franco-Spanish War which had been raging on for over 24 years.

The occasion was also marked a year later by the marriage of French King Louis XIV and the daughter of King Philip IV, Maria Theresa of Spain.

This helped establish an agreed upon border between the two nations.

As a symbolic gesture of peace, the island is governed by Spain from February 1 to July 31, and by France from August 1 to January 31.

During the formal handover, both sides perform military dress parades around the monolith before peacefully switching governance.

Visitors are not allowed on the island, apart from during a few days, but this is limited to military personnel.

It’s only 200 metres long and 40 metres wideCredit: Alamy
On Pheasant Island sits a monolith commemorating the negotiations of the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659Credit: Alamy

It does open occasionally on heritage open days although these are rare.

The island can sometimes be reached on foot from the Spanish side at Bidasoa’s low tide.

Recently, a growing number of migrants have been using the Bidasoa river to illegally cross from Spain to France.

Migrants have been spotted swimming across the river with some reportedly drowning due to the unpredictable currents in the tidal channel.

According to figures from Irungo Harrera Sarea, Irun’s NGO, an estimated 30 migrants arrive every day seeking passage north into France.

Talking to the BBC, Pía Alkain Sorondo, a local archaeologist, said: “This is still a place of new hope for so many, but it is also a death trap.”

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Molly-Mae reveals exactly how many months pregnant she is

MOLLY-MAE Hague has revealed exactly how many months pregnant she is – and she’s much closer to giving birth than anyone thought.

The former Love Islander shared the happy news she is expecting her second child with Tommy Fury on Thursday evening.

Molly-Mae has revealed how far along she is in her pregnancyCredit: Instagram
The star shared the news on Instagram on ThursdayCredit: Instagram
She’s now revealed she’s actually six months into her pregnancyCredit: Instagram

Molly-Mae, 26, quietly broke the news to family and close pals months ago, but shared a surprise video with fans on Instagram, which showed her revealing her bump.

However, she has now gone into more detail about her pregnancy and confirmed she’s actually six months pregnant already.

Taking to Instagram on Friday, she shared a snap from her L’Oreal catwalk in late September and wrote above it: “Little baby with me in this moment…and I didn’t even know.”

She also reshared her pregnancy announcement video and wrote below it: Nearly 6 months on….and it still hasn’t sunk in.”

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Molly-Mae then shared a video from last weekend showing her growing bump in a black top and jogger bottoms as partner Tommy bent down to kiss her stomach.

Molly-Mae, who also has three-year-old daughter Bambi with Tommy, had filmed her pregnancy reveal video on January 23, and captioned it: “Soon to be four.”

However, some fans had guessed she was pregnant the week before, when they spotted her reflection in the window of one of her videos.

Molly dropped various clues about her pregnancy before announcing the news, which is said to have strengthened her relationship with Tommy after they got back together early last year.

A source told The Sun: “Finding out Molly is pregnant has really helped bring them close together again.

“Tommy is determined to do things right this time he has cancelled all of his summer trips with his friends, as he wants to stand by Molly every step of the way.

“Their new home is in a better place for both of them and has more than enough space for two children.”

However, the star hasn’t been able to avoid being trolled over her second pregnancy.

Taking to Reddit, the cruel users gathered to compile a list of reasons why Ms Hague shouldn’t be welcoming baby number two.

“If it makes her happy, then it’s good but Molly seemed to be quite overwhelmed with one child considering she basically hinted that Tommy is always at events or away from home anyway. Obviously, that comes with his job.”

Molly reshared her announcement video as she gave more detailsCredit: Instagram
Molly-Mae and Tommy reunited early last year and are excited for daughter Bambi, three, to become a big sisterCredit: Instagram

“Knew it would happen but still is so disappointing as a molly Stan,” said another.

A third added: “The concept of having a second child when you can’t handle the one you already have is abysmal.”

Molly has been open online about the struggles she’s faced as a first-time mum to her daughter Bambi, 2.

From noting Bambi’s challenging behaviour when she was on holiday in the Maldives to at times feeling like Bambi “hates” her, she’s documented the ups and downs – and then been further accused of giving Bambi no privacy.

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Rwanda, DR Congo Fail to Fulfil Commitment 7 Months After Washington Accord

Seven months after the Washington peace accord between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, the implementation of its terms stands at 23.3 per cent. The accord was signed in June 2025 under the watch of the President Donald Trump administration.

In January 2026, the Barometer of Peace Agreements in Africa reported that, while diplomatic initiatives have advanced, essential security obligations remain unmet, making the core implementation of the peace deal unfulfilled. Released on Feb. 1, the BPAA report reveals that progress remains limited and unequal, and is losing its dynamism. 

The report highlights several positive developments observed between Jan. 1 and Jan. 31, particularly in the institutional and diplomatic context. The African Union adopted a new mediation framework in Lome, and facilitators conducted tours in Kinshasa, Kigali, and Bujumbura. However, these efforts have not resulted in tangible progress. 

The Doha process, designed to complement Washington’s framework, has stalled since November 2025, leaving six protocols unresolved and further complicating coordination between parallel peace efforts, according to the BPAA.

Another key observation of the report is that the AU’s new mediation structure, though innovative, suffers from unclear coordination and lacks a standard methodology, raising concerns about its ability to harmonise Washington and Doha processes effectively.

Angolan President João Lourenço engaged Congolese authorities, opposition, and civil society in consultations to revive dialogue. Meanwhile, the U.S. Congress held hearings on the state of the peace process, underscoring Washington’s sponsorship of the accord.

On the ground, however, the BPAA revealed that clashes between the Congolese army and the M23 rebels continued across North and South Kivu, undermining ceasefire commitments despite the group’s withdrawal from Uvira in line with international demands.

The think tank further observed that monitoring structures have weakened, with the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism and Joint Oversight Committee failing to meet in December and January, leaving violations and delays unaddressed.

Humanitarian access remains restricted, with displaced populations and civilians caught in escalating violence, underscoring the urgent need for both governments to prioritise civilian protection and relief.

“The global execution rates remain unchanged at 23.3% without evolution as compared to the level recorded in November and December 2025, and the intensification of fighting continues, exacerbating the already precarious conditions of the civilian population,” the report stated.

Despite the expedited Washington process, the situation on the ground remains troubling, with tensions between the two countries persisting. As the accord enters its eighth month, the gap between diplomatic promises and realities on the ground raises pressing questions about whether regional and international actors can salvage momentum before the agreement slips into irrelevance.

Seven months post the Washington peace accord between the DRC and Rwanda, implementation remains at 23.3%.

Although diplomatic efforts have advanced, security measures lag behind, leaving the peace process unfulfilled. The January 2026 BPAA report indicates that progress is uneven and lacks momentum.

There have been institutional advancements, like a new AU mediation framework and diplomatic outreach, but no significant progress. The Doha process has also stalled, complicating coordination between peace efforts. The AU’s new structure suffers from unclear coordination, impeding effective harmonization of peace efforts.

Efforts by Angola for dialogue revival and U.S. Congressional hearings emphasize the accord’s importance. However, fighting persists between the Congolese army and M23 rebels, violating ceasefire commitments. Monitoring structures have weakened, and humanitarian access is restricted, worsening the civilian situation.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, the unresolved issues and intensified conflicts emphasize the need for urgent action to prevent the peace accord from losing relevance. The situation remains tense, with questions about the efficacy of regional and international intervention to reinvigorate the peace process.

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Trump and Colombia’s president to meet at White House after months of tension and insults

President Trump is scheduled to host one of his most vocal regional critics, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, at the White House in a high-stakes meeting analysts suggest could redefine the immediate future of bilateral relations.

Petro has called Trump an “accomplice to genocide” in the Gaza Strip, while the U.S. president called him a “drug lord,” an exchange of insults that escalated with U.S. sanctions against Petro, threats of reciprocal tariffs, the withdrawal of financial aid to Colombia and even the suggestion of a military attack.

Tensions eased in early January when Trump accepted a call from Petro, saying it was a “great honor to speak with the president of Colombia,” who called him to “explain the drug situation and other disagreements.”

The two leaders are expected to meet Tuesday to address strategies for curbing drug trafficking and boosting bilateral trade, while potentially discussing joint operations against Colombian rebel groups fueled by the cocaine trade.

“There’s a lot of space here for mutual cooperation and shared success,” said Elizabeth Dickinson, a Colombia expert at the International Crisis Group.

Combating drug trafficking

Decades of security cooperation once made Colombia the primary U.S. ally in the region, but that relationship has recently faced unprecedented strain.

The two countries have opposing views on how to address the problem of illicit drugs. While the U.S. remains anchored in aggressive eradication and supply-side control, Petro advocates for interdiction, demand reduction and providing economic alternatives for small-scale coca farmers.

In 2025, the U.S. signaled its dissatisfaction with Petro’s anti-drug policy by adding Colombia to a list of nations failing to cooperate in the drug war for the first time in three decades.

Since then, Petro has focused on highlighting the record seizures and claiming that his government has managed to halt the growth of coca leaf crops. However, Colombia’s coca crop has reached historic highs, as the government shifts away from eradication. According to United Nations research, potential cocaine production has surged by at least 65% during the Petro administration, to more than 3,000 tons per year.

The Venezuela factor

The sudden detente between Petro and Trump followed a period of extreme volatility.

Tensions peaked after the Jan. 3 U.S. raid in Caracas that captured then-President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Petro denounced the operation as an act of “aggression” and a “kidnapping,” blasting the U.S. for what he called an “abhorrent” violation of Latin American sovereignty and a “spectacle of death” comparable to Nazi Germany’s 1937 carpet bombing of Guernica, Spain.

Despite recently calling for Maduro’s return to face Venezuelan justice, Petro’s tone softened significantly during a subsequent hourlong call with Trump, paving the way for their upcoming summit.

Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, director for the Andes region at the Washington Office on Latin America, a think tank, believes that Trump accepted Petro’s call partly to quell questions about the operation in Venezuela and the growing concern over warnings issued to countries like Colombia.

She also said she considers it likely that both presidents will agree on actions against drug trafficking and a joint fight against the National Liberation Army guerrilla group, which is most active on the border with Venezuela.

‘A quiet, effective cooperation’

Signaling a thaw in relations just days before the White House summit, the Colombian Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that repatriation flights for deportees from the U.S. have officially resumed.

Images released by the ministry showed citizens arriving at El Dorado airport — a stark contrast to the diplomatic crisis a year ago. At that time, Petro triggered a near trade war by refusing U.S. military deportation flights over “dignity” concerns, only relenting after Trump threatened 50% tariffs and visa cancellations.

“A good outcome [of the meeting] would be that the relationship is cordial, pragmatic, and that the two countries can get back to what they have been doing for years, which is a quiet, effective cooperation on shared security threats,” Dickinson said.

“The less noise there is around the relationship the better.”

Suárez and Rueda write for the Associated Press.

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Catherine O’Hara held husband Bo Welch close in final public appearance 3 months before her tragic death at 71

CATHERINE O’Hara has died unexpectedly on Friday, months after her final appearance alongside her husband Bo Welch.

Fans are reeling following the announcement, which did not reveal the Schitt’s Creek star’s cause of death.

Actress Cindy Williams smiling at Apple TV+'s Primetime Emmy Party Red Carpet.
Catherine O’Hara, seen at the Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2025, has died at age 71Credit: FilmMagic
Bo Welch and Catherine O'Hara on the red carpet.
The Home Alone star made her final public appearance with husband Bo Welch at the Primetime Emmys in September 2025Credit: Getty

Catherine, 71 when she died, made her final appearance alongside her husband Bo back in September.

Photos show the couple dressed to the nines.

The Home Alone actress is wearing a black gown while her hubby sports a chic suit.

Her shoulder-length blonde hair was down with a slight curl in the ends.

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She wore subtle makeup, including a nude lipstick color.

Catherine appeared in good spirits during the evening out.

She and Bo posed for photos together.

At times, he stood behind her with his hands on her hips.

OUT OF SIGHT

Months later, Catherine was nominated for a Golden Globe award.

She was schedule to appear at the January 11 awards show, where she was nominated for Best Supporting Performance from a Female Actor for her role in the Apple TV series, The Studio.

Unfortunately, she did not attend.

RIP

TMZ broke the news of Catherine’s death on Friday afternoon.

Sources with direct knowledge confirmed the iconic actress’ passing to the outlet.

A cause of death was not immediately available for the star.

Catherine O’Hara dead at 71

Iconic Home Alone actress Catherine O’Hara died on January 30, 2026. O’Hara was 71.

Biography:

  • Catherine O’Hara, who was born in Toronto, Canada, began her acting career in comedy in 1974 after joining the cast of The Second City, which was televised in both Canada and the United States.
  • O’Hara expanded her career in television in the mid-1970s, appearing in small roles on the CBC series Wayne and Shuster, the film The Rimshots, and the children’s series Coming up Rosie.
  • She gained prominence in Hollywood in the 1980s, after she was cast in the classic horror-comedy film Beetlejuice.
  • Starring alongside Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, and Winona Ryder, among others, O’Hara portrayed Delia Deetz.
  • In 1990, O’Hara starred alongside child actor Macaulay Culkin in the holiday blockbuster Home Alone.
  • She reprised her role as Kate McCallister, the mother of the young troublemaker Kevin McCallister, portrayed by Culkin, in the film’s 1992 sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
  • Both installments of Home Alone were massive hits at the box office and to this date remain among the most successful Christmas movies of all time.
  • After the success of Home Alone, O’Hara continued to appear in several films throughout the 1990s, including the comedy-drama The Paper, Waiting for Guffman, and the Western film Wyatt Earp.
  • O’Hara also had several voice artist appearances, including The Nightmare Before Christmas, Chicken Little, and Monster House, among others.
  • She had a career resurgence in 2015 when she appeared as Moira Rose in the Canadian sitcom Schitt’s Creek.
  • In 2025, O’Hara had a main role in the Apple TV+ comedy series The Studio.
  • Throughout her career, O’Hara received various awards, including two PrimeTime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.
  • She had two children with her husband, Bo Welch, whom she met on the set of Beetlejuice.

While the exact cause of death has not been revealed, Page Six reported that she was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital in “serious” condition.

Paramedics were called the the actress’ home home at 4:48 a.m. on Friday morning, a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson confirmed to the outlet.

She was in “serious condition” when she was transported to the hospital.

PAYING TRIBUTE

Tributes to the actress flooded social media almost immediately after her death was announced.

“RIP Catherine O’ Hara. I know John Candy greeted her with open arms.”, one fan wrote.

Another posted on X: “Catherine O’Hara was an absolute genius for the entirety of her career.

“She will be terribly missed.”

A third posted: “Catherine O’Hara will be remembered most as the mom in the first two Home Alone movies

“But I’ll always remember her as Delia Deetz in BeetleJuice. RIP to a legend.”

ICONIC ROLES

Throughout her long career in Hollywood, Catherine appeared in many iconic films and TV shows.

She was an actress for more than 50 years.

Catherine got her star in the sketch series Second City Television in the 1970s.

She’s known for starring in Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Home Alone 2, Schitt’s Creek and more.

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Emmerdale legend scores soap hat-trick as she joins cast of Hollyoaks months after Coronation Street role

AN Emmerdale legend has landed a soap hat-trick as it’s been revealed she’s joined a rival soap as part of new storyline.

Glenda McKay, who first appeared on Emmerdale in 1988, has now joined the cast of Hollyoaks – almost 27 years after she quit the ITV soap for a very different career.

Emmerdale legend Glenda McKay has announced her new role as Dr Pearce in HollyoaksCredit: Instagram/@reddoormanagement
The star has landed herself a soap hat-trick having appeared on Emmerdale, Coronation Street and now Channel 4’s HollyoaksCredit: Rex Features

Channel 4 bosses have cast the 54-year-old actress with the intention to include her in a forthcoming storyline.

It’s been revealed Glenda is playing a new character named Dr Pearce, though it’s currently unclear how long the soap star will remain on the show for.

The soap star’s exciting new casting was confirmed in a post shared by the talent agency Red Door Management.

They said in a post on social media: “Tune into Hollyoaks at 7pm this evening on E4 to catch Red Door’s Glenda McKay as Dr Pearce.”

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Glenda’s Hollyoaks role comes just months after she appeared in a guest stint on rival soap Coronation Street.

On the cobbles, Glenda played a social worker named Alison Hale who was dealing with street couple Tim and Sally Metcalfe as they fought to foster the Michealis’ children following their mum Lou’s imprisonment.

The actress left Emmerdale over 25 years ago when she was killed off in a memorable storyline which saw her brutally pushed off a cliff.

Glenda’s Emmerdale character, Rachel Hughes, was embroiled in a number of the show’s biggest storylines from affairs to having a secret childCredit: Rex
The 54-year-old made her debut on Emmerdale back in 1988Credit: Alamy

She spent more than 11 years on the soap and appeared in almost 750 episodes.

Her character, Rachel Hughes, was embroiled in a number of the show’s biggest storylines from affairs to having a secret child.

Glenda’s final storyline saw her enter a toxic relationship with teacher Graham Clark. He coerced her into dressing differently and forced her to dye her hair in an attempt to mould her into his dead wife.

Twisted Graham then attempted to force himself on her as she tried to break up with him.

He later chased Rachel and cornered her on a clifftop, she confronted him, and Graham ultimately pushed her to her death.

The evil teacher then lead Rachel’s friends and fellow villagers to believe that she was missing.

Since leaving Emmerdale in 1999, Glenda has only landed a handful of TV roles including guest stints on Hollyoaks and Doctors.

In 2005, Glenda appeared in Coronation Street for one episode as a love interest of cabbie Lloyd Mulaney (Craig Charles).

But in recent years, the former soap star made a startling career change as she ditched acting to work as a primary school teacher.

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Ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee sentenced to 20 months in prison in corruption trial

Former first lady Kim Keon Hee was sentenced to 20 months in prison Wednesday on corruption charges. In this photo, people watch news of the verdict on a screen at Seoul Station. Photo by Yonhap

A court sentenced former first lady Kim Keon Hee to one year and eight months in prison Wednesday after finding her guilty of accepting luxury bribes from the Unification Church that had sought business favors.

Special counsel Min Joong-ki’s team had sought a 15-year prison term for Kim, the wife of ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who stands trial on an insurrection charge related to his martial law bid in 2024.

But the Seoul Central District Court handed down the far shorter prison term for Kim, acquitting her of charges of involvement in a stock manipulation scheme and violating the Political Funds Act.

The court also ordered Kim to forfeit 12.8 million won (US$8,988). With Wednesday’s ruling, Kim and her husband have become the country’s first presidential couple to be imprisoned with criminal convictions.

The court said it found Kim guilty of receiving luxury goods, such as a Chanel bag and a high-end Graff necklace, from the Unification Church, which had sought business favors from her.

“The defendant misused her position as a means to seek profit,” the court said. “(She) failed to reject high-end luxury goods shared in connection with the Unification Church’s requests and focused on her own adornment.”

Kim had been charged with conspiring with a former head of Deutsch Motors, a BMW dealer in South Korea, as well as a close associate, to manipulate the company’s stock price and make 810 million won in illegal profits between 2010 and 2012.

She was also indicted for violating the Political Funds Act for allegedly receiving free opinion polls worth 270 million won, together with her husband, from a self-proclaimed power broker ahead of the 2022 presidential election.

The former first lady was additionally charged with conspiring with a shaman to receive luxury gifts worth 80 million won from a Unification Church official in 2022, along with requests for business favors.

Kim, who has been held in custody since August, had denied all of the charges.

Yoon has been sentenced to five years in prison on charges stemming from his martial law bid in 2024. He is also standing trial on more charges, including leading an insurrection through his martial law decree.

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