The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, entered its 41st day on March 13, 2026, with authorities reporting no major breakthroughs but insisting the investigation remains active and promising.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen entering her Catalina Foothills home on the evening of Jan. 31 after a family dinner with her daughter Annie. She failed to appear for church the next day, prompting a missing person report Feb. 1. Pima County Sheriff’s Office investigators quickly classified the case as an abduction, believing she was taken against her will from her residence. No arrests have been made, and no suspect has been publicly identified.

Sheriff Chris Nanos provided an update March 12, describing the case as “targeted” and expressing confidence that detectives are “definitely closer” to identifying those responsible. He highlighted ongoing forensic analysis, including shoe casting tests and review of thousands of hours of surveillance footage collected by the FBI. An elite team at FBI headquarters in Quantico is assisting with evidence processing, while local teams continue canvassing leads and following tips.

A key focus remains on physical evidence from the home, now treated as a crime scene. Resurfaced 2013 “Today” show footage offering a glimpse inside Nancy Guthrie’s bedroom has drawn scrutiny, with commentators like Megyn Kelly suggesting it may have inadvertently aided potential perpetrators by revealing layout details. Investigators have examined a damaged utility box and possible internet/power outages around the time of the disappearance, which disrupted nearby surveillance cameras.

Multiple alleged ransom notes and messages have surfaced, including one probed for authenticity in early February. Authorities dismissed at least one as a hoax, charging an individual with attempting to profit from the case. The family has publicly addressed purported demands, urging any legitimate contact to provide proof of life.

The Guthrie family—Savannah, Annie, and brother Camron—has remained vocal, posting emotional videos pleading for information and expressing faith amid uncertainty. In late February, Savannah announced a $1 million family reward for details leading to her mother’s recovery, supplementing the FBI’s $200,000 offer ($100,000 anonymous donation). “We still believe in a miracle,” Savannah said in one message, while acknowledging the pain of not knowing. “Every hour has been agony… but we hold onto hope.”

Savannah returned briefly to the “Today” set March 5 for the first time since the disappearance, thanking colleagues before resuming work in New York. Family members have visited the home periodically, including a March sighting where they interacted with a memorial of notes and flowers outside the residence.

Community response includes banners of support at local newsrooms and prayers from churches. A proposed search by the United Cajun Navy was reportedly rejected by authorities, citing operational concerns. Cadaver dog deployments have paused in recent weeks, though ground searches in desert terrain continue sporadically.

The case has spotlighted challenges in missing persons investigations involving the elderly living alone, with experts noting ambiguous loss can freeze grief processes. Former FBI agents have described potential capture as “underwhelming,” suggesting a mundane resolution rather than dramatic breakthrough.

As the investigation stretches into its sixth week, tips continue flowing to the Pima County Sheriff’s tip line and FBI hotline. Authorities urge anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward, emphasizing that even peripheral details could prove crucial.

Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has gripped national attention due to her daughter’s prominence, yet officials stress treating it as they would any abduction case. With no confirmed sightings or ransom proof of life since early February, the family and investigators cling to hope while pursuing every avenue.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Office reiterated March 12 that the case is far from cold, with “a lot of intel” under review. As days turn to weeks, the plea remains unchanged: Bring Nancy home.

Meghan Markle is set to be a guest speaker at the upcoming Her Best Life Retreat, which is hosted by Jackie ‘O’ Henderson’s events company Besties.

Much has been speculated on about Markle’s appearance at the said retreat, and Henderson’s manager has touched on whether or not the Duchess of Sussex will be paid for showing up.

Will Meghan Markle Be Paid for Her Appearance?

According to Sky News, Gemma O’Neill, Henderson’s manager and podcast co-host, touched on the topic.

“I’m going to answer probably something that I think would feel fairly obvious, ‘Oh it must be costing you a fortune to have Meghan come to your event’,” O’Neill said. “Um, no guys, I think you all know, the community knows, I don’t have that kind of money, guys. That’s not on the cards for me.

“But what I will say is that she is effectively doing this as a favour to our mutual friend,” she clarified.

The mutual friend is revealed to be Soho House consultant Markus Anderson, who is best to known for arranging Markle’s blind date with Prince Harry.

Meghan Makes Surprise Visit at Children’s Hospital

Markle was most recently spotted on March 12 making a surprise hospital visit at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

According to PEOPLE, the Duchess of Sussex spent time painting with some patients and also visited those who are bed-bound.

It is understood that her visit is part of the CHLA’s month-long Make March Matter campaign.

“Make March Matter is an annual fundraising campaign for CHLA that unites celebrities, businesses, and the greater community in support of its mission of creating hope and building healthier futures,” CHLA said in a statement.

The statement added, “Funds raised will help ensure the hospital can provide sick and critically injured children with the best quality care, research and innovation that happens at CHLA every day for the last 125 years.”

Global energy markets are facing renewed uncertainty after Iran’s Supreme Leader indicated that the Strait of Hormuz could remain closed, raising fears of further disruption to oil supplies. The development has intensified concerns in financial markets, as the narrow waterway is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supply flows.

Speaking to ET Now, market expert Seth R Freeman from GlassRatner Advisory said the latest remarks underline the strategic leverage Iran holds over global energy flows.

“Yes, it is quite apparent, they have figured it out they have a very strong leverage point there in the Strait of Hormuz. And we have two defiant heads of state and battling each other with words. And the problem is that high oil prices affect the entire world, not just the United States,” Freeman said.

Oil Markets React to Rising Tensions

The threat to the Strait of Hormuz has already triggered sharp reactions in oil markets. Traders and policymakers are closely monitoring the situation, as any sustained disruption could significantly tighten global supply. The waterway is widely regarded as the world’s most important oil transit route, linking Gulf producers to international markets.

Despite emergency measures such as potential reserve releases, market sentiment suggests that the current spike in oil prices reflects deeper fears of a prolonged conflict rather than temporary supply disruptions.De-Escalation Remains Uncertain
When asked how the conflict might eventually de-escalate, Freeman acknowledged the complexity of the situation and the difficulty of finding a quick resolution.
“That is a huge question. I am not sure how we remove ourselves from this. I believe that the original thinking might have been that this was going to be as simple as changing the leadership of Venezuela with a huge miscalculation about the strength and the fact that this regime is religious based as much as simply power and economic power and entrenchment. And this is a whole another situation besides having this arsenal of missiles and drones and the willingness to use them,” he said.
The increasingly sharp rhetoric between global leaders has heightened fears that the conflict may persist far longer than initially expected.

Logistics Constraints Add to Supply Risks
Freeman also highlighted the logistical challenges involved in rerouting global oil supplies if the Strait remains disrupted. While some Gulf producers are attempting to bypass the strait using alternative pipelines, these routes cannot fully compensate for the massive volumes normally transported through the channel.

“Well, I guess we all know by now that 20% of the world’s oil goes through there. I was reading earlier this afternoon that Saudi Arabia is starting up a pipeline that will be able to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, but that is not going to be enough to make up the difference in global supply. You cannot just turn things on and shift the logistics for oil overnight,” he said.

Freeman added that even if the crisis were resolved quickly, supply chains would still take time to normalise.

“And the other problem is, let us say, this does get resolved in the next week or two, it could still take over a month or so just to work it through the system. As an example, something kind of minor, I need to go to Los Angeles to Southern California in the morning and flights that are normally maybe $199 are as much as $450 to get down to Southern California from San Francisco. And I have not even looked at international flights,” he said.

Rising Oil Prices Could Hurt Consumer Demand
Beyond energy markets, Freeman warned that sustained high oil prices could ripple through the global economy by weakening consumer sentiment and increasing inflationary pressures.

“Well, oil is just so critical to the entire economy globally, not just here in the United States. Plus, what this really does is affect sentiment as well. And if consumers feel they need to hunker down because they are seeing higher petrol, gas prices and seeing other kinds of products and heating and electricity becoming more expensive, consumers are going to cut back as well,” he said.

He also noted that rising energy costs would affect industrial sectors that rely on petroleum-based inputs, further amplifying economic risks.

“And then you have the impact on industrial products that use the derivatives of oil. So, this is a huge-huge risk off situation,” he added.

Concerns Extend to Financial Markets
Freeman also pointed to emerging stress in credit markets, warning that financial instability could compound the economic fallout if the conflict drags on.

“You said something about the private credit markets and PIMCO came out earlier this week expecting a quite a crisis in private credit and redemptions in the publicly traded US private credit companies. So, it could just really be a snowball kind of effect,” he said.

With geopolitical tensions still escalating and the Strait of Hormuz at the center of the crisis, analysts say energy markets may remain volatile in the coming weeks as investors attempt to gauge how long the conflict — and its economic consequences — might last.

Planning a high-reach demolition project requires meticulous attention to detail, specialized equipment, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

Unlike traditional ground-level demolition, taking down a multi-story structure involves unique challenges, including working at significant heights, managing debris fall, and protecting adjacent properties.

This guide outlines the essential steps for planning a successful high-reach demolition project, from initial surveys to final site cleanup.

Step 1: Conduct Comprehensive Site and Structural Surveys

A safe demolition begins with a thorough structural and environmental assessment. Before any machinery arrives, a qualified engineer must evaluate the building’s age, integrity, and construction type to identify risks of uncontrolled collapse. The survey also considers overhead hazards like power lines and the proximity of neighboring structures.

Contractors exploring equipment options may also review specialized attachments, such as Kocurek demolition equipment, to ensure compatibility with site conditions.

Step 2: Perform a Detailed Risk Assessment

With survey data in hand, the next step is developing a comprehensive risk assessment. This process identifies all potential hazards associated with the project and establishes control measures. Some key areas of concern for high-reach demolition include falls from height, injury from falling materials, structural collapse, and risks from connected services.

The risk assessment should evaluate the stability of the ground where the high-reach machine will operate and determine required exclusion zones to keep unauthorized personnel at a safe distance. It must also consider environmental factors such as dust emissions, noise, and vibration that could affect workers and the surrounding community.

Step 3: Design the Demolition Operation

The demolition project documentation can translate survey findings and risk assessments into an actionable plan. This technical document must include structure specifications, detailed ramp and embankment sizing, a time sequence of events, and characteristics of the high-reach machine to be used.

Critical technical considerations during this phase include establishing a proper relationship between building height and machine distance, determining optimal machine positioning relative to the structure, and designing appropriate working platforms.

Step 4: Select Appropriate High-Reach Equipment

Equipment selection is a pivotal decision directly impacting project success. High-reach excavators are specialized equipment equipped with extended booms and stick combinations designed for large vertical and horizontal reach. These machines have some features, such as reinforced undercarriages with additional counterweight and even specific working range diagrams to maintain tipping stability.

When selecting equipment, project planners must consider the maximum height requiring demolition, types of materials to be processed, and the permissible tool weight at full extension. Modern ultra-high demolition excavators typically include stability monitoring systems, tiltable cabs for better visibility, and heavy-duty cab protection.

Step 5: Plan Attachment Strategy

The versatility of high-reach demolition comes from various attachments deployed on the extended boom. A well-planned attachment strategy matches tools to specific project phases and material types. Some common attachments include concrete pulverizers for processing facades and slab edges, steel shears for cutting reinforcement and structural steel, and grapples for material handling.

Tool selection must account for weight limitations at the stick tip, hydraulic performance requirements, and jaw opening capacities that allow efficient attachment changes to maximize productivity throughout the demolition process.

Step 6: Establish Exclusion Zones and Safety Protocols

Safety during high-reach operations depends heavily on maintaining strict exclusion zones. These designated areas must be kept clear of all personnel except those essential to operation, and the general public must be prohibited from entering at all times.

The drop zone where debris may fall must be sufficiently large and clear of any encroachments. For operations with limited visibility, a trained banksman should be positioned at strategic points to communicate with the operator via two-way radio.

Step 7: Execute Top-Down Demolition Sequence

The actual demolition work follows a systematic top-down approach. The high-reach machine begins by removing the highest portions of the structure first, working progressively downward. This method can ensure structural integrity is maintained throughout the process and debris falls into designated areas without endangering equipment or operators.

During operations, the machine’s boom should be fully retracted when lifting or lowering, and stability should be maintained by operating on level, firm ground. Modern machines equipped with camera systems allow operators to see attachments even at maximum height, enabling precise, controlled demolition even in limited-space applications.

Step 8: Manage Materials and Recycling

As demolition progresses, material management becomes increasingly important. Effective waste separation on site can achieve high recycling rates, with some projects successfully recycling over approximately 90% of building materials. Secondary crushing at ground level using concrete pulverizers and shears allows for further processing and material sorting.

A comprehensive waste management plan should outline procedures for handling debris, hazardous materials, and recyclables using wheel loaders, crawler loaders, and material handling machines for efficient sorting. Designated storage areas and pickup schedules should account for environmental data to ensure compliance with local regulations.

When dealing with tall structures, high-reach dismantling techniques allow safe work on high-rise buildings using specialized demolition attachments. These heavy-duty demolition equipment choices maximize both the environmental and economic benefits of material recovery.

Step 9: Execute Safe Shutdown and Demobilization

At shift end, high-reach machines must be parked safely in designated areas with attachments grounded and keys removed. Project demobilization follows a planned sequence that may include removing fencing, backfilling basements, and final cleanup.

Throughout the project, regular maintenance can ensure safe operation of crawler excavators and other essential demolition tools, with daily attention to lubrication points, hydraulic systems, and wear items. This commitment to equipment care helps prevent failures on demolition sites and demonstrates how the demolition industry prioritizes safety features.

Complete documentation of activities supports quality and safety requirements while providing records regarding demolition technology advancements and the proper handling of demolition waste.

Conclusion

Successful high-reach demolition projects result from thorough planning, appropriate equipment selection, and unwavering commitment to safety protocols. By following these steps, project managers can execute complex demolitions efficiently while protecting workers, the public, and surrounding properties.

Freeport leader says ‘Plymouth is the place to invest with defence-led growth ”’

An “internationally renowned developer” is on the cusp of signing a deal with a landowner to further develop a freeport location on the edge of Plymouth and market it as a premium employment site in the south west.

Plymouth City Council’s cabinet members were told that the developer wants to carve out a presence in the south west beyond Bristol and had seen the burgeoning defence demand in the Plymouth area.

The city attracted European defence tech company Helsing, which specialises in AI, to open its first resilience factory at Langage last year.

Operational leader of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport Ian Cooper said a deal was imminent at Langage Energy Park which could bring further international firms of this calibre to Britain’s Ocean City.

Over the last 12 months the freeport has been working on brokering a joint development venture between the landowner of Langage Energy Park and the international development company, he said, and it was “very near to signature”.

“This developer wants to rebadge Langage Energy Park and remarket it as the premium employment site in the south west that can offer substantial size developments, from 20,000 sq ft up to near 400,000 sq ft.

“That is unheard of anywhere else this side of Bristol,” he said. “Plymouth is the place to invest with defence-led growth and we are banging the drum to land further investment.”

“That’s more Helsings, more key defence firms, both indigenous and foreign direct investment that are new players, to broaden an already exciting eco system and expand that into an international landscape.”

The energy park is owned and managed by Carlton Power which has developed the adjacent gas-fired power station and solar farm.

The freeport sites at Langage, Sherford and South Yard offer tax and customs benefits and incentives to businesses. Plymouth was one of eight freeports to be designated across the country in 2022.

With the designation came £25 million of seed funding from the government which has resulted in more than £70 million of investment.

Plymouth City Council is driving freeport development, along with South Hams District Council, and has funded the recently completed Beaumont Way units known as Langage South to create jobs in the marine, defence and energy sectors. One unit has been let and there have been numerous enquiries in relation to the three remaining units, the meeting was told.

The city council is also delivering the final phase of its Oceansgate development as part of the freeport – 14,500 sq ft of near waterside and manufacturing and office space – and hopes to secure advanced lets on all eight units over the next 12-18 months.

Plymouth has secured a £4.4 billion investment in defence from the government over the next ten years and was announced last year as the national centre of excellence for marine autonomy.

To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.

Costa Rica has earned its reputation as one of Central America’s most captivating destinations, offering everything from misty cloud forests to pristine Pacific beaches.

While you could certainly navigate this biodiverse paradise on your own, exploring with a small group opens up a world of advantages that solo travelers and large tour buses simply can’t match. The intimate nature of small group travel strikes the perfect balance between structured guidance and personal freedom, allowing you to experience Costa Rica’s wonders while connecting with like-minded adventurers.

Why Small Groups Make Sense in Costa Rica

Traveling with a compact group of fellow explorers transforms your Costa Rica experience in meaningful ways. You’ll gain access to local insights that guidebooks miss, share transportation costs, and enjoy the camaraderie of others who appreciate the same natural wonders you do.

Small groups typically range from six to twelve people, which means you’re not herding through attractions like cattle. Your guide can actually answer your questions, adjust the pace when needed, and take you to spots that would overwhelm larger operations. You’ll also find that restaurants and lodges treat smaller parties with more attention and flexibility.

The environmental impact matters too. Costa Rica takes ecotourism seriously, and smaller groups naturally leave lighter footprints on sensitive ecosystems. Many national parks and reserves actually limit group sizes to protect wildlife and preserve the experience for everyone.

Choosing the Right Tour Operator

Not all small group tours are created equal, so doing your homework pays off. Look for operators with deep roots in Costa Rica, preferably those owned or operated by locals who understand the culture and landscape intimately.

Check reviews carefully, but read beyond the star ratings. Pay attention to comments about guide knowledge, itinerary flexibility, and how companies handle unexpected situations. The best operators maintain small ratios not just as a marketing gimmick but as a core philosophy.

Expert-led small group tours in Costa Rica should include naturalist guides with legitimate credentials, not just drivers who moonlight as tour leaders. Ask about guide qualifications, language skills, and whether they specialize in particular areas like birding, wildlife photography, or adventure activities.

Planning Your Ideal Itinerary

Costa Rica packs incredible diversity into a relatively small country, but that doesn’t mean you should try to see everything in one trip. The best small group experiences focus on two or three regions rather than racing from coast to coast.

Consider what draws you most. Are you dreaming of spotting sloths in Manuel Antonio, zip-lining through Monteverde’s cloud forests, or watching sea turtles nest in Tortuguero? Maybe you want to soak in hot springs near Arenal Volcano or surf the breaks of the Nicoya Peninsula.

Most well-designed tours run seven to ten days, giving you time to settle into each location without feeling rushed. Remember that Costa Rica’s roads can be challenging, so factor in travel time between destinations. Your small group will appreciate thoughtful pacing over an exhausting checklist of attractions.

What to Pack and Prepare

Costa Rica’s microclimates mean you might experience several seasons in a single day. Pack layers, including a light rain jacket regardless of when you visit. The country’s “dry season” from December to April still sees occasional showers, especially in cloud forests and Caribbean regions.

Bring sturdy, broken-in hiking shoes with good traction. You’ll be walking on everything from volcanic rock to muddy rainforest trails. A small daypack for water, snacks, and camera gear is essential, as is reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and Costa Rica’s marine ecosystems.

Don’t forget binoculars if you have them. Wildlife spotting becomes infinitely more rewarding when you can observe birds and monkeys in detail. Your guide will likely have a spotting scope for group viewing, but personal binoculars let you explore at your own pace.

Making the Most of Group Dynamics

The social aspect of small group travel can elevate your entire journey. Most participants are friendly, curious people who chose this style of travel for the same reasons you did. Be open to conversations, share meals together, and you might leave Costa Rica with friendships that last well beyond the trip.

That said, communicate your needs clearly. If you need alone time to recharge, that’s perfectly acceptable. Good tour operators build in free time specifically so travelers can pursue individual interests or simply relax.

Bringing It All Together

Exploring Costa Rica with a small group offers the sweet spot between independent travel and package tourism. You’ll benefit from expert guidance, logistical support, and shared experiences while maintaining the flexibility and authentic connections that make travel truly memorable. With thoughtful planning and the right companions, your Costa Rican adventure will exceed even your highest expectations.

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American officials are on heightened alert after federal authorities warned that Iran could attempt to launch drones toward the California coast, raising concerns about how easily low-cost unmanned aircraft could threaten U.S. cities.

Red Cat CEO Jeff Thompson joined FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria” to discuss how emerging drone threats could be detected and destroyed if adversaries attempted to launch them toward the U.S. coastline.

CARGO SHIP STRUCK IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ AMID IRAN WAR

The warning comes as Iran has increasingly relied on drone technology in modern warfare, deploying both large strike drones and smaller, inexpensive models that can be launched quickly and in large numbers. Defense officials have seen similar tactics used in conflicts overseas, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, where swarms of relatively inexpensive drones have been used to overwhelm traditional defense systems.

Thompson said a potential offshore launch targeting California would likely be identifiable and could be intercepted quickly by U.S. defenses.

“We don’t have any details currently, but if they’re trying to launch vertical-launch mechanisms off of small boats off the coast of California, it’s going to be very easy to find and very easy to kill,” Thompson said.

IRAN THREATENS $200 OIL BARRELS AS US PREPARES MASSIVE RELEASE OF EMERGENCY PETROLEUM RESERVES

Still, he cautioned that the smallest drones present a different challenge. Because many are built using widely available commercial technology, they can move quickly and operate at low altitudes, making them harder to detect with traditional systems.

“The really small ones like FPV drones… are going to be very hard to battle because they’re just so quick,” Thompson said.

As drone warfare evolves, Thompson said future defense strategies will likely rely on large numbers of inexpensive counter-systems designed to intercept incoming aircraft before they reach their targets.

“It’s not humans anymore. It’s drone against drone,” Thompson said.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday that he is “not aware of any imminent threats at this time” while the state remains “prepared for any emergency.”

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