TUCSON, Ariz. — The investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie took a sharp new turn Tuesday as Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos faced accusations that he scolded a county assessor for sharing information with the FBI, reigniting long-simmering questions about inter-agency cooperation more than 100 days after the high-profile abduction.

Pima County Assessor Suzanne Droubie told The Arizona Republic that Nanos contacted her in February after technicians in her office, which handles property records, forwarded data to the FBI at the bureau’s request. Droubie said the sheriff expressed frustration, suggesting her office had created extra work for his department by generating additional leads that investigators then had to pursue.

“It was inferred that we were creating a lot of additional work for the sheriff’s department,” Droubie said in the interview published Tuesday. She added that Nanos ultimately acknowledged she had done the right thing by cooperating with the FBI but left her feeling reprimanded for the outreach.

The claim comes as the case — involving the mother of NBC’s “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie — enters its fourth month with no arrest, no recovery of Nancy Guthrie and mounting public scrutiny over how local and federal authorities have worked together.

Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her Catalina Foothills home north of Tucson on Feb. 1. Security footage showed a masked figure on her porch the night before, tampering with a doorbell camera. Blood was found on the porch, and investigators believe she was abducted. A Bitcoin ransom demand followed but yielded no results. The family offered a $1 million reward, and the FBI later increased its own to $100,000.

Tensions between the sheriff’s office and the FBI surfaced early. In February, reports emerged that Nanos initially resisted sending key evidence — including a glove and DNA samples from the home — to the FBI’s lab in Quantico, preferring a private Florida facility instead. FBI Director Kash Patel later publicly criticized the delay, claiming federal agents were kept out for four days. Nanos has repeatedly denied blocking the FBI and insisted collaboration began almost immediately.

On Tuesday, as Droubie’s account circulated, Nanos provided a routine 100-day update but did not directly address the assessor’s allegations. He described the investigation as active, with DNA analysis ongoing across multiple labs and tips still pouring in. “We are getting closer,” he said in earlier remarks, though reporters have questioned the optimism given the lack of public breakthroughs.

The assessor’s office became involved because property records can reveal ownership patterns, liens or connections potentially relevant to suspects. Droubie said her staff acted promptly when the FBI requested assistance, viewing it as standard inter-agency support in a major case.

Critics see the latest flap as symptomatic of deeper coordination problems. Former FBI agents and forensic experts have questioned the decision to route evidence through a private lab rather than leveraging federal resources from the start. Genealogy company Othram, known for high-profile cold cases, publicly called the move “devastating” for potentially slowing identification efforts.

Savannah Guthrie has maintained a low public profile on the investigation while continuing her work. On Mother’s Day, she posted a poignant plea: “We will never stop looking for you.” The family continues to offer the substantial reward for information leading to Nancy’s recovery.

As of mid-May, more than 100 days have passed since the abduction. No suspects have been named publicly, though authorities have detained and released individuals for questioning. Volunteer search groups, including the United Cajun Navy, have offered assistance but reported being largely sidelined by the sheriff’s office.

The case has drawn intense national attention, in part because of Savannah Guthrie’s prominence. It has also highlighted challenges in missing persons investigations involving elderly victims in suburban areas. Digital evidence, enhanced video analysis and DNA remain central, with the FBI assisting on technical fronts despite reported friction.

Sheriff’s officials maintain they are pursuing every lead methodically. In March, they highlighted possible activity around Jan. 11 — weeks before the reported disappearance — based on digital forensics. New neighborhood surveillance videos showing masked individuals have surfaced, though connections remain unclear.

Droubie’s account adds a new layer of alleged internal discord. County officials typically defer to law enforcement in active cases, making her decision to speak publicly notable. She framed the interaction as professional but tense, emphasizing that her office sought only to help solve the mystery.

Legal observers say such inter-agency spats, while not uncommon, can erode public confidence when a case stalls. High rewards and celebrity ties amplify pressure on investigators to produce results or at least demonstrate seamless teamwork.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has not issued a direct rebuttal to Droubie’s specific claims as of Wednesday. A spokesperson reiterated commitment to the investigation and partnerships with the FBI. “This remains an active case,” the department said in a statement. “We continue reviewing tips and analyzing evidence.”

For the Guthrie family, each passing week without resolution deepens the anguish. Nancy, described as vibrant and independent, was last seen in her home of many years. Blood evidence suggested possible violence, yet authorities still operate under the hope she may be found alive.

Public tips continue to flood in, with the FBI’s Phoenix office urging anyone with information to come forward anonymously. Neighborhood patrols have increased amid concerns over amateur sleuths disturbing potential evidence.

As the investigation stretches into summer, questions linger about resource allocation, lab choices and communication protocols. The latest controversy over the assessor’s FBI tip underscores how even well-intentioned actions can complicate an already complex probe.

Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has become one of Arizona’s most watched cold cases in recent memory. Whether the sheriff’s response to the new claims calms or further fuels speculation may determine if public trust — and crucial tips — continue flowing. For now, the search persists, with federal and local agencies publicly aligned even as private tensions surface.

ASEAN leaders met in Cebu, Philippines, adopting a contingency plan addressing the Iran war’s impact, including emergency fuel sharing, a regional power grid, and evacuating citizens from the Middle East, while acknowledging implementation challenges amid ongoing economic hardships.

Key Points

• ASEAN leaders met in Cebu, Philippines, adopting a contingency plan to address the economic impact of the Iran war, including emergency fuel sharing agreements, a regional power grid, fuel stockpiles, and diversifying crude oil sources.
• Over one million Southeast Asian citizens working in the Middle East face safety risks, prompting leaders to coordinate evacuations and strengthen information sharing to protect nationals in conflict-affected areas.
• Philippine President Marcos warned that damage from the Iran war could last years, while Thailand’s foreign minister stressed the ceasefire must be extended and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz must be guaranteed.

ASEAN’s Contingency Response to the Iran War Crisis

Southeast Asian leaders convened at the ASEAN summit in Cebu, Philippines, adopting a comprehensive contingency plan to address the economic and humanitarian fallout from the ongoing Iran war. Hosted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who stripped the event of its traditional formalities, the summit focused on urgent regional priorities. The plan includes emergency fuel-sharing agreements, development of a regional power grid, diversification of crude oil sources, promotion of electric vehicles, and exploration of civilian nuclear energy — measures aimed at shielding member nations from severe energy supply disruptions.

Implementation Challenges and Long-Term Economic Damage

While the contingency steps are intended for immediate implementation, leaders acknowledged that establishing a regional fuel stockpile and power grid remains highly complex and time-consuming. Marcos openly questioned logistical details, such as whether a fuel reserve would be centralized or distributed across member states. Beyond energy concerns, he warned that economic recovery could take years, even if hostilities ceased immediately. “The damage to critical infrastructure, vital systems, and trust in general will continue to be felt for years to come,” Marcos cautioned, underscoring the deep and lasting vulnerabilities exposed by the conflict.

Humanitarian Concerns and Regional Security Outlook

A major dilemma facing ASEAN leaders involved safeguarding over one million citizens living and working in the Middle East, amid fears of escalating hostilities near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. A joint declaration called for strengthened coordination with international organizations to protect nationals in affected areas. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow was notably direct, stating the war “should not have occurred” and urging an extended ceasefire. Leaders also addressed other regional flashpoints, including South China Sea disputes, Myanmar’s civil war, and the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict, reflecting a broader climate of geopolitical uncertainty.

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Bharti Airtel’s board on Wednesday approved a ₹28,220 crore share-swap deal with Indian Continent Investment (ICIL) to raise its stake in UK-listed subsidiary Airtel Africa, while increasing ICIL’s holding in Bharti Airtel by about 2.3 percentage points in one of India’s largest related-party transactions.

ICIL is a Mauritius-based investment entity functioning as a family office investment vehicle for the Sunil Bharti Mittal family, a promoter group entity of Bharti Airtel. Analysts termed the move positive for Airtel, saying the Street had expected an all-cash transaction.

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That would have required the company to draw down its large cash reserves. Instead, the deal structure preserves cash while helping the Mittal family narrow the gap with another key promoter shareholder, Singtel Group.

The transaction will also allow the Mittal family to consolidate investments in Bharti Airtel, potentially easing future fundraising through equity sales, analysts said. “Instead of Bharti paying cash (of ₹28,200 crore) to buy ICIL’s Africa stake, it is paying through newly issued shares and would consolidate Africa holding to 79%. There is 2.4% dilution for existing shareholders in India,” Bank of America said in a research report on Wednesday.

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Under the agreement, Airtel will issue about 146.7 million new shares at ₹1,923 apiece to ICIL through a preferential allotment. The issue price represents a 9.5% premium to the previous closing price before the May 13 relevant date.
In return, ICIL will transfer about 595.2 million Airtel Africa shares, representing its entire 16.31% stake in the African subsidiary. The shares will be acquired at an 11.6% discount to the last closing price before May 13. The transaction will increase Bharti Airtel’s stake in Airtel Africa to 79.04% from 62.73%, while ICIL’s stake in Bharti Airtel will rise to 3.25% from 0.95%, according to analysts.
Another analyst said the higher holding in Airtel Africa would help Bharti Airtel benefit from the subsidiary’s growth trajectory by boosting earnings per share and strengthening ownership of its African operations. “The board recognised that the transaction is in line with the objective of consolidating/strengthening shareholding in a strategic subsidiary. Apart from being cashless and leverage-neutral, the transaction is accretive to EPS (earnings per share) of Airtel India with additional earnings outweighing the dilution,” Airtel said in a statement to exchanges.

ABU DHABI — Zayed International Airport, the bustling gateway formerly known as Abu Dhabi International Airport, is operating normally Wednesday with hundreds of flights scheduled, dispelling any rumors of a new opening while highlighting its innovative push to welcome non-travelers for shopping and exploration.

As of mid-morning May 13, 2026, the airport is handling arrivals and departures smoothly under clear skies, with Etihad Airways and partner carriers maintaining robust schedules to destinations across Europe, Asia and beyond. Live trackers show over 400 flights planned for the day, reflecting full recovery from earlier regional disruptions tied to Middle East tensions.

The facility, renamed Zayed International Airport in early 2024 to honor the UAE’s founding father, has emerged as one of the region’s most modern aviation landmarks. Its centerpiece Terminal A, which fully integrated operations in late 2023 after years of construction, continues to impress travelers with its vast scale, advanced technology and luxurious amenities.

Terminal A, a $3 billion masterpiece designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, spans over 700,000 square meters and features seamless biometric processing, state-of-the-art baggage systems and expansive retail zones. The terminal can accommodate up to 45 million passengers annually in its current configuration, with ambitious expansion plans underway to reach 65 million by 2032.

Abu Dhabi Airports recently launched a groundbreaking eight-week initiative allowing UAE residents and nationals to visit the terminal without a boarding pass. The “Shopping Pass” program, which began in mid-April, lets visitors register online for a digital QR code, granting up to four hours inside to browse duty-free luxury stores, dine at world-class restaurants and experience the airport’s architectural splendor.

This marks a first-of-its-kind move for a major Gulf hub, transforming the airport from a transit point into a lifestyle destination. Visitors can access high-end brands like Cartier, Chanel and Hermès at duty-free prices while enjoying the terminal’s soaring ceilings, art installations and comfortable lounges. Laptops and tablets are restricted during visits for security reasons.

The program responds to evolving post-pandemic travel patterns and aims to boost non-aeronautical revenue. Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with families, shoppers and aviation enthusiasts flocking to the terminal during the trial period running through early June.

Zayed International Airport’s journey reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader aviation ambitions. Originally opened decades ago, the facility underwent a massive transformation with the Midfield Terminal (now Terminal A) project. Full transition of all airlines to the new terminal occurred by mid-November 2023, streamlining operations and elevating the passenger experience.

Etihad Airways, the national carrier based at the airport, has steadily rebuilt its network. Following temporary airspace restrictions in February and March 2026 amid regional geopolitical tensions, operations resumed progressively. By early May, the airport had returned to near-normal capacity with Etihad operating dozens of daily flights to around 80 destinations.

Modern features define the passenger journey. Biometric gates speed up immigration and security, while advanced digital signage and mobile apps provide real-time updates. Sustainability efforts include energy-efficient systems and extensive use of recycled materials, aligning with the UAE’s green aviation goals.

The airport’s resilience shone through recent challenges. Widespread airspace closures in late February and early March due to heightened security concerns disrupted flights across the UAE. Limited operations resumed in March, with full normalization by May following the reopening of regional airspace.

Today, passengers enjoy smooth processing. Arrival and departure halls buzz with activity, and retail outlets report strong sales. The non-traveler access program has added vibrancy, with visitors mingling alongside actual flyers in shared public zones.

Expansion remains on the horizon. Abu Dhabi Airports is developing a master plan for further growth, with construction potentially starting within two years. Plans include capacity increases and infrastructure upgrades to support Etihad’s fleet expansion and rising tourism numbers.

Connectivity benefits the wider economy. As Abu Dhabi’s primary international gateway, the airport supports tourism, business and cargo operations. Its strategic location enhances the UAE’s role as a global aviation hub between Europe, Asia and Africa.

For travelers today, standard procedures apply. Airlines recommend arriving with confirmed bookings and checking flight status amid any residual regional volatility. The airport’s website and app provide live updates, while dedicated staff assist with inquiries.

The non-traveler initiative underscores innovation in airport management. By opening doors to the public, Zayed International Airport positions itself as more than infrastructure — a community asset and experiential venue. Similar concepts could spread to other hubs seeking diversified revenue.

Challenges persist in a competitive landscape. Dubai International Airport remains larger, but Abu Dhabi’s focus on premium service and Etihad partnerships carves a distinct niche. Passenger numbers have rebounded strongly in 2026, with forecasts pointing to continued growth.

As evening approaches on May 13, the terminal will continue welcoming both flyers and curious visitors under the Shopping Pass scheme. Its gleaming halls, efficient operations and forward-looking programs affirm Zayed International Airport’s status as a world-class facility fully open and thriving.

No grand reopening occurred today, but the airport’s ongoing evolution — from architectural marvel to accessible destination — keeps it at the forefront of global aviation trends. For residents and international visitors alike, it stands ready to impress, whether for a quick shopping excursion or the start of a journey across continents.