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TUCSON, Ariz. — Authorities in Pima County have identified a suspect in a separate kidnapping case that occurred just miles from the home of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, even as the high-profile investigation into her February abduction remains active with no direct link established between the cases.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department on Monday named 40-year-old Coral Michelle Smith as wanted in connection with a kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon that took place on May 29, roughly seven miles from Guthrie’s residence in the Catalina Foothills area. Smith faces charges stemming from that incident, according to officials and local reports.

Smith, who also uses aliases including Corral Albright, Coral Albright-Smith and Under The Sea Smith, is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 136 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes. She has several tattoos, though none on her wrist, authorities noted. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to her arrest.

The development comes more than four months after Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1. Investigators believe she was abducted from her home in the early morning hours, citing evidence such as her pacemaker data, doorbell camera footage showing a masked figure and other forensic indicators at the scene. No arrests have been made in her case, and officials continue to treat it as an active abduction investigation.

Pima County authorities have stressed that there is currently no believed connection between Smith and Guthrie’s disappearance. The separate case highlights ongoing public safety concerns in the Tucson area, where law enforcement has urged residents to remain vigilant while pursuing multiple leads across investigations.

Smith has an extensive criminal history that includes prior arrests for robbery, disorderly conduct, aggravated assault and another kidnapping incident, according to court records and local reporting. Anyone who sees her is urged to call 911 immediately or provide anonymous tips to Tucson’s 88-Crime hotline at 1-520-882-7463.

The Guthrie family, led by her daughter Savannah Guthrie, the co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, continues to appeal for public assistance. A substantial reward totaling more than $1.2 million, including contributions from the family and federal authorities, remains available for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s safe return. Tips can be submitted to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

Savannah Guthrie has been vocal in recent weeks about the emotional toll, sharing public messages of hope while balancing her professional responsibilities. In a recent Instagram Story, she wrote, “Oh my, my soul it cries out, soul, it cries out,” while urging whoever took her mother to “bring her home.”

Retired FBI agent Jason Pack, in a June 2026 interview with Parade, suggested that pressure in the Guthrie case may eventually lead to a breakthrough. “Four months is a long time to keep a secret, and people start to crack,” Pack said. “They make calls they shouldn’t make. They spend money they can’t explain. They act nervous when there’s no reason to be nervous.”

Pack added that the large reward adds compounding pressure. “The $1 million reward is still on the table, and that kind of pressure doesn’t expire. It compounds. Somebody knows something, and the weight of that is getting heavier every single day.”

The investigation into Guthrie’s disappearance has involved extensive resources from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI, including analysis of DNA evidence, review of thousands of tips and coordination with federal partners. Physical evidence at the home, including reports of blood at the scene, has pointed toward a violent abduction rather than a voluntary departure.

Community members in the Tucson area have expressed concern over the separate kidnapping case involving Smith, particularly given its proximity to the Guthrie residence. Local media have reported increased attention to neighborhood security and awareness in the affluent Catalina Foothills neighborhood.

Authorities have not released additional details about the May 29 incident involving Smith, citing the ongoing nature of that investigation. The timing, however, has drawn public interest as both cases unfold in the same region.

For the Guthrie family, the prolonged uncertainty has been particularly difficult. Nancy Guthrie, a mother of three, was last seen the evening of Jan. 31 after spending time with family. Her pacemaker reportedly disconnected around 2:28 a.m. on Feb. 1, helping establish the timeline. Doorstep camera footage captured a masked individual, adding to the mystery surrounding her whereabouts.

Savannah Guthrie temporarily stepped away from her anchoring duties earlier this year to focus on the search and family matters before returning in April. She has spoken candidly about balancing grief with daily responsibilities, including protecting her two young children while maintaining hope for her mother’s return.

The dual investigations underscore challenges faced by law enforcement in high-profile missing persons cases. While the Guthrie case has captured national attention due to her daughter’s prominence, the separate incident involving Smith serves as a reminder of broader regional safety issues that require sustained vigilance.

As both cases progress, officials continue to appeal for tips from the public. Even seemingly minor information could prove valuable. Forensic work, including advanced DNA analysis, remains ongoing in the Guthrie investigation, with hopes that technological advances or a key witness could provide a breakthrough.

The community and national audiences have followed developments closely, with vigils and support efforts continuing. The large reward in the Guthrie case has generated significant interest, though authorities caution that tips must be credible and actionable.

Law enforcement has not indicated any immediate timeline for resolution in either matter but emphasized dedication to thorough investigation. For the Guthrie family, each day without answers adds to the emotional weight, as Savannah Guthrie continues to publicly express her longing for her mother’s safe return.

Anyone with information on either case is strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate authorities. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI remain committed to pursuing all leads in these serious matters affecting the Tucson community.

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There is a bidding war for the world’s oldest bank.

Italy’s Intesa Sanpaolo

ISP

0.91%

increase; green up pointing triangle on Monday launched a $35 billion takeover offer for smaller rival Banca Monte dei Paschi BMPS 2.63%increase; green up pointing triangle di Siena, in the latest sign of consolidation in the country’s banking industry. The bid came a day after fellow Italian lender Banco BPM said it had approached Monte dei Paschi about a possible merger.

The clock is ticking faster for American workers and seniors.

The Social Security Administration’s newly released 2026 Trustees Report confirms that the federal retirement safety net is less than seven years away from fiscal depletion, as the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) trust fund will completely exhaust its accumulated reserves in the fourth quarter of 2032.

Once the reserve dries up, ongoing tax revenues will cover only 78% of scheduled retirement benefits, according to the report.

“One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA): Enacted on July 4, 2025, this law makes permanent the lower income tax rates and adjusted tax brackets originally enacted under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and both increases and makes permanent the larger standard deduction of the 2017 Act,” the report says.

AMERICANS RETHINK SOCIAL SECURITY TIMING AS LONGER LIFESPANS AND INSOLVENCY FEARS RAISE THE STAKES

“The OBBBA also adds a temporary additional standard deduction for taxpayers over age 65,” it says. “As a result, less income tax will be paid on Social Security benefits, and the OASI and DI Trust Funds will receive lower levels of revenue in the future from income taxation of Social Security benefits.”

A Social Security Administration trustees report, released Tuesday, confirmed that the trust fund behind schedule payments will become insolvent by late 2032. (Getty Images)

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) previously warned about the fund’s insolvency date, explaining that, “because the government would not have the legal authority to make payments in excess of receipts, it would no longer be able to pay the full amounts scheduled or projected under current law.”

Social Security benefits are funded by payroll tax receipts along with the OASI trust fund, and once the trust fund is tapped out, the federal government would only be able to pay benefits equal to incoming payroll tax revenue under current law — meaning benefits would face cuts without action by Congress.

In an interview on the “Moon Griffon Show” Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said: “The reason we’re in trouble is because over 74% of federal spending is on autopilot — mandatory spending, that is your entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid and things like Social Security — they have to be adjusted and fixed.”

“We have a plan to do that next year, and it’s critical, because we’re at $40 trillion-plus in debt. At some point you get into a hole so deep you can’t climb out of it, so desperate times call for desperate measures,” Johnson said.

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The Social Security Administration’s latest trustees report suggests that, if Congress alters the law to allow fund sharing between the retirement and healthier disability insurance system, the total depletion window can be extended to the third quarter of 2034. Following a combined depletion in 2034, 83% of scheduled benefits will be funded by ongoing payroll collections.

“The Trustees recommend that lawmakers address the projected trust fund shortfalls in a timely way to phase in necessary changes gradually and give workers and beneficiaries time to adjust,” says the report. “Implementing changes sooner rather than later would allow more generations to share in the needed revenue increases or reductions in scheduled benefits.”

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FOX Business’ Eric Revell contributed to this report.

NEW YORK — The CBOE Volatility Index, widely known as the VIX or “fear gauge,” dropped 1.19 points, or 6.29%, to close at 17.73 on Tuesday, reflecting reduced anxiety among investors as major stock indices advanced on renewed optimism around artificial intelligence spending and signs of easing geopolitical tensions.

The decline in the VIX signals improving market sentiment and lower expectations for large swings in equity prices over the coming 30 days. When stocks rise steadily and risk appetite improves, the VIX typically falls as demand for protective options decreases. Tuesday’s move brought the index back toward levels seen during calmer periods earlier this year, well below the elevated readings that often accompany market stress.

The drop aligned with gains across major benchmarks. The Nasdaq Composite rose more than 1%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced nearly 390 points, and the Russell 2000 small-cap index posted a strong 2.22% gain. Broad participation in the rally, particularly in technology and growth-oriented sectors, helped calm volatility expectations.

Analysts attributed the VIX decline to several supportive factors. Continued enthusiasm for AI infrastructure investments has bolstered confidence in corporate earnings growth and productivity gains. Major technology and semiconductor companies have driven much of the market’s upside, with spillover effects benefiting broader indices and reducing perceived downside risks.

Geopolitical developments also contributed to the calmer tone. Reports of progress in diplomatic efforts involving Middle East tensions helped ease concerns over potential oil supply disruptions and wider economic fallout. Lower energy prices supported transportation and industrial sectors, further encouraging risk-taking and diminishing the need for volatility hedges.

The VIX, which measures implied volatility derived from S&P 500 options prices, remains a key barometer for investor sentiment. Readings below 20 generally indicate relative complacency, while moves above 30 often signal heightened fear. At 17.73, the current level suggests markets are pricing in a period of moderate stability, though traders remain watchful for shifts in economic data or policy signals.

Market participants noted improving breadth and constructive technical patterns across equities. Stronger participation from small-cap and cyclical stocks has helped validate the rally, reducing concentration risks that sometimes fuel volatility. Volume remained healthy, indicating genuine conviction rather than short-covering alone.

Looking ahead, investors will focus on upcoming inflation data, including the consumer price index, for clues on the Federal Reserve’s policy path. While expectations for aggressive rate cuts have moderated, any evidence of cooling price pressures could further support lower volatility. Corporate earnings season also continues to provide company-specific insights that influence sentiment.

The broader economic backdrop includes resilient growth signals and solid corporate results in recent quarters. Many firms have highlighted AI-related opportunities, reinforcing long-term optimism even as short-term uncertainties around trade, regulation and consumer spending persist. The VIX’s sensitivity to these narratives makes its recent decline noteworthy.

International factors played a supporting role. Mixed but generally stable performance in Asian and European markets, combined with a steadier U.S. dollar, contributed to a less turbulent global environment. Bond yields moved modestly as investors balanced growth optimism with rate expectations, avoiding sharp moves that often spike volatility.

For options traders and portfolio managers, the lower VIX translates into cheaper protection costs, potentially encouraging further positioning in equities. However, many caution that the index can reverse quickly on unexpected news. Historical patterns show that periods of extended low volatility sometimes precede sharper corrections when catalysts emerge.

The Russell 2000’s outperformance on Tuesday highlighted broadening market strength, a development often associated with declining fear levels. Smaller companies, more sensitive to domestic conditions and borrowing costs, tend to benefit when rate cut expectations improve and economic resilience appears solid.

Sector rotation dynamics have favored growth areas tied to innovation while also lifting value and cyclical names. This healthy mix has helped sustain the rally and keep volatility contained. Financial stocks gained on improved lending outlooks, while industrials benefited from lower input costs.

As trading concluded, futures pointed to continued monitoring overnight. Market breadth remained supportive, with advancing issues leading decliners on major exchanges. The VIX’s path in the coming sessions will depend heavily on economic releases and corporate guidance.

The current environment reflects a maturing bull market where innovation themes coexist with traditional economic drivers. While risks such as policy shifts or geopolitical flare-ups remain, the VIX’s decline suggests investors currently assign lower probability to sharp downside moves in the near term.

Tuesday’s action reinforces the interconnected nature of equity performance and volatility expectations. As long as positive catalysts around technology and economic stability persist, the fear gauge is likely to remain subdued. However, sustained vigilance is warranted given the market’s history of rapid sentiment shifts.

Broader participation and constructive data flows could support further moderation in volatility. Conversely, hotter-than-expected inflation or disappointing earnings could prompt a quick rebound in the VIX. For now, the lower reading provides a tailwind for risk assets and reflects confidence in the ongoing expansion.

Investors are advised to maintain balanced portfolios and avoid overexposure based solely on short-term VIX moves. The index serves best as one tool among many for assessing market conditions rather than a standalone signal for trading decisions.

The decline to 17.73 marks another step toward normalization after earlier spikes tied to various uncertainties. With major indices pushing higher and sentiment improving, the VIX’s behavior underscores a market that is gradually digesting risks while focusing on growth opportunities in artificial intelligence and beyond.