AUGUSTA, Ga.— Scottie Scheffler arrives at Augusta National as the clear betting favorite to claim his third green jacket Thursday when the 90th Masters Tournament begins, but defending champion Rory McIlroy’s bid for back-to-back titles adds drama to a star-studded field packed with major winners and in-form challengers.

Scheffler, the world No. 1, opened as the +510 to +550 favorite across major sportsbooks, according to FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM lines released in the final hours before Thursday’s 7:40 a.m. ET tee times. The 29-year-old Texan has won the Masters in each of the last two even-numbered years — 2022 and 2024 — and enters this week as the game’s most consistent performer despite a recent lull that saw him finish no better than 12th in three straight starts.

Yet oddsmakers and models still give him the edge. SportsLine’s simulation, which has correctly picked 16 major winners including the past four Masters, projects Scheffler among the top contenders after running 10,000 tournament scenarios. His ball-striking remains elite, and Augusta National’s firm-and-fast conditions expected this week play to his strengths off the tee and with the irons.

McIlroy, 36, returns as the first player since Tiger Woods in 2001-02 with a realistic shot at consecutive green jackets. The Northern Irishman completed the career Grand Slam with a dramatic playoff victory over Justin Rose in 2025. For the first time in 18 Masters appearances, he arrives without the weight of chasing that elusive final major. His recent form has been mixed — a T-46 at the Players Championship and a withdrawal at the Arnold Palmer Invitational — but his Augusta history (14 cuts made) and motivation could prove decisive.

“Rory has the carrot of history dangling in front of him now,” one analyst noted in pre-tournament previews. Only three players — Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Woods — have won back-to-back Masters in the modern era. McIlroy sits at +1,200 to +1,300, making him a live underdog in what many are calling the deepest field in years.

Right behind Scheffler in the odds are two LIV Golf standouts who have dominated headlines. Bryson DeChambeau, fresh off back-to-back LIV victories, has climbed to +1,000 to +1,050 and is the public’s favorite bet at several books, becoming BetMGM’s largest liability. The 2020 U.S. Open champion has posted top-six finishes in each of the past two Masters and appears to have finally solved Augusta’s puzzle after years of public frustration with the layout.

Jon Rahm, the 2023 champion, checks in at +900 to +1,000. The Spaniard has answered early doubts about his post-LIV form with four top-15 major finishes in his last five starts and multiple LIV top-fives this season. He remains a proven major closer at Augusta.

Xander Schauffele (+1,500), Ludvig Åberg (+1,600 to +1,700), Cameron Young (+2,200) and Tommy Fleetwood (+2,200) round out the top tier of contenders. Schauffele’s major pedigree and consistent top-10s at Augusta make him a safe top-five play, while Åberg’s runner-up finish in 2024 and T-7 last year keep him in the conversation despite a recent dip that included four missed cuts in eight major starts.

Fleetwood, ranked No. 4 in the latest Official World Golf Ranking, offers value according to the SportsLine model. The Englishman has five top-25 Masters finishes in eight tries, including a T-3 in 2024, and enters the week with strong form: four top-10s in five 2026 starts. His driving accuracy and approach play could shine if the greens remain lightning-quick.

Other notable names include 2021 champion Hideki Matsuyama (+2,700), three-time major winner Brooks Koepka (+4,500) and 2018 champion Patrick Reed (+3,500). First-time major hopefuls such as Robert MacIntyre (+2,700) and Min Woo Lee (+3,000) add intrigue, though history favors experience at Augusta.

Current Official World Golf Rankings released this week reinforce the depth: Scheffler leads, followed by McIlroy, Young, Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick. The top 10 includes several players who have won or contended at majors recently.

Augusta National’s setup this year features the traditional fast fairways and lightning-quick greens that reward precision. Practice rounds revealed firm conditions that could punish wayward drives and demand pinpoint iron play into the par-5s. Chairman Fred Ridley addressed the field Wednesday, emphasizing the course’s timeless challenge amid evolving player power.

Weather forecasts call for mostly clear skies and temperatures in the 70s, ideal for scoring but potentially treacherous if winds pick up on the weekend.

Betting trends show heavy action on Scheffler (nearly 10 percent of tickets and 17 percent of dollars at BetMGM) despite his longest pre-tournament odds since 2023. DeChambeau and Koepka have drawn public money, while longer shots like Akshay Bhatia have seen odds shorten dramatically.

Experts remain split. Some see Scheffler’s pedigree and course knowledge as unbeatable; others point to McIlroy’s emotional lift from the 2025 win or DeChambeau’s red-hot putter. The Athletic’s Big Board ranks Scheffler first, McIlroy second, DeChambeau third, Schauffele fourth and Rahm fifth, citing each player’s recent strokes-gained metrics and Augusta-specific success.

ESPN’s panel and Golf Channel analysts highlighted the “wide-open” nature of the event, with multiple players capable of posting the week’s low score. Yet the consensus leans Scheffler unless his recent inconsistency resurfaces under Sunday pressure.

A Scheffler victory would mark his third Masters title and cement his status as the game’s dominant force. A McIlroy repeat would etch his name alongside golf’s immortals. Either outcome — or a surprise from the likes of Fleetwood or Fitzpatrick — would cap a compelling week at the year’s first major.

As the opening round begins under the towering pines of Augusta National, one thing is certain: the 2026 Masters promises fireworks, with Scheffler the man to beat and McIlroy the story everyone will be watching. (Word count: 1,012)

TUCSON, Ariz. — More than two months after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Catalina Foothills home, new ransom-style notes sent to TMZ claim the mother of “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie is dead and offer information on her body and kidnappers in exchange for Bitcoin, prompting the FBI to investigate the latest communications in a case that has gripped the nation.

The notes arrived Monday, the same day Savannah Guthrie returned to the “Today” show anchor desk for the first time since her mother’s disappearance, according to TMZ founder Harvey Levin. One message allegedly stated the sender knows “where her body is and who the kidnapper is” and demanded half a Bitcoin — roughly $34,000 at current values — upfront, with the remainder to be paid after a public arrest. A second note claimed the writer last saw Nancy Guthrie alive in Sonora, Mexico, near the Arizona border.

TMZ said it immediately alerted the FBI. Authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of the latest notes, but the development adds to a string of purported ransom demands that have emerged since early February.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen around 9:45 p.m. on Jan. 31 at her adobe home nestled among mesquite trees and saguaros in an upscale neighborhood outside Tucson. She failed to appear the next morning for an online church service with friends, prompting her daughter Annie to check on her. Blood was found near the doorstep, and evidence indicated she had been taken against her will, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said. She was reported missing Feb. 1.

Investigators believe she was abducted in the middle of the night, possibly while in her pajamas and without shoes. “She couldn’t walk 50 yards by herself,” Nanos has repeatedly stated, ruling out the possibility that the medically fragile woman with a pacemaker wandered off voluntarily. The FBI quickly joined the probe, citing its suspicious nature.

Doorbell camera footage released by authorities showed a masked, armed individual at Guthrie’s doorstep on the night of the disappearance. Additional images from Jan. 11 — three weeks earlier — captured a similar masked figure, raising questions about whether the abduction was targeted and planned.

Savannah Guthrie, 54, has described the family’s anguish in emotional interviews. In her first television appearance since the abduction, she told co-host Hoda Kotb she believes the initial ransom notes the family received and responded to were likely authentic. She has blamed herself at times, noting the home was her childhood residence and expressing regret over not being there more often. The family offered a $1 million reward for information leading to her mother’s return or the arrest of those responsible.

Sheriff Nanos has said authorities believe they know the motive and that the kidnapping was likely targeted, though he stopped short of providing details to protect the investigation. He cleared all Guthrie family members, including Savannah and her siblings and their spouses, as suspects early on, calling them “victims in this case” who have been fully cooperative.

Despite an intense search involving federal agents, local deputies, volunteers and thousands of tips, no arrests have been made and Nancy Guthrie has not been found. DNA evidence recovered at the scene, including from a glove, has not yielded a breakthrough; one sample matched an unrelated restaurant worker. Other leads, including surveillance footage reviewed from the area, produced no significant suspects.

Earlier ransom notes and communications have added to the mystery. Some demanded large sums, while others offered information for cryptocurrency. The FBI has treated certain initial notes as potentially credible, though many tips have led to dead ends. A person previously detained with his mother in a SWAT raid near the home was released without charges and has publicly denied any involvement.

As the case enters its third month — now more than 67 days since she was last seen — experts say the passage of time complicates the investigation. Retired FBI agents and private investigators have noted that elderly victims with medical needs face heightened risks, and some have speculated that a medical emergency could have altered the kidnappers’ plans if the abduction was intended for ransom.

Pima County Sheriff’s officials and the FBI continue to describe the case as active, with forensic analysis ongoing. Tips have slowed, but authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. Neighbors were previously asked to share security footage from the weeks surrounding the disappearance.

Savannah Guthrie returned to “Today” on April 6, appearing stoic during the morning broadcast alongside Craig Melvin before becoming emotional greeting supporters on the plaza who wore yellow ribbons in honor of her mother. “It’s good to be home,” she said simply at the top of the show. She has split time between New York and Tucson in recent weeks while remaining involved in the search.

The case has drawn intense media attention, in part because of Savannah Guthrie’s prominence as a beloved television journalist. It has also highlighted the vulnerabilities of elderly residents living alone, even in seemingly safe neighborhoods. Some analysts have pointed to possible early investigative missteps, including an initial assumption by some responders that Nancy Guthrie might have simply wandered away, though officials have pushed back on claims of major errors.

Speculation has ranged widely online and in cable news panels, from theories of a botched ransom plot to questions about whether the perpetrator knew the home’s layout or was interrupted by a neighbor’s dog. No theory has been confirmed.

Nanos warned in March that the unknown suspect could strike again, urging vigilance in the community. He has expressed frustration with armchair detectives and false tips that have revictimized the family.

As of Thursday, no new official updates had been released by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or FBI beyond the TMZ-reported notes. The latest communications have reignited public interest, with many questioning whether they represent a genuine lead or another cruel hoax targeting a grieving family.

Nancy Guthrie, a mother of three and grandmother, was described by family as vibrant and faithful despite her health challenges. Friends and relatives have continued holding vigils and sharing memories, clinging to hope even as grim possibilities mount.

The FBI and local authorities have asked the public to report any information, no matter how small, to a dedicated tip line. The $1 million family reward remains active for credible information leading to resolution of the case.

For now, the search for Nancy Guthrie continues in the Arizona desert and beyond, with investigators chasing every lead while her daughter balances public duty with private heartbreak. The new notes claiming her death have only deepened the anguish for a family and a nation still waiting for answers in one of the most puzzling abduction cases in recent memory.

Tax season is closing in on the April 15 deadline to file your return or request an extension and a new report details some common mistakes that Americans are making throughout the year that are costing them money.

A report by GOBankingRates broke down five tax mistakes that could cost American taxpayers thousands of dollars every year.

Those common mistakes range from not claiming deductions that were available to the taxpayer or failing to track deductible expenses to misreporting income.

Here’s a look at the five tax mistakes outlined in the report.

RETIRED? HERE’S WHEN THE IRS MIGHT TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT YOUR FINANCES

Taxpayers may cost themselves money through smaller refunds or penalties by making mistakes in filing their taxes. (Michael Bocchieri/Getty Images)

Approaching taxes as a once a year event

Christina Taylor, vice president of tax development and delivery at tax technology platform April, told GOBankingRates that taxpayers who only think about their returns during the filing season “miss credits and optimizations they’re actually eligible for, which is how you end up giving part of your refund back to the IRS.”

She added that last year “Americans overpaid their federal taxes by about $3,200 on average, and spent billions of dollars and 6.5 billion hours on tax prep.”

AVERAGE TAX REFUND UP NEARLY 11% FROM A YEAR AGO, IRS DATA SHOWS

The deadline for taxpayers to file their 2025 return or request a refund is April 15. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

Not tracking deductions throughout the year

Taxpayers also tend to fail to keep track of their deductible expenses over the course of the year, which happens more frequently when filers are operating under the assumption that they will claim the standard deduction rather than itemizing their return.

Those situations can be avoided if taxpayers keep track of their charitable contributions, whether made with cash or through non-cash donations, along with medical expenses and any interest expenses that they may be able to deduct from their state tax bill.

IRS REFUND TRACKER EXPLAINED: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE THIS YEAR’S TAX FILING DEADLINE

Incorrectly reporting investment income or stock compensation

Taxpayers may overpay taxes on income from their investments or from stock compensation in the form of restricted stock options or nonqualified stock options that are sold.

Jennifer Kohlbacher, a CPA and director of wealth strategy at Mariner Wealth Advisors, told GOBankingRates that taxpayers often fail to calculate or report their tax basis correctly, which can increase the amount of capital gains taxes they owe.

The IRS may delay refunds for returns with errors or flag them for audits. (Jordan Vonderhaar/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Missing estimated tax payments or not updating withholding

Taxpayers who operate a small business or are self-employed are required to make estimated tax payments to the IRS each quarter throughout the year, and failing to pay the appropriate amount can cause the taxpayer to face penalties for the amount underpaid as well as any related interest.

Life changes that affect a tax filer’s status, like getting married or having a child, are situations in which taxpayers should update their withholding information to account for the change, which can reduce the size of their refund by raising their take-home pay. 

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Filing errors and poor recordkeeping

Taxpayers may make mathematical errors when filing or make typos in their tax return that could cause the IRS to flag a tax return for review or even an audit.

Reviews by the IRS can also cause taxpayers’ tax refunds to be delayed.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Even after stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of 2025, Warren Buffett remains one of the most quoted voices in finance. His simple, folksy sayings on investing, patience and life continue to resonate as markets navigate high valuations, economic uncertainty and rapid technological change heading into 2026.

Buffett, 95, handed day-to-day leadership to Greg Abel but stays active as chairman, making occasional investment calls and sharing insights in rare interviews. In a March 31, 2026, CNBC appearance, he reiterated core principles while expressing a wish for the Federal Reserve to target zero inflation and cautioning about market levels that have left Berkshire sitting on record cash.

Here are 10 of Buffett’s most enduring quotes, drawn from decades of annual letters, shareholder meetings and interviews. Each remains strikingly relevant today, offering lessons for both novice investors and seasoned professionals amid 2026’s volatile environment.

“Rule No. 1: Never lose money. Rule No. 2: Never forget rule No. 1.”

This golden rule, repeated across Buffett’s writings, forms the bedrock of his philosophy. In an era of speculative bubbles and high valuations, preserving capital has never been more critical. Berkshire’s massive cash pile — exceeding $300 billion at times — reflects this caution, acting as dry powder for opportunities rather than chasing overpriced assets.

Buffett has long emphasized that avoiding big losses allows compounding to work its magic over time. As he noted in past letters, investors who focus first on not losing money position themselves to benefit when others panic.

“Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.”

One of Buffett’s most famous contrarian maxims, this line from his 1986 letter captures the emotional discipline required for success. In 2026, with stock indices near records and AI hype driving valuations, the quote serves as a reminder to resist herd mentality.

Buffett himself has signaled caution by building cash rather than deploying it aggressively, a move some analysts interpret as preparation for a potential correction. His approach: stay patient until fear creates bargains.

“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”

This distinction between market price and intrinsic value lies at the heart of value investing, a strategy Buffett learned from mentor Benjamin Graham. Whether buying socks on sale or stocks, he focuses on what the asset will deliver over time.

In today’s market, where growth stocks often trade at lofty multiples, the quote encourages investors to look beyond hype to earnings power and cash flows. Buffett has repeatedly said he prefers buying wonderful companies at fair prices over fair companies at wonderful prices.

“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”

Patience and long-term thinking define Buffett’s worldview. This quote underscores the power of compounding and early action. Young investors in 2026 who start early and stay disciplined can reap rewards decades later, much like Berkshire’s decades-long holdings in companies such as Coca-Cola and Apple (which he later trimmed but still praises).

Buffett often jokes that his favorite holding period is “forever,” advising against frequent trading that incurs taxes and transaction costs.

“It’s far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.”

Buffett evolved from strict Graham-style bargain hunting to recognizing the importance of quality businesses with durable competitive advantages — or “moats.” This shift helped Berkshire thrive.

In 2026, with many traditional value plays scarce, the principle pushes investors toward strong brands, efficient operators and companies with pricing power, even if they aren’t dirt cheap.

“Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.”

Buffett distinguishes between calculated risk and speculation. He avoids businesses he doesn’t understand, famously steering clear of most tech in earlier decades before selectively investing in Apple.

As artificial intelligence and emerging technologies dominate headlines, the quote warns against jumping into complex sectors without deep knowledge. Understanding the underlying economics remains key.

“The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient.”

This observation highlights how short-term traders often lose to long-term owners. In volatile 2026 markets influenced by interest rates, geopolitics and election cycles, patience has rewarded those who tune out daily noise.

Buffett’s own track record — turning Berkshire from a struggling textile firm into a conglomerate worth hundreds of billions — proves the point.

“The best investment you can make is in yourself.”

Beyond stocks, Buffett stresses continuous learning and self-improvement. He credits reading hundreds of pages daily and surrounding himself with high-integrity people.

In a fast-changing world, investing in skills, knowledge and reputation pays lifelong dividends. He has also spoken of the importance of unconditional love and an inner scorecard over external validation.

“Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.”

This colorful warning about leverage and hidden risks resurfaced during past crises. With elevated debt levels and stretched valuations in some sectors entering 2026, the quote reminds investors that true strength shows in downturns.

Buffett has long avoided excessive debt at Berkshire, preferring a fortress balance sheet.

“Our favorite holding period is forever.”

Paired with his tree-planting metaphor, this encapsulates Buffett’s buy-and-hold ethos. He rarely sells quality businesses, allowing them to compound internally.

Even after retirement from the CEO role, Buffett’s influence endures through Berkshire’s portfolio and the lessons he leaves behind. In his March 2026 interview, he continued emphasizing economic decisions over short-term moves.

Analysts say these quotes are more than catchy phrases — they form a coherent philosophy that has delivered market-beating returns for decades. As Buffett prepares for a quieter chapter, his words offer a roadmap for navigating uncertainty.

Investors in 2026 face inflation concerns, potential rate shifts and geopolitical tensions. Buffett’s advice remains straightforward: focus on value, maintain discipline, avoid debt-fueled speculation and think in decades, not days.

Berkshire’s 2025 annual letter and shareholder meeting quotes reinforced these themes, with Buffett praising Abel’s readiness while noting the conglomerate’s size limits some opportunities.

Financial educators and advisors continue sharing these lines in classrooms, books and social media, introducing new generations to Buffett’s wisdom. Whether markets rise or fall, his principles emphasize character, patience and rationality over intelligence alone.

As one longtime follower put it, Buffett doesn’t just teach how to invest — he teaches how to live thoughtfully. In an era of instant gratification and digital distractions, that message may be his greatest legacy.

For those seeking financial success or simply a steadier approach to life’s uncertainties, these 10 quotes from the Oracle of Omaha provide timeless guidance that transcends any single market cycle.

Neuberger Berman was founded in 1939 to do one thing: deliver compelling investment results for our clients over the long term. This remains our singular purpose today, driven by a culture rooted in deep fundamental research, the pursuit of investment insight and continuous innovation on behalf of clients, and facilitated by the free exchange of ideas across the organization. From offices in 39 cities across 26 countries, Neuberger Berman manages a range of equity, fixed income, private equity and hedge fund strategies on behalf of institutions, advisors and individual investors worldwide. With 763 investment professionals and 2,850 employees in total, Neuberger Berman has built a diverse team of individuals united in their commitment to client outcomes and investment excellence. Our culture has afforded us enviable retention rates among our senior investment staff, and has earned us citations as first or second (among those with 1,000 or more employees) in the Pensions & Investments “Best Places to Work in Money Management” survey each year since 2014. As a private, independent, employee-owned investment manager, Neuberger Berman is structurally aligned with the long-term interests of our clients. We have no external parent or public shareholders to serve, nor other lines of business to distract us from our core mission. And with our employees and their families invested alongside our clients—plus 100% of employee deferred cash compensation directly linked to team and firm strategies—we are truly in this together. The firm has $538 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2025. For more information, please visit our website at www.nb.com.For important disclosures: https://www.nb.com/disclosure-global-communications

Meyers Franchising was launched in 2011 and adds 10 partners to LSL’s network

The estate agency division of property services group LSL has acquired a franchise operation based on England’s South Coast.

LSL Estate Agency Franchising has acquired Meyers Franchising Limited, based in Dorchester, which operates across Dorset. The undisclosed deal will see 10 franchise partners and six branches added to the LSL network, with the acquisition set to be earnings accretive this year.

Meyers was founded in 2011 by Mark Meyer out of his garage, and has gone on to become a franchise operation giving mainly home-based agents systems and branding to work with. LSL says that over the past 15 years, Meyers has become a trusted name in the region’s property market and pointed to the company as one of the leading sales agents across a large part of Dorset and the South Coast, with coverage extending from Christchurch and Bournemouth across to Weymouth and Poundbury, then up to Sherborne and Shaftesbury.

In becoming part of LSL, Meyers will benefit from investment support and access to the London Stock Exchange-listed group’s resources, infrastructure and strategic expertise. LSL says its strong lettings capability will come into play as an area of opportunity for the Meyers network.

Mark Meyer, founder of Meyers Estate Agents, said: “I am incredibly proud of what we have built at Meyers over the years. Our success is down to the dedication of our franchise partners and their commitment to delivering outstanding service. As we look to the future, partnering with LSL Estate Agency Franchising provides the perfect opportunity to take all the Meyers partners to the next level, while staying true to our core values.”

Paul Hardy, managing director of LSL Estate Agency Franchising, said: “Meyers Estate Agents is a fantastic business with a strong reputation, a proven franchise model, and a highly engaged network of partners. We are delighted to welcome Mark and the Meyers team into the LSL family. With our investment and particular strength in lettings, we see significant opportunities to support Meyers in accelerating its growth and further strengthening its position across the South Coast.”

The latest acquisition for LSL follows full year results for the Newcastle-registered group which saw underlying operating profit rise to to £32.6m in 2025, from £27.8m the year before. Group revenue was up 8% in the same year to nearly £183m as a £12m share buyback scheme was launched in January.

Chief executive Adam Castleton said it had been a strong year for the property services business with improved profitability across each of its divisions, record margins and strong cash generation. It follows a significant reorganisation of LSL in recent years which saw its estate agency network of more than 180 branches switch to a franchise model.