The Daily Populous

Wednesday July 1st, 2026 evening edition

image for Nancy Guthrie ransom notes deemed fake, search for NBC host's mother continues

The FBI assessment pertains to the two ransom notes reported in early February, days after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie went missing, and a third, more recent message from someone claiming to know the kidnappers' identities, the official said.

"None of the ransom notes are believed to be genuine," the FBI official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The disclosure seems to raise doubts about the premise that Nancy Guthrie was abducted for ransom.

A spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff's Department, which is leading the overall investigation, declined to comment, citing its agreement to refer all inquiries regarding ransom notes to the FBI.

It has been four months since Nancy Guthrie vanished It has been four months since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of America's Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing.

Savannah Guthrie, 54, has referenced ransom demands in video messages she and her siblings have posted on social media.

The second note was reported by NBC News last week to have referred to Nancy Guthrie as having died. »

Many Australians can get three free hours of power from today. Here’s how

Authored by theguardian.com

Households in three states can choose an electricity plan with three free hours of power a day, as Solar Sharer switches on from Wednesday.

Solar Sharer is a regulated energy offer with free electricity in the middle of the day, which energy companies will offer in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia from 1 July.

The free power period is from 11am to 2pm in NSW, Queensland and Victoria, and from noon to 3pm in South Australia. »

Rockstar Games could strike before GTA 6 launches over unionization

Authored by dexerto.com

In late October, Rockstar Games fired over 30 members of staff across studios in the United Kingdom and Canada.

Since then, the fired developers have launched legal action against Rockstar, as well as starting a Rockstar Game Workers Union.

According to The Guardian’s report, strike action has been mooted if Rockstar does not move to voluntarily recognize the union. »

Card Shop Shuts Down Yu-Gi-Oh Tournaments Because of Smelly Players

Authored by ign.com
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An Oregon card shop has halted its Yu-Gi-Oh tournaments for a week after receiving multiple complaints and bad reviews due to smelly players.

In a statement posted in its public Discord channel, the shop confirmed that it is suspending its Yu-Gi-Oh tournaments for a week, placing the blame on stinky duellists.

As a reminder, we encourage players to follow Konami guidelines and report anyone who does not,” its statement reads. »

Ukraine strikes Russian oil refinery as Zelenskyy calls for Moscow to end war

Authored by abcnews.com
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LONDON -- The Ukrainian military struck a Russian oil refinery in Ufa on Wednesday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as Kyiv continues its pressure campaign seeking to push Russia to end the war.

"This is an entirely just response to everything Russia is doing against us," Zelenskyy said on social media.

The site is used to build sensors for some cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as satellite components, Ukraine said. »