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DOJ Charges Los Angeles Woman in $18 Million COVID Relief Fraud

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A Los Angeles woman is facing federal charges after allegedly obtaining $18 million in fraudulent COVID-19 relief funds.

Marisela Nuno, 53, was charged Tuesday in connection with an alleged scheme targeting two emergency programs created to help small businesses during the pandemic.

The Justice Department said Nuno defrauded the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, both of which were authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“According to court documents, the defendant allegedly obtained funds under the PPP and EIDL program by submitting false and fraudulent loan applications that collectively sought over $15.7 million in PPP funds and over $2.6 million in EIDL funds,” the DOJ said.

Prosecutors allege that Nuno knowingly provided false information about the businesses she owned, including inaccurate statements about their gross revenues. She also allegedly submitted fraudulent tax documents as part of the applications.

After receiving the relief money, Nuno allegedly spent it on private property, business startup expenses and payments to relatives.

She faces three counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Each wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while the money laundering charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years.

President Trump signed the CARES Act into law in March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the country. The $2 trillion package provided economic relief intended to help businesses avoid laying off workers.

In a separate case, a California couple was convicted in 2021 after illegally obtaining $20 million in COVID-19 relief funds.

The couple used “dozens of fake, stolen, or synthetic identities — including names belonging to elderly or deceased people and foreign exchange students who briefly visited the United States years ago and never returned – to submit fraudulent applications for approximately 150 PPP and EIDL loans,” the Justice Department said.


A California businessman was also charged in 2025 after allegedly obtaining more than $14 million through fraudulent pandemic loan applications. He reportedly used the money to rent a villa, fly across the country on private jets and buy luxury vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce and a Land Rover.

Gregg Wallace Defends Selling £37 Cameo Messages to Fans

Former MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has defended charging £37 for personalised Cameo videos after losing his BBC role and facing financial difficulties.

Wallace presented the cooking programme for around 20 years before stepping down last year following several allegations of misconduct, first reported by BBC News. A subsequent investigation upheld more than 40 complaints about his conduct on the show, including one incident involving unwanted physical contact and three occasions when he was allegedly inappropriately undressed.

He turned to recording Cameo messages to earn money and has now responded on Instagram to criticism of the decision, insisting he takes “great pride” in creating the videos.

Alongside a photograph of himself, Wallace wrote: “Cameo Messages – yes, I earned money from them and they really did help us out when I lost my job. But I genuinely love doing them and I take great pride in them. You can see that from my five star reviews.”

One Instagram user commented: “Really really happy with the one you did for my sons 40th, thank you.” Another wrote: “Hopefully you will be doing a special Christmas cooking show for us.”

The post comes after Wallace confirmed that he has resumed legal action against the BBC, despite abandoning his claim in February. The former MasterChef host withdrew the case earlier this year, stating that he would receive neither compensation nor legal costs. He had sought up to £10,000 in damages, although court documents recorded that his claim against the BBC and BBC Studios had been “discontinued”.

Wallace alleged that the broadcaster caused him “distress and harassment” by failing to respond properly to a request for his personal data. He began the legal proceedings after being dismissed from the long-running cookery programme.

Confirming that a hearing is scheduled for next spring, the 62-year-old said on social media: “We are going down the legal route and I am the injured party. I’m a victim of a terrible witch hunt. First court date in spring next year. The investigation report shows no bullying, no harassment and no workplace touching.”

Canadian Mother and Daughter Dead in Suspected Grizzly Bear Attack on Hiking Trail

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A Canadian mother and her adult daughter died in what authorities believe was a grizzly bear attack while hiking near their home over the weekend.

Jennifer Balcarras, 48, an art therapist, and her 20-year-old daughter, Selah Reed, disappeared Saturday after setting out on the Snooka West Trail, a short distance from their home in Bella Coola, British Columbia.

The family became worried after Balcarras did not appear for a planned online meeting that day, her brother, Matt Balcarras, told The Vancouver Sun.

Photo of Jennifer Balcarras and Selah Reed

Jennifer Balcarras, 48, and her 20-year-old daughter, Selah Reed, died in a suspected grizzly bear attack.  (Facebook/Josh Kara Balcarras)

When relatives could not reach the mother and daughter, they contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on Sunday morning and requested a welfare check.

Officers found Balcarras’ vehicle at the trailhead. Search teams recovered her body Monday, followed by Reed’s body on Tuesday.

Grizzly bear stands in Jasper National Park, Canada.

A grizzly bear in Jasper National Park, Canada. Conservation officials say a woman and her daughter were killed in a suspected bear attack in British Columbia. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

“There was evidence to suggest a bear may have been involved,” Jeff Tyre, an inspector with the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service, said in a video update shared on social media.

Tyre said officers were working to “locate and capture any bears involved,” adding that investigators had not determined whether one animal or more than one was responsible.

“Any captured bear will be assessed,” conservation officials said in a statement. “If it is determined to have been involved in the attack, it will be dispatched in accordance with provincial human-wildlife conflict response guidelines to protect public safety.”

Matt Balcarras said he was stunned that the attack occurred in an area his sister and niece knew well and where they had extensive experience.

“They were not naive city folks,” he said. “They were strong women living the life.”

The deaths occurred less than a year after a grizzly bear injured 11 people, including fourth- and fifth-grade students, during a school field trip near Bella Coola.

Chilling 911 Audio Captures Hero Dad Pleading for Help at Silver Rail

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A father who rushed into action after a teenage gunman entered his daughters’ elementary school was heard desperately calling 911 for help.

Kaylub Giamanco, 36, later shot Griffin John II, 16, dead after the teenager killed three children with special needs and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, on October 15.

Giamanco had previously recalled that he was driving home from lunch when he saw John firing at a red vehicle ahead of him. The teenager then threw his rifle over a fence and moved toward the school.

After witnessing the attack, Giamanco took his handgun from the center console, loaded the magazine and called 911.

As soon as the dispatcher answered, newly released audio captured the father of two saying: “Oh my God.”

“Someone’s at the school, at my daughters’ school with a gun,” he said. “I have a gun and I will shoot them right now if I have to.”

The dispatcher urged Giamanco not to intervene and instructed him to wait for police.

But Giamanco continued speaking over the dispatcher as his frustration and fear grew.

“This is my daughters’ school,” he shouted, before adding: “I’m about to go kill this kid.”

Kaylub Giamanco, 36, was heard in a frantic 911 call pleading for help after he saw a gunman enter his daughters' school on October 15

Kaylub Giamanco, 36, made a frantic 911 call after seeing a gunman enter his daughters’ school on October 15

Griffin John II, 16, opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon before Giamanco shot him dead

Griffin John II, 16, opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Oregon, before Giamanco shot him dead

The father-of-two crawled through an open window to confront the killer

The father of two crawled through an open window to confront the gunman

The dispatcher kept Giamanco on the line, asking about the suspect’s race and whether he had entered the school.

Giamanco confirmed that the gunman was inside the elementary school and said he could hear shots being fired.

“God d*** it, they’re f***ing shooting people,” he said.

The dispatcher continued seeking information and told him that “we have help en route.”

By then, however, Giamanco had stopped speaking with the sheriff’s office and was running toward the building.

Inside, a teacher attempted to stop John by throwing her phone at him, tackling him and struggling to take control of his rifle, KATU reports.

Giamanco then entered through an open window, made his way to the special needs classroom and fired his weapon, bringing the shooter down.

Giamanco could be heard in the 911 call telling a dispatcher how his daughters were inside the school. Source: Facebook

During the 911 call, Giamanco told the dispatcher that his daughters were inside the school. Source: Facebook

Giamanco later described the teacher, certified learning specialist Cassidy Schutz, as a “real hero,” saying her actions created the opportunity for him to shoot the attacker.

Schutz said in a statement last week that she could not find words to express the depth of her sadness.

“This is not a story. This is a horrific and heartbreaking tragedy and it is our real lives,” she said. “My thoughts are with those who were lost, their families, those who were hurt and those who were there that day. My heart is with you.”

She said her attention was focused on the families, the school “and my own healing.”

A second teacher in the classroom, Becky Drury, previously said she had no opportunity to shelter the children when John entered.

Drury said she attempted to close the door behind her, but John had already reached the room.

“Before I could do anything more, he shot me at close range, and I fell to the ground,” Drury recalled.

She was shot in her left hand and right arm. Unable to stand, Drury said she pretended to be dead in the hope that John would not fire at her again.

Certified learning specialist Cassidy Schutz threw her phone at John and tackled him to the ground as she tried to wrestle the rifle out of his hands

Certified learning specialist Cassidy Schutz threw her phone at John and tackled him while attempting to wrestle the rifle from his hands

Rhoam Summer, five

Teacher Megan Lambert

Five-year-old Rhoam Summer and teacher Megan Lambert were among those killed in the shooting

Seven-year-old Saylor Graham was also injured. Five-year-old Rhoam Summer and teacher Megan Lambert were killed, along with two other students who have not been publicly identified.

The motive for the attack remains unknown. John had previously attended the school and had reportedly been bullied at times.

He came from a troubled family background and had been assaulted at least twice.

John used a firearm purchased by his mother around his 16th birthday in August. Investigators remain uncertain how he obtained the ammunition and have described the case as “very active.”

Giamanco has a concealed-carry license, which he holds to protect his family.

Australian PM Albanese Faces Police Backlash Over Overseas Trip

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Social commentator Prue MacSween has launched a fierce criticism of Anthony Albanese, accusing the Prime Minister of appearing detached from the financial struggles facing Australians while attending a Commonwealth leaders’ meeting in the Caribbean.

Albanese spent the week in Antigua at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, alongside King Charles III, Queen Camilla and other international leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by his wife, Jodie Haydon, at a royal reception and state dinner. Guests were served a multi-course Caribbean menu featuring mahi-mahi, locally sourced produce and Antiguan black pineapple tarte tatin.

Meanwhile, households across Australia are under mounting financial strain after the Reserve Bank delivered its fifth interest rate increase of the year and warned inflation could remain above its target range well into 2027.

Canstar modelling indicates that a borrower who took out a $600,000, 30-year mortgage when Labor came to power in May 2022 would originally have faced monthly repayments of $2,399.

After the latest rate rise takes effect, that repayment is expected to climb to $4,056 — an increase of $1,657 a month, or $19,884 annually.

For a $600,000 mortgage, an increase in the interest rate from 2.5 per cent to 6.74 per cent adds $2,120 a month, or $25,440 a year, in interest alone. The comparison assumes the loan balance remains unchanged and does not include principal repayments.

MacSween said voters would notice the contrast between the Prime Minister’s overseas engagements and the economic pressures facing many Australians. She compared the situation with the infamous moment when former prime minister Scott Morrison said he did not “hold a hose” while facing criticism for being on holiday during the 2019 Black Summer bushfires.

Albanese (pictured) was overseas when the Reserve Bank increased interest rates on Tuesday

Albanese, pictured, was overseas when the Reserve Bank raised interest rates on Tuesday

Prue MacSween, pictured, described Albanese’s trip as his own “I don’t hold a hose” moment

“We know Albanese is an expert at schmoozing and presenting himself as a great mate and bloke when he is backslapping and prancing on the world stage,” she said.

“But in reality, this is his ‘I don’t hold a hose’ moment.”

She argued that photographs of the Prime Minister attending high-profile events with members of the Royal Family reinforced the impression that he was disconnected from the economic hardship facing ordinary households.

“Sitting at the cricket with the little missus and holidaying in the Caribbean to chum it up with the royals may be a buzz for them, but it looks like an insult to battling Australians who will not be able to afford a holiday for years,” she said.

MacSween also suggested Albanese could be trying to distance himself politically from the government’s economic difficulties, as Treasurer Jim Chalmers comes under increasing pressure over inflation, interest rates and the cost of living.

“Albanese is driven by optics and public relations spin,” she said.

“He would be well aware of how bad this trip looks back home, but he is prepared to brazen it out.”

“I think he has weighed his options.”

Albanese will spend six weeks criss-crossing the globe to attend meetings and summits

Albanese is scheduled to spend six weeks travelling overseas for meetings and international summits

Join the discussion

Should national leaders focus on their global standing or remain home to address Australia’s cost-of-living crisis?

“One option is to let Chalmers wear the heat while he is overseas and then eventually make him the fall guy for the economic mess Australians are facing.”

The comments came after the Reserve Bank issued a bleak assessment of the economy, despite signs that growth is slowing.

“The economy is slowing, housing prices have fallen significantly and the unemployment rate has risen,” the central bank said after Tuesday’s decision.

The RBA also warned that inflation was likely to remain elevated for longer than previously anticipated.

“Inflation is now forecast to remain elevated through much of 2027 and is not expected to reach the top of the 2 to 3 per cent target range until late 2027,” the board said.

The pressure is already being reflected in the jobs market, with Australia’s unemployment rate rising to 4.7 per cent — its highest level in five years.

MacSween said the political risk for Albanese was that voters could increasingly link him to the worsening cost-of-living crisis, regardless of where responsibility lies within the government.

“He would like to survive for another term and I suspect his ego will not allow him to think otherwise,” she said.

“But Australians are hurting and they are paying a lot more attention to what their leaders are doing while they struggle to pay their mortgages.”

The Caribbean visit marks the beginning of a series of international trips Albanese is due to undertake over the next six weeks.

After leaving the Caribbean, he is scheduled to travel to Turkey for the UN climate conference, followed by the East Asia Summit and Australia-ASEAN Summit in the Philippines.

He will then visit China for the APEC Leaders’ Summit and talks with President Xi Jinping, before concluding the tour at the G20 Summit in the United States in December.

Breaking Bad Star Dean Norris’ Wife Files for Divorce Amid Bankruptcy

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Breaking Bad actor Dean Norris and his wife of more than two decades, Bridget Norris, have ended their marriage as the couple also faces significant financial difficulties.

Bridget, 63, filed for divorce in Riverside County, California, in 2025, citing “irreconcilable differences,” according to court documents obtained by TMZ.

The documents state that Dean and Bridget, who married in October 2001, separated on January 15, 2025.

Norris, whose Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte died at 34 last month, and Bridget share five children, including two minors: Zoe, 17, and Dean, 16. Bridget has requested joint legal and physical custody of the younger children.

She has also sought spousal support and asked the court to establish each person’s rights to property acquired during the marriage.

The Daily Mail has contacted Norris’ representatives for comment.

Breaking Bad star Dean Norris, 63, and his longtime wife Bridget Norris have called it quits on their marriage after 23 years. Above, in 2013

Breaking Bad star Dean Norris, 63, and his wife Bridget have ended their 23-year marriage. They are pictured in 2013

Norris responded to the divorce petition several months later, although court records indicate that the proceedings have not yet been finalized.

The filings also show that the couple is involved in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings concerning Swing Inn Cafe, their restaurant in Temecula, California, which they purchased in 2022.

Norris stated that the cafe’s gross revenue fell by $1 million between 2024 and 2025.

The company listed assets of approximately $100,000 to $500,000 and liabilities ranging from $1 million to $10 million.

In addition to the cafe, the estranged couple also operates the Norris Performing Arts Center.

Norris is widely recognized for playing DEA agent Hank Schrader on Breaking Bad from 2008 through 2013.

His character was the outspoken brother-in-law of Walter White, the drug kingpin portrayed by Bryan Cranston.

Norris later returned as Hank Schrader in the Breaking Bad prequel series Better Call Saul.

The actor's wife filed for divorce in Riverside County, California, back in 2025, citing 'irreconcilable differences,' according to court documents obtained by TMZ. Above, in 2014

Bridget Norris filed for divorce in Riverside County, California, in 2025, citing “irreconcilable differences,” according to court documents obtained by TMZ. The couple are pictured in 2014

The pair, who married in 2001, separated on January 15, 2025. They have five children together, including two minors. Bridget asked for joint legal and physical custody of the children

Dean and Bridget Norris married in 2001 and separated on January 15, 2025. They have five children, including two minors, and Bridget has requested joint legal and physical custody

The couple are also in the middle of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy for their restaurant Swing Inn Cafe, located in Temecula, California, which they bought in 2022

The couple is also facing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings involving Swing Inn Cafe in Temecula, California, which they bought in 2022

Norris said that the restaurant's gross revenue plunged by $1 million from 2024 to 2025 in court documents. Above, with Steven Michael Quezada and Cherise Desiree Quezada in 2014

Norris said in court documents that the restaurant’s gross revenue dropped by $1 million from 2024 to 2025. He is pictured with Steven Michael Quezada and Cherise Desiree Quezada in 2014

More recently, Norris appeared in the legal drama Confession alongside Rob Lowe and James Franco, as well as in four episodes of the television series Liam and Michael.

Last month, Norris was among those mourning the death of his Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte, who died by suicide at 34.

Norris, Cranston and Aaron Paul were among the first cast members to publicly pay tribute to Mitte.

In a post on X, Norris, who played the uncle of Mitte’s character, wrote: “Oh my God! Was working, just found out about RJ. I am heartbroken. Though RJ didn’t play my TV son, I always looked out for him as a young kid on set.”

“He was a sweetheart of a young man and will be greatly missed. This is so heartbreaking, I can’t believe it. Thinking of him and his family.”

A county official confirmed to TMZ that Mitte, best known for playing Walter White Jr. on the hit AMC series, died in Texas.

The publication also reported that a separate source told it Mitte had died by suicide.

Cranston, 70, said he was “in deep despair” following the death of his on-screen son. In an emotional Instagram tribute, he wrote: “I’ll miss you, son.”

Norris is best known for playing DEA agent Hank Schrader on Breaking Bad from 2008 until 2013

Norris is best known for his role as DEA agent Hank Schrader on Breaking Bad, which ran from 2008 to 2013

Last month Norris suffered a loss after his Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte died by suicide at 34; The two seen in a still from the show

Norris mourned the death of his Breaking Bad co-star RJ Mitte at 34 last month. The two are pictured in a scene from the series

Norris said Mitte 'will be greatly missed' following his passing

Norris said Mitte “will be greatly missed” after his death

He said it was “especially devastating” that Mitte “took his own life,” adding that they had recently exchanged text messages and were making plans to meet for lunch.

Paul, 47, who played Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad, told The Hollywood Reporter: “I am at a loss.

“I am heartbroken over this news. RJ, I love you my friend. You will be missed. And to whoever happens to be reading this, please know you are loved, and you are not alone. Always remember that.”

Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, or CP, at the age of three. He later became an advocate for disabled actors and others working in the entertainment industry.

Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders affecting movement, posture and balance, typically resulting from abnormal brain development or damage. Symptoms can include muscle stiffness, limited motor control, and problems with balance and coordination.

Doctor Who Botched Christa Pike Execution Hadn’t Placed IV Since 2013

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The doctor who supervised Christa Pike’s botched execution—and had led another failed lethal injection just months earlier—had not placed an IV line in 13 years, according to court records.

Dr. Mark Fowler, appointed by the Tennessee Department of Corrections, oversaw the unsuccessful executions of death-row inmates Tony Carruthers and Pike this year.

But Fowler, 69, acknowledged in a deposition last year that he held no hospital privileges and was not authorized to insert a central IV line at any medical facility, PEOPLE reported, citing the deposition.

He said he last held those privileges in 2013 and had not placed an IV in a patient since then.

Based on Fowler’s testimony, he lacked the recent experience and training typically required to obtain or maintain privileges for placing central lines at many, if not most, major hospitals, Dr. Gail A. Van Norman, professor emeritus of anesthesiology and pain medicine at the University of Washington, wrote in a declaration obtained by the publication.

Despite that, Tennessee assigned Fowler to oversee Carruthers’ execution in May. Under the state’s Lethal Injection Execution Protocol, his responsibilities included determining whether the inmate had died and establishing a central IV line if necessary.

Fowler and a three-person medical team spent more than an hour attempting to place two IVs in Carruthers during his scheduled May 31 execution. The procedure was ultimately abandoned, according to the outlet.

After the team failed to establish the two peripheral IV sites required to administer the lethal drugs, Fowler was brought in to help, Carruthers’ attorney, Maria DeLiberto of the American Civil Liberties Union, wrote in a court filing obtained by PEOPLE.

Court documents said Fowler was unable to place a central line in either of two locations.

By the time officials called off the execution, Carruthers was “groaning” and “clearly in pain,” DeLiberto told the court. The inmate reportedly said, “It hurts, it hurts.”

Fowler was nevertheless selected again for Pike’s disastrous lethal injection in September.

During Pike’s execution, medical staff repeatedly failed to establish functioning IV lines in her arms. They warned that some of her veins may have ruptured, or “blown,” before eventually injecting her with pentobarbital, according to a court filing from her attorney in October.

The IV team used roughly 10 needles and tried multiple locations on both arms. Staff also failed to push saline through the final IV site they placed, attorney Randy Spivey wrote.

Investigators later concluded that Pike’s IV lines had been improperly positioned, causing the pentobarbital to leak into the tissue of her arms rather than enter her bloodstream.

Fowler acknowledged that mistakes had been made, saying staff should have acted when Pike reported pain in her arm.

“They should have stopped and reassessed, and they didn’t,” he told New York Magazine in his first public comments since the execution went wrong.

After surviving two doses of the lethal drug, Pike was taken to a nearby hospital. She remained in critical condition for 10 days before being returned to the prison’s medical ward.

Asian Shares Rise After US Midterms, but Kospi Slips on Chip Selloff

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Asian markets were mostly higher Thursday after U.S. stocks surged following the midterm elections. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed more than 3% after President Donald Trump’s party lost its exclusive control of Washington.

Brent crude was trading near $94 a barrel, close to its lowest price in two months.

Shares tied to artificial intelligence continued to retreat. South Korea’s Kospi briefly plunged more than 4% as investors sold computer-chip stocks heavily. By late morning, the index was down 3.5% at 5,484.38.

Samsung Electronics dropped 5.7%, while memory-chip producer SK Hynix declined 7.4%.

Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.5% to 61,914.53. SoftBank Group, an investor in OpenAI, fell 5.3%. Tokyo Electron, which makes chip-production equipment, sank 7.7%, while testing-equipment manufacturer Advantest plunged 9.4%.

Taiwan’s Taiex lost 1.6%.

U.S. stocks have historically risen after midterm elections, regardless of the outcome, and the S&P 500 advanced 1.6% Wednesday. The Dow gained more than 1,500 points, while the Nasdaq composite rose 1.4%.

Markets with less exposure to the AI sector generally moved higher across Asia. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index jumped 2.8% to 24,597.59, while the Shanghai Composite edged up 0.1%.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 climbed 1.9% to 9,003.40.

On Wall Street Wednesday, hospital operators and dollar-store chains serving lower-income consumers were among the strongest performers in a broad rally that followed Republican losses nationwide.

The election may have limited long-term influence on the broader market. Stock prices are driven more by corporate earnings and the direction of interest rates than by which party controls Washington. Still, investors typically favor divided government because it reduces the likelihood of sweeping economic policy changes.

At the same time, investors are seeing potential trouble for Trump’s social-media company, the AI sector and businesses controlled by Elon Musk, a major Republican donor.

Trump Media & Technology Group was among the market’s biggest decliners Wednesday, tumbling 24.5%.

After briefly reaching $175 five years ago, the company’s stock has fallen to $4.49. Its primary business is Truth Social, best known as the platform where Trump posts.

Musk’s companies also came under pressure. Tesla fell 3.3%, while SpaceX dropped 3.8%. Musk, who previously served as a senior Trump adviser, could face scrutiny from a Congress controlled by Democrats.

Trump’s prominent support for the AI industry has also intensified concerns that the rally in AI-related stocks may have pushed valuations too far. The Republican setback added to those doubts.

A Democratic-led Congress could pressure Trump to scale back the war with Iran, weighing on defense contractors and other suppliers to the U.S. military. Lockheed Martin fell 6.9%, Northrop Grumman declined 4.5% and General Dynamics slipped 2.6%.

Expectations of pressure to reduce the war also sent Brent crude, the international benchmark, down 8.7% to $94.62 a barrel. The decline hurt major oil companies, whose shares had risen for much of the year. ExxonMobil lost 4.6%, while ConocoPhillips fell 5.2%.

Early Thursday, Brent crude was down 0.8% at $93.91 a barrel. U.S. benchmark crude declined 1% to $87.27 a barrel.

Lower oil prices often weigh on renewable-energy stocks by reducing the incentive to move away from traditional fuels. However, Democratic control of Congress could benefit solar and wind companies.

First Solar rose 4.6%, while Enphase Energy gained 3.7%.

In other early Thursday trading, the U.S. dollar slipped to 157.96 Japanese yen from 158.41 yen. The euro climbed to $1.1256 from $1.1228.

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AP Business Writers Dave McHugh in Frankfurt, Germany, and Stan Choe in New York contributed to this report.

Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Four Dead, Including Washington Deputy; Another on Life Support

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A Washington state sheriff’s deputy has died, while a second deputy remains on life support and is not expected to survive after both were ambushed during a deadly domestic violence response, authorities said Wednesday.

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office deputies went to a residence Tuesday after a woman fled to a neighbor’s home and reported that her brother had shot her, FOX 13 Seattle reported.

Authorities learned that the suspect was wanted on an active felony warrant, had access to several firearms and that other potential victims might still be inside the house.

A Spokane Sheriff's deputy

A Spokane County sheriff’s deputy walks toward a hospital where two SWAT officers were taken after being shot during a domestic violence response. One deputy died, while the other remains on life support and is not expected to survive. (Fox News)

The sheriff’s office sent a SWAT team to the residence. As officers moved toward the house, the gunman began firing from inside.

“SWAT team members and deputies approached the house, attempted to breach the door and were met with gunfire,” Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said at a news conference.

A hospital entrance

The entrance to a hospital where two Spokane County sheriff’s deputies were taken after being shot Tuesday. (Fox News)

Deputies returned fire and moved the two wounded officers to safety. Both were transported to a hospital, as was the woman who initially reported the shooting. She suffered injuries that were not life-threatening.

Investigators found one person dead inside the home and another body in the yard. The suspect was also found dead on the property. Officials have not identified any of the deceased.

The sheriff’s office said Wednesday that one of the injured deputies had died from his wounds. He leaves behind a wife and two children.

“Although we know our deputies knew the risks, they bravely moved toward danger to protect others they did not know,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

“They did this with honor and with an unwavering sense of duty to their oath to serve and protect the citizens of Spokane County; they heroically placed themselves in mortal danger.”

The second deputy remains on life support and is not expected to survive, officials said.

Helicopter seen from below

A helicopter hovers over Spokane, Washington. (Fox News)

“As an organ donor, arrangements are being made, and he will continue to serve others through the gift of life,” the agency said.

Australian F1 Champion Alan Jones Dies After Short Illness

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Australian Formula One champion Alan Jones has died at the age of 80, only three days after marking his birthday.

The Melbourne-born driver, who secured Williams’ first drivers’ world championship in 1980 before becoming a well-known television commentator, passed away after a brief illness.

Nine reported that Jones had been diagnosed with cancer just weeks before his death.

His passing closes an extraordinary motorsport journey that began at his father’s Holden dealership and carried him to the pinnacle of international racing.

Jones won 12 Formula One grands prix and remains one of just two Australians to capture the drivers’ world title, alongside Sir Jack Brabham.

For countless Australian fans, he was also the candid former champion who helped bring Formula One to a national television audience alongside Darrell Eastlake on Nine.

Aussie Formula 1 world champion Alan Jones has died, aged 80

Australian Formula One champion Alan Jones has died at the age of 80

Jones won a total of 12 grands prix in his F1 career

Jones claimed 12 grands prix victories during his Formula One career

Alongside Sir Jack Brabham, Jones was the only other Australian to have earned the world champion title

Jones and Sir Jack Brabham are the only Australians to win the Formula One drivers’ championship

Born on November 2, 1946, Jones was raised in a family steeped in motor racing.

His father, Stan, won the 1959 Australian Grand Prix, setting a high standard for his son as Jones began racing Minis and Coopers.

The road to the top, however, was filled with financial struggles and setbacks.

Jones first travelled to Europe in 1967 but could not afford the drive he needed. He returned to Britain in 1970 and worked to fund another attempt, buying and selling used cars with fellow Australian Brian McGuire.

A serious testing accident at Brands Hatch left Jones with a broken leg and a destroyed car, another obstacle before his Formula One career had even started.

His prospects began to change in Formula Three, where he finished second in the 1973 British championship.

Two years later, Jones finally reached Formula One, making his debut for a privately entered Hesketh at the Spanish Grand Prix.

It was a grim introduction to the sport’s highest level. The race at Barcelona’s Montjuïc circuit was halted after a crash killed five spectators.

Jones won the 1980 world championship, delivering Williams its first drivers’ title

Jones won the 1980 world championship, giving Williams its first drivers’ title

The Melbourne-born champion was diagnosed with cancer just weeks before his death

The Melbourne-born champion was diagnosed with cancer only weeks before his death

After leaving Formula One, Jones became a familiar face on Nine’s coverage alongside Darrell Eastlake

After retiring from Formula One, Jones became a familiar presence on Nine’s coverage with Darrell Eastlake

Jones later drove for Graham Hill’s team before earning a full-time seat with Surtees in 1976.

His breakthrough arrived the following year when Shadow signed him after the death of driver Tom Pryce at the South African Grand Prix.

Jones made the most of the opportunity, winning in Austria and establishing himself as a grand prix victor. His performance also attracted interest from Ferrari.

Ferrari eventually opted for Gilles Villeneuve, sending Jones to Frank Williams’ team for the 1978 season.

That decision became the turning point of Jones’ career.

Four wins in 1979 made him a genuine championship contender. A year later, victories in Argentina, France, Britain, Canada and the United States carried him to the world title.

He secured the championship in Canada with one race still remaining and finished 13 points ahead of Brazilian rival Nelson Piquet.

Jones gave Williams its first drivers’ crown and returned Australia to the summit of Formula One for the first time since Brabham’s final championship in 1966.

That same year, he won the non-championship Australian Grand Prix at Calder Park, adding his name to the winners’ list alongside his father.

Jones initially retired at the end of the 1981 season, ending his campaign with victory in Las Vegas.

He soon returned, making a short comeback with Arrows in 1983 before racing again for Haas in 1985 and 1986.

His final Formula One start came at the 1986 Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide.

His competitive career continued well beyond Formula One.

A Can-Am champion in 1978, Jones later became a regular in Australian touring cars and won the 1993 Bathurst 12 Hour with Garry Waldon.

He also established a successful second career behind the microphone.

Jones joined Nine’s Formula One coverage in 1987, offering expert insight as the sport built a growing following across Australia.

His partnership with Eastlake became a defining part of the network’s broadcasts, and Jones remained with Nine until 2002. He later joined Ten’s Formula One coverage in 2013.

Jones received an MBE for services to motor racing in 1980 and was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1989.

He is survived by his wife, Amanda, and his family.