News
Judge orders takeover of health care operations in Arizona prisons after years of poor care
By JACQUES BILLEAUD
PHOENIX (AP) — A federal judge has ordered a takeover of health care operations in Arizona’s prisons and will appoint an official to run the system after years of complaints about poor medical and mental health care.
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The decision on Thursday by U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver came after her 2022 verdict that concluded Arizona had violated prisoners’ rights by providing inadequate care that led to suffering and preventable deaths.
Silver wrote that the state hasn’t gotten a semblance of compliance with court-ordered changes and the Constitution after nearly 14 years of litigation, saying “this approach has not only failed completely, but, if continued, would be nothing short of judicial indulgence of deeply entrenched unconstitutional conduct.”
The judge said prisoners still remain exposed to “an intolerable grave and immediate threat of continuing harm and suffering because the systemic deficiencies pervade the administration of health care.”
The Associated Press left a message for the corrections department after the order was issued. The state and attorneys representing prisoners have 60 days to submit a list of candidates to run health and mental health care operations in prisons.
“This decision means that an independent authority will be able to implement the systemic changes necessary to ensure that medical and mental health care meets constitutional standards,” said David Fathi, one of the lawyers representing the prisoners. “This is a life-saving intervention, and it brings hope that the preventable suffering and deaths that have haunted Arizona’s prison system for over a decade can finally end.”
Lawyers for prisoners say Arizona has made few improvements since the verdict and asked the judge for the more drastic remedy of creating such a “receivership,” arguing system remains broken and prisoners who need care are still in danger.
For over a decade, state government has been dogged by criticism that its health care system for the 25,000 inmates in Arizona’s state-run prisons was run shoddily and callously.
The state had vowed to overhaul medical and mental health services for prisoners in a 2014 settlement, but was soon accused of failing to keep many of those promises. That led to $2.5 million in contempt of court fines against the state and, eventually, the revocation of the agreement by Silver, who explained that corrections officials had shown little interest in making the changes.
The judge then ruled against the state at a 2022 trial, issuing an injunction requiring corrections authorities to fix the constitutional violations.
While attorneys for prisoners say the state lacks the leadership to comply within a reasonable amount of time, the corrections department said it has transformed the prison health care system over the last two years, such as expanding access to treatments, increasing staff and opening medical housing units.
Corrections officials say the opposing side refuses to acknowledge their progress and “focus on the reputation and circumstances of the past rather than recognizing or even supporting the good work of the present.” Lawyers for the department say the agency’s leadership has been acting in good faith with the court’s orders.
In September 2019, lawyers representing the prisoners made a similar request for a takeover, but Silver shied away from it, saying she would revive that possibility if the state acts in bad faith or fails to comply with the court-ordered changes. Past receiverships have been ordered for prisons in other states. In California in 2005, a federal judge seized control of the prison medical system after finding that an average of one inmate a week was dying of medical neglect or malpractice.
The Arizona lawsuit does not cover the nearly 10,000 people incarcerated in private prisons for state convictions.
Memorial services for Rev. Jesse Jackson expanded to include South Carolina and Washington, DC
By SOPHIA TAREEN
CHICAGO (AP) — Memorial services honoring the life of the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. will be expanded beyond Chicago with events in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina, the late civil rights leader’s organization announced Thursday.
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Jackson, a protégé of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate, died earlier this week at age 84 after battling a rare neurological disorder that affected his ability to move and talk.
Jackson will still lie in repose next week at the Chicago headquarters of his Rainbow PUSH Coalition with a public celebration of life and homegoing services to follow, though dates for Chicago events have been changed. Formal services were added, scheduled from March 1 to March 4 in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina, where Jackson was born and raised.
Rainbow PUSH did not offer further details.
Jackson’s adult children gathered outside the family home in Chicago on Wednesday, saying the funeral services would be large gatherings where everyone would be welcomed. They also vowed to continue his decades of advocacy.
“Although his body is absent from us, his spirit suffuses and infuses us, and it charges us to continue with the work,” said Santita Jackson, his eldest child.
Show Caption1 of 3Santita Jackson speaks during a news conference regarding the death of her father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, outside the family home Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) ExpandIn Chicago, a public celebration of life will be held at House of Hope, a 10,000-seat church, on March 6, followed by private homegoing services the next day at Rainbow PUSH, which will be livestreamed.
Jackson rose to prominence six decades ago as a protégé of King, joining the voting rights march King led from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. King later dispatched Jackson to Chicago to launch Operation Breadbasket, a Southern Christian Leadership Conference effort to pressure companies to hire Black workers. Jackson was with King on April 4, 1968, when the civil rights leader was killed.
Venezuela approves amnesty bill that could see release of hundreds detained for political reasons
By REGINA GARCIA CANO, Associated Press
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s legislature on Thursday approved an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of politicians, activists, lawyers and many others, effectively acknowledging that the government has held hundreds of people in prison for political motivations.
The approval marks a stark turn for the South American nation, where authorities have for decades denied holding any political prisoners. It is the latest policy reversal following the stunning U.S. military raid in the country’s capital, Caracas, to capture then-President Nicolás Maduro.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who proposed the bill late last month, is expected to sign the measure.
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The bill could benefit opposition members, activists, human rights defenders, journalists and many others who were targeted by the ruling party over the past 27 years. The debate was suspended last week after lawmakers were unable to agree on some issues, including whether people who left the country to avoid detention can be granted amnesty, and laid bare the resistance from some ruling-party loyalists to see opposition members be granted relief.
Rodríguez proposed the bill weeks after the U.S. military captured Maduro on Jan. 3 in Caracas and took him to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
Venezuela’s government has been quick to comply with orders from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, including last month’s overhaul of the country’s oil
As presented last week, the bill’s purpose is to grant people “a general and full amnesty for crimes or offenses committed” during specific periods since 1999 that were marked by politically-driven conflicts in Venezuela, including “acts of politically motivated violence” in the context of the 2024 presidential election. The aftermath of that election led to protests and the arrest of more than 2,000 people, including minors.
Lawmakers voted in favor of the measure’s purpose, but they paused the debate over disagreements on who it would cover, such as people whom the government has accused of various offenses but have evaded trial by hiding in Venezuela or seeking exile abroad. Ruling party lawmakers, including Maduro’s son, insisted during last week’s debate that those individuals should appear before the justice system first to qualify for amnesty as Venezuela’s law does not allow people to be tried in absentia.
“When one sins, I don’t absolve myself at home; I must go to church, I will go to confession (and say), ’Father, I confess that I have sinned,” Nicolás Maduro Guerra said, comparing the church with Venezuela’s justice system. “Therefore, the ritual of saying, ‘I came to the rule of law, and I acknowledge that we are under the law, under strong institutions that have endured and upheld the republic’ … is important.”
His statement, however, ignores that many of the accused, including people currently in prison, often face trumped up charges, are denied attorneys and lack access to any evidence against them. It also overlooks that cases are overseen by rubber-stamping, ruling-party faithful judges.
General amnesty has long been a central demand of Venezuela’s opposition and human rights organizations, but they have viewed the proposal with cautious optimism and raised several concerns about eligibility and implementation.
Venezuela-based prisoners’ rights group Foro Penal estimates more than 600 people are in custody for political reasons.
In the days after Maduro’s capture, Rodríguez’s government announced it would release a significant number of prisoners. But relatives and human rights watchdogs have criticized the slow pace of releases. Foro Penal has tallied 448.
Families hoping for the release of their loved ones have spent days outside detention facilities. A few began a hunger strike on Saturday.
Daily Horoscope for February 20, 2026
General Daily Insight for February 20, 2026
Our illusions are likely to come into contact with reality today. At 11:54 am EST, structured Saturn chases down dreamy Neptune in bold Aries, demanding accountability where imagination has roamed too recklessly. Disappointing realizations are possible, but this is also a great opportunity to simplify big dreams into doable steps. The emotional Moon then squares expansive Jupiter, potentially adding mood swings to this mix. We don’t have to solve all the world’s problems today, but we can look for manageable ways to start!
AriesMarch 21 – April 19
Aries, start fresh with clear, honest intent. Serious Saturn pairs up with imaginative Neptune in your 1st House of Identity, urging you to shape a vision with honest limits. You may feel torn between a bold leap and a misty plan. Perhaps you can’t know the whole picture at this time, so look for a first step that makes sense. With the information you gather from that, you can decide what to do next. Still, try to have a basic idea of where you’re going!
TaurusApril 20 – May 20
Quiet structure could currently give your thoughts room to unfold. Karmic Saturn conjoins spiritual Neptune in your 12th House of Spirituality, calling for a routine that protects your rest time. If you notice old worries surfacing in strange dreams, write them down, and try to dig into what’s bringing them up right now. Perhaps you won’t be as available to your friends as you’re used to being — you need to deal with your own stuff, and no one else can do that for you.
GeminiMay 21 – June 20
What future are your friendships building now? Responsible Saturn checks in with spacey Neptune in your 11th House of Friendship and Aspirations, asking you to turn hopes into plans your community can rely on. You may feel scattered by options, so pick a shared goal and outline who does what, because clarity keeps enthusiasm supportive rather than chaotic. If an organization proposes a costly event, suggest a pilot version with clear roles before committing funds. Clarify promises so teamwork stays joyful and genuinely supportive today.
CancerJune 21 – July 22
Making a public statement could currently be necessary. As results-driven Saturn nudges nebulous Neptune in your 10th House of Career and Status, others might need you to give a progress update on a significant project. Although you may prefer the safety of keeping things vague, a proposal naming specific dates and resources shows care for the people who rely on your leadership. Offering them an opportunity to provide feedback could ultimately help you too. Set clear milestones to protect your reputation and reduce stress now.
LeoJuly 23 – August 22
Your horizon shimmers with practical promise. Practical Saturn meets idealistic Neptune in your 9th House of Travel and Learning, encouraging you to turn a quest into a structured path. Although you may want to maximize the potential for excitement, a realistic timeline and savings plan can support your adventure without draining your fire. If a course or trip sounds vague, request the syllabus or itinerary before you enroll or buy tickets. Build the map so your courage reaches real places soon.
VirgoAugust 23 – September 22
Deep trust grows through careful, kind agreements. Restrictive Saturn unites with elusive Neptune in your 8th House of Shared Resources, asking you to firm up boundaries around money and closeness. You may sense fuzzy expectations, so put numbers and roles in writing while keeping your tone warm and your analysis practical. If a partner suggests merging accounts, start with a shared budget and agree on a schedule for regularly reviewing it together. Set fair terms so closeness feels safe and generous today.
LibraSeptember 23 – October 22
Finding a comfortable balance in your relationships could be challenging now. As boundary-setting Saturn conjoins compassionate Neptune in your 7th House of Partnership, you may want to be treated better, but you also probably don’t want to come down hard on someone who still has good in them. Perhaps the solution is not all or nothing. You don’t have to kick a frustrating person out of your life entirely — just spending less time with them might provide the relief you need!
ScorpioOctober 23 – November 21
Knowing your limits could currently be crucial. Disciplined Saturn encounters illusory Neptune in your 6th House of Work and Health, pushing you to define tasks and protect your focus from distractions. You may feel pulled into others’ crises, so set priorities early and channel your depth into finding meaningful solutions. If a colleague drops a project on your desk, ask for a deadline and confirm what success looks like before accepting. The last thing you need is a moving target!
SagittariusNovember 22 – December 21
Tending a creative spark could currently help it grow into a roaring fire. Ambitious Saturn collaborates with fanciful Neptune in your 5th House of Creativity and Play, asking you to shape inspiration into something you can finish. Although you may want to say yes to every idea, picking one that you’re able to bring to life today is probably the best way to get yourself motivated to do more going forward. Choose focused fun to build confidence and lasting delight.
CapricornDecember 22 – January 19
Your domestic life may call for grounded choices at this time. As realistic Saturn meets dreamy Neptune in your 4th House of Home and Family, you might need to either let go of a particular fantasy or commit to making it happen. Are you trapped by nostalgia for the past or by a longing for a perfect future that hasn’t taken place yet? Neither desire is easy to deal with, but older relatives could at least offer you a more balanced take on historical events.
AquariusJanuary 20 – February 18
Which words truly match your intentions? Crystallizing Saturn joins forces with elusive Neptune in your 3rd House of Communication, asking you to shape wispy ideas into clear messages that travel well. As you draft and redraft, read your work aloud and remove flourishes. Simple language carries your originality further, and it shows respect for busy listeners. The full range of emotions that your subject matter stirs in you isn’t necessarily relevant to your audience. Say less with care to be heard and trusted widely.
PiscesFebruary 19 – March 20
Security can grow as wise boundaries shape dreams. Authoritative Saturn conjoins nebulous Neptune in your 2nd House of Resources, helping you anchor tender values in a realistic budget. You may drift toward magical thinking, so separate needs from nice-to-haves, and price your time honestly. If someone asks for volunteer work, offer a smaller window or a fairer rate to prevent burnout — even when you’re supporting a good cause, your gifts deserve care! Honor your worth to protect stability and gentle generosity today.
Today in History: February 19, Edison issued a patent for the phonograph
Today is Thursday, Feb. 19, the 50th day of 2026. There are 315 days left in the year.
Today in history:On Feb. 19, 1878, inventor Thomas Edison was issued a patent for the phonograph.
Also on this date:In 1473, astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland.
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In 1847, the first rescuers reached members of the Donner Party, who had been snowbound in the Sierra Nevada near the California-Nevada border for nearly four months.
In 1942, during World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which paved the way for the internment of 125,000 people of Japanese ancestry, including U.S.-born citizens.
In 1945, Operation Detachment began during World War II as the first wave of U.S. Marines landed at Iwo Jima, where they commenced a successful monthlong battle to seize control of the island from Japanese forces.
In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford, calling the issuing of the 1942 internment order for people of Japanese ancestry “a sad day in American history,” signed a proclamation formally confirming its termination.
In 2003, an Iranian military plane carrying members of the elite Revolutionary Guards crashed in southeastern Iran, killing all 275 people on board.
In 2008, an ailing Fidel Castro resigned the Cuban presidency after nearly a half-century in power; his brother Raúl was later named to succeed him. Fidel Castro died in 2016 at the age of 90.
In 2025, the ocean liner SS United States, which shattered the transatlantic speed record on its maiden voyage in 1952, departed Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfront under tow for Mobile, Alabama, for prep work before officials sink it off Florida’s Gulf Coast to create the world’s largest artificial reef.
Today’s birthdays:- Singer Smokey Robinson is 86.
- Rock musician Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) is 78.
- Author Amy Tan is 74.
- Actor Jeff Daniels is 71.
- Actor Ray Winstone is 69.
- Actor Leslie David Baker is 68.
- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is 67.
- Tennis Hall of Famer Hana Mandlíková is 64.
- Singer Seal is 63. Actor Benicio Del Toro is 59.
- Author-cartoonist Jeff Kinney is 55.
- NBA center Nikola Jokić is 31.
- Singer-songwriter Chappell Roan is 28.
- Actor David Mazouz is 25.
- Actor Millie Bobby Brown is 22.
Endangered Kenyan antelopes rescued after being stranded at Palm Beach airport
When Paul Reillo learned the endangered mountain bongo antelopes that he had cared for since birth were stranded in a cargo plane on an airport tarmac ahead of their journey to a new home in Kenya, he took matters into his own hands.
At 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 7, 2026, a chartered Boeing 767F carrying eight critically endangered mountain bongo antelopes aborted its departure while taxiing at Palm Beach International Airport after the captain detected a mechanical issue. The animals were en route from South Florida to Kenya as part of a decades-long international effort to rescue the species from extinction.
Transporting the animals halfway around the world requires months of preparation and a tightly choreographed schedule. From Palm Beach to a protected sanctuary on Mount Kenya, the journey takes about 30 hours. Any major delay can be catastrophic.
Read more at Miami Herald.
Haitian TPS holders in Florida get green light to renew driver licenses
Haitians in Florida with Temporary Protected Status can continue renewing their driver licenses, Miami-Dade County said, citing updated state guidance.
But the directive only applies until March 15 or when a court makes a decision in the ongoing appeal process filed by the Trump administration following the decision by a federal judge earlier this month to halt the end of the protections. TPS has allowed more than 300,000 Haitians to live and work in the United States on a temporary basis due to ongoing political, security and humanitarian crisis in their homeland.
The Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office said it is assisting eligible residents in accordance with a directive from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Individuals with TPS or a pending application and present an expired Employment Authorization Document will remain eligible for a driver’s license through March 15. Those seeking issuance beyond that date must provide alternative proof of lawful presence, consistent with the advisory.
Read more at Miami Herald.
Morning Update: South Florida’s top stories for Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026
Here are the top stories for Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Get the weather forecast for today here.
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Deputy tried PIT maneuver in pursuit moments before deadly Tamarac crash, record shows
See the 10 South Florida restaurants that closed: December-January edition
Dolphins Deep Dive: Perkins, Furones talk Tua and answer viewers’ questions Thursday at noon
No means no: Fort Lauderdale again rebuffs offer to buy office tower for City Hall
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‘Professor Uthmeier’: Inside Florida attorney general’s $100k teaching job at UF
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Asking Eric: Can I repair the relationship between my feuding daughters?
Iran and the US lean into gunboat diplomacy as nuclear talks hang in balance
By JON GAMBRELL
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran and the United States leaned into gunboat diplomacy Thursday as nuclear talks between the nations hung in the balance, with Tehran holding drills with Russia and the Americans bringing another aircraft carrier closer to the Mideast.
The Iranian drill and the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier near the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea underscore the tensions between the nations. Iran earlier this week also launched a drill that involved live-fire in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow opening of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of the world’s traded oil passes.
The movements of additional American warships and airplanes don’t guarantee a U.S. strike on Iran — but it does give President Donald Trump the ability to carry out one should he choose to do so. He’s so far held off on striking Iran after setting red lines over the killing of peaceful protesters and Tehran holding mass executions, while reengaging Tehran in nuclear talks earlier disrupted by the Iran-Israel war in June.
“Should Iran decide not to make a Deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous Regime,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social website, seeking to pressure the United Kingdom over its plans to settle the future of the Chagos Islands with Mauritius.
Meanwhile, Iran struggles with unrest at home following its crackdown on protests, with mourners now holding ceremonies honoring their dead 40 days after their killing by security forces. Some of the gatherings have included anti-government cries, despite threats from authorities.
Iran holds drill with RussiaThe drill Thursday saw Iranian forces and Russian sailors conduct operations in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported. The drill will be aimed at “upgrading operational coordination as well as exchange of military experiences,” IRNA added.
China had joined the “Security Belt” drill in previous years, but there was no acknowledgment it participated in this round. In recent days, a vessel that appeared to be a Steregushchiy-class Russian corvette had been seen at a military port in the Iranian city of Bandar Abbas.
Iran also issued a rocket-fire warning to pilots in the region, suggesting they planned to launch anti-ship missiles in the exercise.
Meanwhile, tracking data showed the Ford off the coast of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean midday Wednesday, meaning the carrier could transit through Gibraltar and potentially station in the eastern Mediterranean with its supporting guided-missile destroyers.
Having the carrier there could allow American forces to have extra aircraft and anti-missile power to potentially protect Israel and Jordan should a conflict break out with Iran. The U.S. similarly placed warships there during the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip to protect against Iranian fire.
Anti-government chants made at mourning ceremoniesMourning ceremonies for those killed by security forces in the protests last month also have increased. Iranians traditionally mark the death of a loved one 40 days after the loss. Both witnesses and social media videos showed memorials taking place at Tehran’s massive Behesht-e Zahra cemetery. Some memorials included people chanting against Iran’s theocracy while singing nationalistic songs.
The demonstrations began Dec. 28 at Tehran’s historic Grand Bazaar, initially over the collapse of Iran’s currency, the rial, then spread across the country. Tensions exploded on Jan. 8, with demonstrations called for by Iran’s exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi.
Iran’s government has offered only one death toll for the violence, with 3,117 people killed. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate in previous rounds of unrest in Iran, puts the death toll at over 7,000 killed, with many more feared dead.
___
Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report.
Governors arrive in Washington eager to push past Trump’s partisan grip
By JOEY CAPPELLETTI and STEVEN SLOAN
WASHINGTON (AP) — In another era, the scene would have been unremarkable. But in President Donald Trump’s Washington, it’s become increasingly rare.
Sitting side by side on stage were Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat. They traded jokes and compliments instead of insults and accusations, a brief interlude of cordiality in a cacophony of conflict.
Stitt and Moore are the leaders of the National Governors Association, one of a vanishing few bipartisan institutions left in American politics. But it may be hard for the organization, which is holding its annual conference this week, to maintain its reputation as a refuge from polarization.
Trump has broken with custom by declining to invite all governors to the traditional White House meeting and dinner. He has called Stitt, the NGA’s chair, a “RINO,” short for Republican in name only, and continued to feud with Moore, the group’s vice chair, by blaming him for a sewage spill involving a federally regulated pipeline.
The break with tradition reflects Trump’s broader approach to his second term. He has taken a confrontational stance toward some states, withholding federal funds or deploying troops over the objections of local officials.
With the Republican-controlled Congress unwilling to limit Trump’s ambitions, several governors have increasingly cast themselves as a counterweight to the White House.
“Presidents aren’t supposed to do this stuff,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said about the expansion of executive power in recent administrations. “Congress needs to get their act together. And stop performing for TikTok and actually start doing stuff. That’s the flaw we’re dealing with right now.”
Cox, a Republican, said “it is up to the states to hold the line.”
Moore echoed that sentiment in an interview with The Associated Press.
“People are paying attention to how governors are moving, because I think governors have a unique way to move in this moment that other people just don’t,” he said.
Still, governors struck an optimistic tone in panels and interviews Wednesday. Stitt said the conference is “bigger than one dinner at the White House.” Moore predicted “this is going to be a very productive three days for the governors.”
“Here’s a Republican and Democrat governor from different states that literally agree on probably 80% of the things. And the things we disagree on we can have honest conversations on,” Stitt said while sitting beside Moore.
Tensions over the guest list for White House events underscored the uncertainty surrounding the week. During the back-and-forth, Trump feuded with Stitt and said Moore and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis were not invited because they “are not worthy of being there.”
Whether the bipartisan tone struck Wednesday evening can endure through the week — and beyond — remains an open question.
“We can have disagreements. In business, I always want people around me arguing with me and pushing me because that’s where the best ideas come from,” said Stitt. “We need to all have these exchange of ideas.”
Man who lived rent-free in New Yorker Hotel, then claimed to own it, pleads guilty to fraud charge
By JAKE OFFENHARTZ
NEW YORK (AP) — A New York City man who attempted to claim ownership of the New Yorker Hotel has pleaded guilty to fraud, ending a lengthy legal saga involving an obscure tenant law that allowed the man to live rent-free for years in the storied Manhattan hotel.
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Mickey Barreto entered the plea on Wednesday, admitting that he had forged property records in an effort to take ownership over the hotel. That effort was, at least on paper, partially successful.
In Barreto’s telling, he and his boyfriend paid $200 in 2018 to rent one of the more than 1,000 rooms in the towering, oft-photographed Art Deco hotel. Barreto then requested a lease, claiming his one night stay entitled him to protections under a city housing law that applies to single-room occupants of buildings constructed before 1969.
When the hotel rebuffed him, he took his case to housing court. After the hotel failed to send a lawyer to a key hearing, Barreto was awarded “possession” of the room.
But Manhattan prosecutors said Barreto then went a step further, defrauding the state by uploading a fake deed to a city website that purported to transfer ownership of the entire building to himself.
The property is currently owned by the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity, which was founded in South Korea by a self-proclaimed messiah, the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon. The church did not respond to an e-mailed inquiry.
Barreto then attempted to collect rent from a hotel tenant and demanded the hotel’s bank transfer its accounts to him, according to prosecutors.
He was eventually evicted from the premises in 2024 and charged with multiple counts of felony fraud. He was later found unfit to stand trial and ordered to undergo psychiatric treatment.
As part of the plea, Barreto was sentenced to a six-month prison sentence that he has already served, along with five years of probation, according to a spokesperson for the Manhattan district attorney.
Brian Hutchinson, an attorney for Barreto, didn’t immediately respond to a phone message seeking comment.
Barreto previously told the AP that the judge who granted him “possession” of his room indirectly gave him the entire building because it had never been subdivided.
“I never intended to commit any fraud. I don’t believe I ever committed any fraud,” Barreto said at the time. “And I never made a penny out of this.”
Guide company leading group caught in deadly avalanche warned of snow conditions days before incident
Just days before a deadly avalanche killed eight backcountry skiers near Tahoe, the guiding company leading the trip warned on social media that unstable snowpack could trigger “unpredictable avalanches.”
Blackbird Mountain Guides posted a video Sunday on Instagram cautioning that recent snow conditions around Tahoe were creating atypical layering in the snowpack — a combination that could lead to abnormal avalanche behavior.
The company was leading 15 backcountry skiers on a three-day trek to the Frog Lake Huts when they were caught in a football field-sized avalanche Tuesday near Castle Peak.
Six people survived. Eight were killed. One skier remains missing and is presumed dead as rescue efforts shift to recovery operations amid continued storm conditions and high avalanche danger.
Three of the four guides leading the trip were among those killed.
The Instagram post, published ahead of a major winter storm expected to dump several feet of snow across the Tahoe region, warned that recent dry periods followed by new snow had created a “particularly weak layer” within the snowpack.
In the video, guides on skis dig through layers of snow at Mount Rose on the Nevada side of Tahoe, identifying what they described as a “microcrust” and a layer of “sugary weak facets.” At higher elevations, they said, the crust was “almost nonexistent.”
“This weak layer could lead to some unpredictable avalanches!” text on the screen reads as a guide sifts soft snow through his fingers.
The company explained that the snowpack was forming “atypical layering” for this point in the season.
“Typically, we’d expect small amounts of faceting between big storms, but with a crust and extended dry period for the month of January into February, faceting has been a driving force in the snowpack,” the company wrote.
That layering, the post said, resulted in a “particularly weak layer.”
“As we move into a large storm cycle this week, pay close attention to places where faceting has been particularly strong — avalanches could behave abnormally, and the hazard could last longer than normal,” the company said, urging people to “use extra caution” and monitor alerts from the Sierra Avalanche Center.
The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued an avalanche warning for the central Sierra Nevada — including the Castle Peak area — at 5 a.m. Tuesday, hours before the slide. The warning, initially set to run through early Wednesday, rated avalanche danger in the region as “high,” the second-most-dangerous level below extreme. The center later extended the warning through Wednesday.
Authorities have said severe weather has complicated efforts to determine exactly what triggered the avalanche. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said there were “great questions” about the company’s guiding decisions, though she did not elaborate.
Daily Horoscope for February 19, 2026
General Daily Insight for February 19, 2026
Small sparks could lead to brave starts now. With the emotional Moon entering bold Aries at 2:39 pm EST, following our impulses may be easier than usual. Soon after, Luna meets restrictive Saturn, asking for measured steps, simple promises, and patience as we shape plans we can actually keep. Moments later, the Moon’s contact with dreamy Neptune softens edges, encouraging us to listen from the heart. Checking the facts might ultimately be necessary, but our enthusiasm is potentially in the right place!
AriesMarch 21 – April 19
Aries, your passion meets sturdy focus today. The instinctive Moon in your 1st House of Identity conjoins disciplined Saturn, asking you to set a pace you can sustain. Although you may feel eager to just start moving, simple structure helps your energy land. Try outlining a plan before you pitch an idea. If inspiration swells later, let heart and practicality share the lead. Be open about your needs so others understand what you’re aiming for. A little foresight now can turn courage into results!
TaurusApril 20 – May 20
Quiet time can help you notice gentle truths today. Your 12th House of Solitude and Spirituality stirs as the intuitive Moon enters, inviting a pause that protects your energy. Although you need to acknowledge your emotions, acting on them immediately isn’t necessarily the best course. You might step outside for fresh air before you answer an upsetting message, or let patience soften a craving before you bite on an impulse purchase. Calm restores your strength, so don’t feel bad about stepping away from the whirlwind.
GeminiMay 21 – June 20
What are your friends reflecting back to you? Plans could blur as the impressionable Moon merges with nebulous Neptune in your 11th House of Friendship and Community, bringing welcome compassion but also frustratingly hazy expectations. A chat may meander, or you might have to look for a new time to meet up. Do what you can to accommodate each person’s schedule, but be realistic about your own needs too. Sometimes the show must go on, whether or not it’s totally convenient for everyone involved!
CancerJune 21 – July 22
Seeing how far you’ve come is possible now. The nourishing Moon enters your 10th House of Career and Status, helping you step into visibility with both confidence and competence. You might briefly share a progress update with the people who count in order to keep their expectations clear and realistic. Choose a visible next step, like setting a date for a presentation, and let your sensitivity guide how you frame the message. Your gentle leadership can build trust and open doors.
LeoJuly 23 – August 22
Thinking a few steps ahead could be crucial now. The temperamental Moon joins authoritative Saturn in your 9th House of Travel and Learning, urging you to balance bold opinions with realistic limits. You may sincerely believe that the world should function in a certain way. How do you plan to enforce that, though? A new rule may or may not be the right tool to address the issue currently weighing on you. Remember that some laws cause more problems than they solve.
VirgoAugust 23 – September 22
Honesty could be necessary to clear knots around shared matters today. As the unconscious Moon encounters structured Saturn in your 8th House of Shared Resources and Intimacy, you may come to realize that you and another person assumed very different things about an arrangement that brings you together. Do you even have the same overall goal? You can at least be candid about what you’re personally looking for in order to reduce defensiveness and keep the process humane. Clearer terms should ultimately benefit both sides.
LibraSeptember 23 – October 22
Libra, empathy steers your choices with grace. The intuitive Moon in your 7th House of Partnership embraces psychic Neptune, heightening your perception so you sense the subtle needs of the people in your life. However, it’s also possible to mix up what’s yours and what’s theirs, so request feedback to confirm your impressions. You might echo back what you heard and ask a clear question, such as whether a call later would feel supportive. Compassion with boundaries keeps connections steady and sweet.
ScorpioOctober 23 – November 21
Being conscious of your workflow can currently help you get the most out of it. Your 6th House of Work and Wellness activates as the emotional Moon enters, encouraging practical habits that support your intense focus without draining your reserves. You might set a timer to finish an assignment and then take a real stretch so your stamina returns. If a coworker interrupts, state your plan and circle back later. Boundaries protect quality of output and prevent resentment from poisoning relationships.
SagittariusNovember 22 – December 21
A complicated form of pleasure may appeal to you now. Play could turn reflective as the moody Moon unites with idealistic Neptune in your 5th House of Creativity and Romance, blending imagination with tender feelings. You might bring a sketchbook to a café in order to temporarily live out a fantasy of a grand artistic life. However, don’t let this get you too depressed about how your current circumstances fall short of your dreams — no one gets to totally escape boring responsibilities!
CapricornDecember 22 – January 19
Comfort and care could be high priorities today. Your 4th House of Home and Family shifts as the nurturing Moon enters, encouraging you to create simple order in your domestic life. You might start a calm conversation about chores and then share a warm meal that brings everyone back to center. If you live alone, set a cozy tone with music and a gentle plan for the evening, because small routines rebuild stability. Nourish your roots, and tomorrow’s work should feel easier!
AquariusJanuary 20 – February 18
Your perspective could carry extra weight today. The instinctive Moon sits with karmic Saturn in your 3rd House of Communication, grounding your thoughts and calling for careful messaging that respects limits. Although your emotions on a contentious subject need to be heard and processed by you, airing them carelessly to others might inflame the drama further. Read a draft of an email aloud, and take a short break to reflect before sending it. Make sure your words carry clarity, not heat.
PiscesFebruary 19 – March 20
Needs and wants might compete for your attention at the moment. Money choices could feel foggy as the temperamental Moon in your 2nd House of Resources unites with elusive Neptune, mixing a craving for comfort with dreams of what feels perfect. Check the amount you can spend today, and pick a small treat inside it, like cooking something special instead of ordering out. The goal isn’t to feel deprived — it’s to balance current desires with bigger priorities. Gentle limits keep you on track.
Air Force One will be repainted as Trump has hinted, US military says
By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN
WASHINGTON (AP) — A red, white and blue color scheme championed by President Donald Trump will become the new look for Air Force One, the U.S. military said Thursday.
The Air Force said a “red, white, gold and dark blue paint scheme” will be used for the updated jet that is slated to serve as Air Force One as well as other, smaller jets that routinely fly other top government officials.
The military released a rendering of the new look that matches an airplane model that has been seen in the Oval Office for meetings with foreign leaders.
A model of Air Force One sits on a table as President Donald Trump meets with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)Boeing is in the process of modifying two of its 747-800 aircraft that are slated to replace the existing fleet of two aging Boeing 747-200 aircraft that the president currently uses and that take on the Air Force One call sign when the president is aboard.
In 2018, Trump directed that those new jets would ditch the iconic Kennedy-era blue-and-white design for a white-and-navy color scheme. Instead, the top half of the plane would have been white, while the bottom, including the belly, would have been dark blue. A streak of dark red would have run from the cockpit to the tail. The coloring was almost identical to the exterior of Trump’s personal plane.
An Air Force review had suggested the darker colors would increase costs and delay delivery of the new jumbo jets, and President Joe Biden reversed the decision in March 2023.
Show Caption1 of 3A plane with a United States flag believed to be Air Force One carrying US President Donald Trump comes in for landing at Zurich Airport, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.(Claudio Thoma/Keystone via AP) ExpandTrump told reporters last month that “we want power blue, not baby blue,” referring to the current color of the aircraft.
“Everything has its time and place. We’ll be changing the colors,” Trump added.
The Air Force’s statement says a third 747-8i Boeing jet will be painted in the same colors.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth formally accepted a luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar last May for use as Air Force One despite questions about the ethics and legality of taking the expensive gift from a foreign nation.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told lawmakers last June that the security modifications to the jet would cost less than $400 million but provided no details.
Best Home Inspection Options in Pittsburgh - The Palm Beach Post
Best Home Inspection Options in Pittsburgh The Palm Beach Post
