Brother and Sister, 7 and 4, Die in House Fire on Valentine’s Day. Relative Says Tragedy 'Doesn't Feel Real'

Courtesy of Sheriff Joel Cochran

NEED TO KNOW

• Authorities responded to a fire on Feb. 14 in Oak Meadow Circle outside of Sandersville in Georgia, the Washington County Sheriff's Office said

• The victims have been identified as Christian Jackson, 7, and his sister Maliyah Russell, 4, officials said.

• An investigation into the blaze remains active, Sheriff Joel Cochran tells PEOPLE
  

Two young siblings died in a fire at their family's Georgia home on Valentine's Day, authorities said.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office said authorities responded to a fire around 4:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, Feb. 14, in Oak Meadow Circle outside of Sandersville, CBS affiliateWMAZ, ABC affiliateWSBandThe Union-Recorderreported.

In an email to PEOPLE on Monday, Feb. 16, Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran identified the victims as 7-year-old Christian Jackson and his 4-year-old sister Maliyah Russell. He confirmed that the case remains active.

"The Georgia Fire Marshals Office has been called to aid the Sheriffs Office in the investigation," Cochran also wrote in a SaturdayFacebook post. "Please join me in praying for this family, our first responders, and our community this morning and in the days ahead."

Little People's Paradise Daycare Centeralso confirmed the Christian and Maliyah's deaths in a separate post on social media Saturday.

Courtesy of Sheriff Joel Cochran

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of two of our precious students, Christian Jackson and Maliyah Russell," the daycare said.

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"Our entire daycare family is grieving alongside their loved ones during this unimaginable time. Christian and Maliyah brought so much light, laughter, and joy into our classrooms," the center added. "Their smiles, sweet spirits, and beautiful energy will forever be a part of our center and will always be remembered and cherished."

"We ask that you keep their families, friends, classmates, and our staff in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this profound loss together. We are providing love, support, and age-appropriate guidance to our children and team as we process this with compassion and care," the Little People's Paradise Daycare Center concluded.

TheWashington County Public School Districtalso offered a statement on Saturday about the tragedy, sharing that Christian was a second-grader at Ridge Road Primary School in Sandersville.

"Christian was known at RRPS for being extremely smart with a smile that always lit up the room," wrote schools superintendent Timothy May. "Our hearts are heavy for family, friends, teachers, classmates and our WACO Community."

Tyra Stephens, a friend and cousin of Christian and Maliyah's mother, toldWMAZthat she is in shock over their deaths.

"Feels like I'm inTheTwilight Zone,"she added. "I don't think it's really hit me 100% that I'm not gonna see Chris and Leah. It just doesn't feel real."

Read the original article onPeople

byDonna Devi

in

February 16, 2026

Brother and Sister, 7 and 4, Die in House Fire on Valentine’s Day. Relative Says Tragedy 'Doesn't Feel Real'

Courtesy of Sheriff Joel Cochran NEED TO KNOW Authorities responded to a fire on Feb. 14 in Oak Meadow Circle...

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11 million under flood watch as storms bring heavy rain and snow to California

At least 11 million people in California were under flood watch Monday as a series of storms bring rain, snow and potential flash flooding across the state this week.

Up to 4 inches of rain are forecast for California's coast and valley areas, with as much as 7 inches in the foothills and mountains.

In addition to flash flood risks, residents in burn scar areas in Los Angeles County face a threat of mudslides as the rainfall accumulates.

An evacuation order when into effect on Sunday night for the Palisades, Sunset and Hurst burn scar areas. It remains in effect into Tuesday evening. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged residents to follow the guidance.

"Ahead of heavy rain forecasted this week, first responders, Public Works crews, and City personnel are taking action to keep Angelenos safe and will be ready to respond to any potential impacts," Bass wrote in a post on X. "This is likely to be another significant rain event."

Burn scars areas are those where wildfires have killed off vegetation and changed the soil, making the land less able to absorb rainwater. These areas can "be as water-repellant as pavement,"according to the National Weather Service, causing runoff that can create conditions for flash flooding, mudslides and debris flow.

San Francisco's Department of Emergency Management, meanwhile, warned residents of potential flooding in low-lying areas. Parts of the Bay Area are under a coastal flooding advisory through Tuesday.

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"Help your community prepare for the upcoming storm by clearing out storm drains and checking in with friends and family who may need assistance during extreme weather," thedepartment said in a post on X.

As the storm system moves east across California, torrential downpours are expected, with wind gusts as high as 70 mph on Tuesday.

Meteorologists said the system is likely to bring heavy snow to the Sierra Nevada: 5 to 8 feet is forecast to fall from Tuesday through Wednesday.

Though the snow can create dangerous conditions on roadways, its arrival is somewhat of a relief given the extremelylow snowpack that has plagued the West this winter.If the season ends with insufficient snow, that creates problems for water supplies and increases the risk of wildfires when the weather warms.

Climate scientists have been calling attention to the snowpack shortages in nearly every region of the West this year. Although it's not unusual for some areas to lack snow, it's rare for the problem to be this widespread. Philip Mote, a professor at Oregon State University's College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, told NBC News last month that he had observed dramatic deficits.

"Washington, Oregon, California and many Western states had their warmest December ever on record, and so the torrential rains that we had with the atmospheric river and the flooding and damage from too much water — none of that stayed in the mountains," he said.

On Wednesday, the storm is expected to head east, moving out of California and bringing beneficial snow to the Rockies, as well.

byDonna Devi

in

February 16, 2026

11 million under flood watch as storms bring heavy rain and snow to California

At least 11 million people in California were under flood watch Monday as a series of storms bring rain, snow and potenti...

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FBI won't share evidence related to Alex Pretti shooting, state says

The FBI notified Minnesota state investigators that it will not share information or evidence related to the fatalshooting of Alex Pretti by federal agentsin Minneapolis, the state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said in a Feb. 16 statement.

The revelation comes after Minnesota Gov.Tim Walzand other officialsexpressed hope that federal authorities would cooperatewith the state in an investigation into the killing of Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse whose death triggered nationwide protests andbipartisan calls for an independent investigation.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which specializes in investigating police shootings and has often worked with federal authorities, vowed to move ahead with its own probe but acknowledged the challenges posed by the FBI's decision to withhold evidence.

"While this lack of cooperation is concerning and unprecedented, the BCA is committed to thorough, independent and transparent investigations of these incidents, even if hampered by a lack of access to key information and evidence," the agency said.

The FBI, which is leading its own probe into the Pretti shooting, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The move is the latest development in a series of battles between state and federal authorities over investigations into shootings by federal officers during amonthslong immigration enforcement surgein Minnesota.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it has also been stonewalled from evidence and case materials related to the fatal shooting ofRenee Nicole Good, a mother of three, and a shooting thatleft a Venezuelan maninjured.

Minnesota state and local authorities promised to independently investigate each of the shootings, but it remains unclear whether state prosecutors will be able to bring charges against the federal agents,who are largely protected from prosecution.

Independent investigations have been among the top demands from Minnesota state and local officials, as well as federal lawmakers from both parties, as outrage mounted over the shootings. Pretti's death prompted particularly intense pushback as footage of the incidentundermined assertions made by top Trump administration officialswho said Pretti had "brandished" a firearm and acted as an "assassin."

Videos show Pretti filming federal agents with his phone before he was taken to the ground, disarmed and shot in the back. The Department of Homeland Security said two agents opened fire, both of whom have beenplaced on leave.

Within hours of Pretti's death, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and a local prosecutor's office went to court to gain access to the scene and even obtained a search warrant, a move officials in court records said was incredibly unusual.

"In my 20-plus years at the BCA, prior to 2026, I had never encountered a situation in which federal authorities blocked BCA access to an incident where there is concurrent federal and state jurisdiction," Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said.

U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud issued a restraining order barring federal authorities from destroying or altering evidence related to Pretti's death. In early February, Tostrud dissolved his initial order.

TheU.S. Justice Department openeda civil rights investigation into the Pretti shooting, which could potentially lead to criminal charges against the officers involved, though there is a high legal bar to bring such a case. Customs and Border Protection has opened an internal investigation into the shooting.

ICE, Border Patrol leaders face Congress over deadly Minnesota raids

The Justice Department declined to investigate the Good shooting, saying there's"no basis" for such an inquiry. That decision, and a push from top DOJ officials to instead investigate Good's wife, led to a wave of resignations at the U.S. attorney's office in Minnesota, according to multiple news outlets, includingThe New York TimesandNBC News.

ICE said it opened an internal investigation and is reviewing the conduct ofJonathan Ross, the agent who shot Good.

Separately, the Justice Department and ICE are investigating whether the two officers involved in a shooting that injured Venezuelan immigrantJulio Cesar Sosa-Celison Jan. 14 in Minneapolis lied under oath. Federal authorities launched the probe after video evidence appeared to contradict the officers' initial statements about the shooting.

Contributing: Reuters

Christopher Cann is a national breaking news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact him via email at ccann@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:FBI won't share evidence related to Alex Pretti shooting, state says

byDonna Devi

in

February 16, 2026

FBI won't share evidence related to Alex Pretti shooting, state says

The FBI notified Minnesota state investigators that it will not share information or evidence related to the fatalshootin...

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Olympic skier, skater show amazing agility crossing finish line backwards

Balance and control are important in any sport, but they're especially crucial at the highest levels, such as at the2026 Milano Cortina Olympics.

In the Winter Games, athletes often must be able to display the same skills while going forward and backward. In figure skating, ice hockey and snowboarding, for example.

But there have been times during these Olympics when athletes have gone out of control and turned completely around when theyweren'tsupposed to. And the moments have been magical.

In men's dual moguls on Sunday, Feb. 15, Japanese freestyle skier Ikuma Horishima nearly lost it on the final jump, but somehow remained upright to cross the finish line ... backwards.

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Horishima went on to claim the silver medal in dual moguls.

And in short track speed skating, Italy's Pietro Sighel − who had a big enough lead in an earlier heat that he turned around and crossed the finish line backward − had to do it again out of necessity in his 500 meter heat Monday when he was bumped as two skaters collided.

Sighel nearly won the race, but made it across the finish line to advance.

Unexpected surprises like these definitely have us looking forward to more as the Winter Games conclude.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Ikuma Horishima, Pietro Sighel cross Olympic finish line backwards

byDonna Devi

in

February 16, 2026

Olympic skier, skater show amazing agility crossing finish line backwards

Balance and control are important in any sport, but they're especially crucial at the highest levels, such as at the2...

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Geno Auriemma ties Tara VanDerveer for most AP Top 25 appearances as UConn stays No. 1

Geno Auriemma tied Tara VanDerveer for most appearances in the AP women's basketballTop 25 pollwhen UConn remained No. 1 on Monday.

Auriemma has led the Huskies to 654 appearances in the poll during his 41-year Hall of Fame career to match VanDerveer, who retired from Stanford in 2024. UConn has been ranked for the past 619 consecutive weeks, dating to the preseason 1993-94 poll, and once again was a unanimous choice at No. 1 from the 31-member national media panel. Monday was the 900th pollin the 50-year historyof the rankings.

UCLA and South Carolina remained second and third behind the Huskies. Texas and Vanderbilt were next as the top five remained unchanged. The Commodoresbeat the Longhornslast week before losing to Georgia on Sunday.

Michigan, LSU and Louisville were next. Duke moved back into the top 10 at No. 9 as the Blue Devils are riding a 16-game winning streakafter beating rivalNorth Carolina on Sunday.

Ohio State dropped two places to 10thafter losing toMaryland on Sunday. The Terrapins jumped up six spots to 14th.

In and out

Minnesota entered the Top 25 for the first time this season as the Golden Gophers came in at No. 23. They have an eight-game winning streak but a difficult week ahead with games against Ohio State and No. 18 Michigan State. Minnesota was ranked for two weeks last season. Georgia also came back into the rankings this week, appearing at No. 24 after its win over Vanderbilt. Princeton and Washington fell out of the poll.

Conference supremacy

The SEC remained the top conference with 10 teams in the poll. The Big Ten is next with seven. The Big 12 has four teams, the Atlantic Coast Conference has three and the Big East one.

Games of the week

No. 6 Michigan at No. 13 Iowa, Sunday. A battle for second place in the Big Ten as the Wolverines and Hawkeyes are a game apart in the loss column in the conference standings, trailing UCLA.

No. 7 LSU at No. 17 Mississippi, Thursday. A key SEC matchup with the Tigers looking to rebound from a loss to South Carolina. The Rebels have a busy week with games against Tennessee, LSU and South Carolina this week.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign uphere. AP women's college basketball:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

byDonna Devi

in

February 16, 2026

Geno Auriemma ties Tara VanDerveer for most AP Top 25 appearances as UConn stays No. 1

Geno Auriemma tied Tara VanDerveer for most appearances in the AP women's basketballTop 25 pollwhen UConn remained No...

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Adelaide title vaults Anthony Kim 644 spots in world rankings

Anthony Kim soared from 847th to 203rd in the Official World Golf Ranking released on Monday following his first tournament win since 2010.

The LIV Golf Adelaide champion still has a lot of work left to do but is back in the conversation for the Masters and other majors following a 12-year absence from the sport for injury and addiction recovery.

Kim, 40, has not competed in a grand slam event since he missed the cut at the 2011 PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Ga.

The OWGR began awarding world ranking points to the top-10 finishers in LIV Golf events this season. Kim tied for 22nd at the season-opening event in Riyadh earlier this month before breaking through in Australia, where his final score of 23-under was three shots clear of Spain's Jon Rahm.

At No. 203, Kim would still need to climb another 153 spots to make the top 50 in the OWGR in time to secure an automatic invitation to the Masters (April 9-12). There are only three LIV Golf events between now and then: Hong Kong (March 5-8), Singapore (March 12-15) and South Africa (March 19-22).

As for the May 14-17 PGA Championship at Aronimink, players ranked within the top 100 of the OWGR typically get invitations.

The world ranking is not the only pathway for Kim to qualify for the U.S. Open or The Open Championship.

Last year, the USGA announced a special exemption for the U.S. Open for LIV players. For the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills from June 18-21, "the top player who is not otherwise exempt and in the top 3 of the 2026 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of May 18, 2026" will get in.

The R&A also has an LIV-tailored exemption for the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale from July 16-19. One spot will be awarded to "the first player and anyone tying for that place, not otherwise exempt, in the 2026 LIV Golf Individual Season Standings on completion of LIV Golf Louisiana (June 25-28)."

Kim currently sits second in the LIV individual standings behind Rahm.

--Field Level Media

byDonna Devi

in

February 16, 2026

Adelaide title vaults Anthony Kim 644 spots in world rankings

Anthony Kim soared from 847th to 203rd in the Official World Golf Ranking released on Monday following his first tourn...

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Robert Duvall, Star Of ‘The Godfather’, Passes Away At 95

Robert Duvall,a Hollywood veteran known for movies likeThe Godfather,Apocalypse Now,To Kill a Mockingbird,and more, haspassed awayat the age of 95. His demise was announced by his wife, Luciana, on Monday, February 16, on Facebook.

"Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time," she said, before adding, "Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort."

The actor was an Oscar winner, having received the golden statuette for his 1983 movieTender Mercies.

Luciana, in her tribute to her husband, added that Duvall "gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented."

Robert Duvall's life and career revisited amid his demise

Image credits:Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

Duvall was born in San Diego, California, in 1931. His father was a rear admiral in the US Navy, leading Duvall and his two brothers to be raised in Annapolis, Maryland, near the Naval Academy.

Duvall's father expected him to follow in his footsteps, but he chose to carve his own path.

Image credits:Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

"I was terrible at everything but acting. I could barely get through school," the actor toldPeoplemagazine in 1977.

Duvall joined the Army after high school and served in Korea, but when he returned home, his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion.

Image credits:CBS/Getty Images

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Duvall studied drama at Principia College in Illinois before moving to New York to study under Sanford Meisner at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse. His classmates included Gene Hackman, James Caan, and Dustin Hoffman.

Image credits:Warner Bros. Pictures

Duvall's Oscar forTender Mercieswas for his role as Mac Sledge, a washed-up country musician seeking redemption.

Image credits:American Zoetrope

InThe Godfather, Duvall portrayed Tom Hagen, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, though he did not win — like the five other times he was nominated for movies includingApocalypse Now,The Great Santini,The Apostle,A Civil Action, andThe Judge.

Duvall shared a message with his fans just months before his passing

Image credits:Bill Nation/Sygma/Getty Images

"To all my fans, have a happy Thanksgiving and a great year coming up," the actor said in a Facebook clip in November 2025. "God bless."

Duvall's final social media post, meanwhile, was a Facebook message on February 3 about his 2003 filmSecondhand Lions, starring Haley Joel Osment and Michael Caine.

Image credits:GP Images/Getty Images

"One day while filmingSecondhand Lions, the lion got out," Duvall joked just days before his passing. "Had he turned in my direction, I wouldn't be here today!"

Image credits:Library of Congress

Duvall had celebrated his milestone birthday on January 5 with a video clip that included pictures from his childhood as well as more recent footage. His wife put the video together.

byDonna Devi

in

February 16, 2026

Robert Duvall, Star Of ‘The Godfather’, Passes Away At 95

Robert Duvall,a Hollywood veteran known for movies likeThe Godfather,Apocalypse Now,To Kill a Mockingbird,and more, haspa...

Read More