2 kidnapped Americans found dead in Mexico, 2 others alive

MEXICO CITY (AP) — A Mexican official says two U.S. citizens missing since their violent abduction Friday in the northern Mexican border city of Matamoros have been found dead and two others were alive. Tamaulipas Gov. Américo Villarreal said Tuesday that one of the surviving U.S. citizens was wounded and the other was not. The FBI had reported Sunday that it was searching with Mexican authorities for the missing Americans. A relative of one of them said Monday that they had traveled together from South Carolina so one of them could get a tummy tuck from a Matamoros doctor.

Powell: Rate hikes could accelerate if economy stays strong

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve could increase the size of its interest rate hikes and raise borrowing costs to higher levels than previously projected if evidence continues to point to a robust economy, Chair Jerome Powell says in prepared testimony to a Senate panel. “If the totality of the data were to indicate that faster tightening is warranted, we would be prepared to increase the pace of rate hikes,” he says. The Fed raised its benchmark rate by a quarter-point in early February, after imposing a half-point increase in December and four three-quarter-point hikes before that. Over the past year, the central bank has raised its key rate, which affects many consumer and business loans, eight times.

Chinese minister warns China, US on course for conflict

BEIJING (AP) — China’s foreign minister has warned that Beijing and Washington are headed for “conflict and confrontation” if the U.S. doesn’t change course. Qin Gang struck a combative tone Tuesday at a moment when relations between the rivals are at a historic low. Qin’s harsh language appeared to defy predictions that China might abandon its aggressive “wolf warrior” diplomacy in favor of a more moderate rhetoric as the two countries face off over trade and technology, Taiwan, human rights and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Qin told journalists that Washington’s China policy has “entirely deviated from the rational and sound track.” He spoke on the sidelines of the annual meeting of China’s rubber-stamp legislature.

Biden will seek Medicare changes, up tax rate in new budget

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has started to unveil parts of his budget proposal being released later this week. The Democratic president is beginning with his plan for Medicare, including higher taxes on wealthy people to increase funding for the program’s trust fund. Biden also wants to expand Medicare’s ability to negotiate prescription drug prices. Biden writes Tuesday in The New York Times that Medicare is “more than a government program.” Biden calls Medicare “the rock-solid guarantee that Americans have counted on to be there for them when they retire.” The president is scheduled to release his budget proposal Thursday in Philadelphia. The budget proposal’s future is uncertain, with Republicans in control of the House.

Kim’s sister warns N. Korea ready to act against US, South

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The sister of North Korea’s leader is warning that her country is ready to take “quick, overwhelming action” against the United States and South Korea. Kim Yo Jong made the warning Tuesday after the U.S. flew a nuclear-capable B-52 bomber to the Korean Peninsula for a drill with South Korean warplanes. The allies’ militaries are also preparing to revive their largest field exercises soon. Kim Yo Jong didn’t elaborate on any planned response, but North Korea has often test-launched missiles when the allies hold military drills because it views them as an invasion rehearsal. She said: “We keep our eye on the restless military moves” by the U.S. and South Korea and are “on standby” to act.

Hope Hicks meets with NY prosecutors investigating Trump

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s former spokesperson Hope Hicks met with New York prosecutors investigating hush-money payments made on the ex-president’s behalf. Hicks and her lawyer, Robert Trout, spent several hours Monday inside the Manhattan district attorney’s office. Afterward, they were seen walking to a SUV that was waiting. They didn’t say anything to reporters as they got into the vehicle. Trout declined comment. Hicks served as Trump’s 2016 campaign press secretary and held various roles in his White House, including communications director. Last week, prosecutors questioned Trump’s long-estranged former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, and Trump’s former political adviser Kellyanne Conway.

Georgia nuclear plant begins splitting atoms for first time

ATLANTA (AP) — A nuclear power plant in Georgia has begun splitting atoms in one of its two new reactors. Georgia Power Co. announced the key step toward reaching commercial operation on Monday. The utility and other owners are building the first two nuclear reactors constructed from scratch in the United States in decades. The construction is taking place at Plant Vogtle, southeast of Augusta, Georgia. The company says one of the two new reactors reached self-sustaining nuclear fission. That makes the intense heat that will be used to produce steam and spin turbines to generate electricity. The reactor is the first of two new units being added to two existing units. It’s supposed to reach commercial operation by June.

Taylor Swift, Pink to be honored at 2023 iHeartRadio Awards

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift will receive the 2023 iHeartRadio Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards later this month/ The show will include performances by Kelly Clarkson, Keith Urban, Pat Benatar, Muni Long, Cody Johnson, Coldplay and Pink, who is this year’s Icon Award recipient. The Innovator Award is presented to an artist who has “impacted global pop culture throughout their career.” Past recipients include Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, U2 and Alicia Keys. Pink will receive the Icon Award honoring her “impact on pop culture, longevity and continued relevance as a touring and radio force with a loyal fan base worldwide.”

WeightWatchers gets into prescription weight loss business

WeightWatchers is soaring after the company said it was getting into the prescription drug weight loss business with the acquisition of Sequence. The telehealth operator can prescribe medications under brand names including Ozempic, Wegovy and Trulicity.Shares of WW International Inc. jumped nearly 29% at the opening bell Tuesday.

Analysis: Giannis loses triple-double amid stat padding talk

DENVER (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had a rebound taken away by the league a day after his intentional miss of a layup led to him recording a triple-double. Social media had a field day with the incident involving the Milwaukee Bucks’ standout. The moment dredged up conversations about “stat padding.” While wiping away Antetokounmpo’s last board was probably an easy call for the league, it sometimes can be a fine line between padding one’s stats and just playing the game hard. Russell Westbrook no doubt heard the innuendos when he was a triple-double machine with Oklahoma City. Two-time reigning MVP Nikola Jokic has recently heard it, too.