Month: February 2026

Ghislaine Maxwell declined to answer any questions during a closed-door, virtual deposition with the House Oversight Committee on Monday, repeatedly invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination as lawmakers pressed her about Jeffrey Epstein and possible accomplices. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of helping Epstein recruit, groom, and abuse underage girls over a period of years. Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.

Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence for sex trafficking offenses connected to Epstein, appeared remotely from a minimum-security prison in Texas. Her refusal to testify had been widely anticipated, given that she has a legal petition pending in federal court seeking to overturn her conviction or reduce her sentence. House Oversight Chairman James Comer confirmed Maxwell’s stance afterward, telling reporters, “As expected, Ghislaine Maxwell took the Fifth and refused to answer any questions. This obviously is very disappointing.” He added that she had an opportunity to address questions central to the committee’s probe but chose not to cooperate.

Maxwell’s attorney, David Markus, delivered a prepared statement to the panel explaining that his client could not speak while her court challenge remains active. However, he said Maxwell would be willing to testify if granted clemency by President Trump. Markus claimed that, under those circumstances, she would provide full testimony and asserted, “For example, both President Trump and President Clinton are innocent of any wrongdoing.”

Comer rejected the idea of immunity or clemency, saying, “[I] don’t think she should be granted any type of immunity or clemency.” Ranking Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia was equally critical, stating, “After months of defying our subpoena, Ghislaine Maxwell finally appeared before the Oversight Committee and said nothing.” Garcia accused Maxwell of shielding others and described her appearance as unremorseful.

The deposition capped a months-long effort by the committee, which first subpoenaed Maxwell in July 2025. The session came the same day members of Congress were granted access to unredacted versions of Epstein-related files recently released by the Justice Department under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Maxwell’s silence before Congress contrasted with her two-day interview last summer with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, during which she answered questions under limited immunity. According to sources familiar with that interview, she denied witnessing or participating in criminal conduct by prominent political figures.

The Oversight Committee’s investigation is continuing, with several more depositions scheduled, including testimony from individuals described as part of Epstein’s inner circle. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are also expected to appear for closed-door depositions later this month after initially challenging the subpoenas.

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British police are reviewing allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, passed sensitive government trade information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the U.K.’s special representative for international trade.

Thames Valley Police, which covers Windsor and its surrounding areas, confirmed Monday that it is examining claims stemming from newly released U.S. Justice Department documents tied to Epstein. The force said: “We can confirm receipt of this report and are assessing the information in line with our established procedures.”

The allegations center on emails from 2010 and 2011 that appear to show Mountbatten-Windsor forwarding confidential reports and briefings to Epstein shortly after receiving them from his staff. The material includes summaries of official trade visits to Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shenzhen, as well as a Christmas Eve briefing on investment opportunities linked to the reconstruction of Helmand Province in Afghanistan. In one instance, documents sent by his special adviser were reportedly forwarded to Epstein within minutes.

Under the terms governing the role of trade envoy, officials are bound by strict confidentiality rules that extend beyond their time in office and may fall under the Official Secrets Acts. Mountbatten-Windsor held the post from 2001 to 2011.

The matter was reported to police by Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchy group Republic, which has also said it has asked lawyers to consider a private prosecution related to alleged misconduct in public office. Smith argued the claims mirror similar allegations involving other public figures named in the Epstein files.

The renewed scrutiny follows the release of millions of pages of Epstein-related documents by U.S. authorities, intensifying focus on Mountbatten-Windsor’s long-standing relationship with the financier, which continued even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing connected to Epstein. Additionally, the fallout has further strained ties with the royal family. King Charles III stripped his younger brother of royal titles last year and recently required him to vacate Royal Lodge near Windsor Castle. He is now living temporarily on the king’s privately owned Sandringham estate.

Buckingham Palace said King Charles remains deeply troubled by the allegations. A palace spokesperson said “The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct. While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them as you would expect. As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.’

Prince William and Princess Catherine also issued their first response to the latest disclosures, with a spokesperson saying: “I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”

A representative for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Seattle’s punishing defense set the tone from start to finish, powering the Seahawks to a convincing 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX on Sunday night at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

Behind constant pressure and timely takeaways, the Seahawks denied New England a record-setting seventh championship while earning revenge for their Super Bowl loss to the Patriots a decade earlier. Seattle closed the season 17-3, while New England finished 17-4.

Drake Maye spent most of the night under siege as Seattle’s front repeatedly collapsed the pocket. The Seahawks recorded six sacks, intercepted Maye twice and forced a costly fumble. Linebacker Derick Hall and defensive tackle Byron Murphy each delivered two sacks, while Julian Love and Uchenna Nwosu came away with interceptions. Nwosu capped the defensive showcase by returning one pick 45 yards for a touchdown.

“When you have a game plan, you know what you are going to do,” cornerback Devon Witherspoon said. “You know how you are going to execute it. You just got to go out there and play ball. That’s what makes us who we are. We trust each other to go out there and do our thing.”

Seattle’s offense leaned heavily on Kenneth Walker III, who powered through arm tackles and finished with 161 yards from scrimmage. Walker was named Super Bowl LX MVP, becoming the first running back to earn the honor since Terrell Davis did it 28 years ago.

Jason Myers quietly made history of his own, drilling all five of his field-goal attempts — from 33, 39, 41, 41 and 41 yards — to set a Super Bowl record. His three first-half kicks accounted for all the scoring before halftime, sending Seattle into the break with a 9-0 lead.

The Seahawks extended the margin early in the second half with another Myers field goal, then finally broke through the end zone early in the fourth quarter when Sam Darnold found tight end A.J. Barner on a 16-yard touchdown pass. That score followed Hall’s strip-sack late in the third quarter, which gave Seattle a short field.

Darnold wasn’t flashy but was steady, completing 19 of 38 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown without committing a turnover throughout the postseason. “To do this with this team, I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Darnold said. “So proud of our guys, our defense. I mean, I can’t say enough great things about our defense, our special teams.”

New England briefly showed signs of life when Maye connected with Mack Hollins for a 35-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. Myers responded with his fifth field goal, and Nwosu’s interception return on the ensuing possession effectively sealed the outcome. Maye later added a 7-yard touchdown pass to Rhamondre Stevenson in the final minutes.

Maye finished 27 of 43 for 295 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and a fumble. After the game, he acknowledged the disappointment, saying, “Definitely hurts. They played better than us tonight.” He also revealed he had received a pain-relieving injection in his injured right shoulder but said it did not affect his performance.

Despite the lopsided score, Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez stood out defensively, breaking up two potential touchdown passes in the second quarter, including a deep ball to Rashid Shaheed and another in the end zone intended for Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

For Seattle, the win marked the franchise’s second Super Bowl title and its first return to the sport’s biggest stage since its heartbreaking loss to New England in 2015. Head coach Mike Macdonald credited his team’s unity throughout the season. “We never wavered,” Macdonald said. “We believed in each other. We loved each other and now we are world champions.”

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Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have issued a new, emotional public appeal as authorities continue searching for their mother, Nancy Guthrie, who investigators believe was abducted from her home near Tucson, Arizona.

In a brief video shared late Saturday on social media, the ‘Today’ show co-anchor appeared alongside her brother Camron and sister Annie, directly addressing whoever may be holding their 84-year-old mother. “We received your message and we understand,” Guthrie said. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

The message followed confirmation from federal and local officials that they are reviewing new communications related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Investigators have not publicly verified the authenticity of any alleged ransom notes, though multiple messages sent to media outlets are being treated seriously. One note reportedly included deadlines and a demand for payment, while others varied in content and did not provide proof of life.

Law enforcement sources say Nancy Guthrie was last seen late on Jan. 31 after being dropped off at her home in the Catalina Foothills area following a family dinner. She was reported missing the next morning when she failed to attend church. Investigators believe she may have been taken overnight. A disconnected doorbell camera, a disrupted pacemaker app signal, and blood found on her porch have all been cited as key elements of the case.

Despite extensive searches and ongoing forensic work — including examination of Guthrie’s vehicle and home — authorities have not identified a suspect or person of interest. Officials say they are developing information but caution that there are no imminent breakthroughs.

Former FBI negotiators have noted that the family’s public messaging reflects a careful effort to keep communication open and emphasize a peaceful resolution. The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s safe recovery or the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is urged to call the Pima County Sheriff’s tip line at 520-351-4900.

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