Sheriff in Nancy Guthrie case issues stern rebuke after ‘unverified accusations’ surface

TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona officials are providing few updates on the disappearance of NBC “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie’s mother after she vanished from her home over the weekend in an apparent abduction. 

NBC’s Tom Winters said: “Somebody always knows something.”

“At the end of this case is an 84-year-old woman who wanted to spend the rest of her days going to church, spending time with her kids and grandkids. So now is the time to make that call. That is going to be critical in this case. I’ve never seen a situation where somebody didn’t know something about who was responsible for the crime,” he said.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Tucson residence at around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. While the circumstances surrounding her disappearance have not been elaborated upon, Sheriff Chris Nanos said on Monday that “we do, in fact, have a crime.” A law enforcement source told Fox News Digital that there were “blood drops” leading from the entryway outside down the house’s pathway towards the driveway.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement on Wednesday morning they don’t have a suspect or person of interest, shutting down “unverified accusations.”

“At this point, investigators have not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case. Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie,” Nanos said. “Detectives are working closely with the Guthrie family. While we appreciate the public’s concern, the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation.”

FBI agents were seen leaving the home of Savannah Guthrie’s sister on Tuesday. The agents didn’t say anything while leaving the house. It’s standard operating procedure for the FBI to visit homes of family members in situations like the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie and doesn’t suggest anything sinister. A source told the Associated Press that signs of forced entry were found at her home.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Nanos offered sparse information regarding the search for Nancy Guthrie. On Wednesday, the NBC “Today” show reported that law enforcement doesn’t have any solid leads or suspects.

“We don’t know where she is,” Nanos said, adding investigators are starting from the point where Nancy Guthrie was last seen and fanning out from there.

TIMELINE: NBC HOST SAVANNAH GUTHRIE’S MOTHER DISAPPEARS AS SHERIFF SAYS SHE MAY HAVE BEEN ‘ABDUCTED’

Nanos previously said Nancy Guthrie did not leave the home by herself, pointing to her limited mobility and a health condition that could prove to be fatal if the necessary medication was not taken within 24 hours. 

Additionally, blood was later found inside Nancy Guthrie’s home, according to the Los Angeles Times. A law enforcement source told Fox News Digital that there were “blood drops” leading from the entryway outside down the house’s pathway towards the driveway.

When asked about the blood on Tuesday, however, Nanos told reporters that evidence from inside the house was still being tested and nothing found had pointed to a suspect. Investigators also found signs of forced entry into the home. 

“I’m not saying there’s blood inside that house or outside that house,” Nanos said while declining to elaborate on what evidence was collected from the home. 

A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Wednesday night at 6 p.m. at St. Philips in the Hills Episcopal church, according to an announcement.

“Tucson, let’s wrap our arms around the Guthrie family in strength and community for Nancy. Whether you light a candle at home, share this post, or join us in prayer for her safe return-every act of love brings us one step closer. Let’s bring Nancy home,” the announcement states.

Savannah Guthrie’s husband, Michael Feldman, told Page Six on Tuesday that he doesn’t “have anything new to report.”

Feldman said he feels “mostly unhelpful” as law enforcement continues to search for Nancy Guthrie.

Tuesday’s press conference ended with more questions than answers about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, a development that is concerning to experts who emphasize that the public can be one of law enforcement’s most valuable tools in finding missing persons.

SAVANNAH GUTHRIE’S MOTHER NANCY POSSIBLY ABDUCTED FROM HER HOME, AUTHORITIES SAY

“It’s really unfortunate that very little has been provided to the public,” Callahan Walsh, “America’s Most Wanted” co-host, told Fox News Digital. “I was hoping at this press conference that something would be released – a break in the investigation, a direction that they’re headed, some hope for the family or actionable information for the public to assist. There just wasn’t any of that. It was mostly questions that were being asked by the media, and pretty vague or no answers provided.” 

During Tuesday’s press conference, Nanos did not offer a clear answer when asked if Nancy Guthrie had been targeted due to her daughter’s fame. 

“We’re looking at all the leads, and we don’t know,” Nanos said. “We’re going to assume both sides of that.”

The possibility is one that Walsh believes is not entirely unfounded. 

“It’s very possible that she was targeted because of who her daughter is,” Walsh said. “Her daughter’s a high-profile television personality on the ‘Today’ show, somebody that people see in their homes and on their television screens regularly. There absolutely could be somebody out there that has a grudge against Savannah and has taken it out on her mother, and let’s hope that’s not the case.”

AUTHORITIES ‘AWARE’ OF REPORTS OF POSSIBLE RANSOM NOTE IN NANCY GUTHRIE DISAPPEARANCE

During an interview on MS NOW on Tuesday, Nanos said Nancy Guthrie was “physically removed from that home against her will,” but declined to say whether she was harmed. The sheriff also said it’s unknown if the individual who took Nancy Guthrie is familiar or a stranger.

Nancy Guthrie’s cell phone, Apple Watch, wallet and car keys were also found inside the home following her disappearance. 

Walsh points to several key details that could indicate whether the kidnapper was known to Nancy Guthrie, given the current publicized facts surrounding her disappearance and the fact that she was taken from the home. 

“That could indicate she was compliant,” Walsh told Fox News Digital. “And that means either she possibly knew the abductor, or that the abductor used some sort of threatening tactic – a weapon of some sort that brought her into compliance, and she thought she was safer going with them.” 

MOM OF NBC’S SAVANNAH GUTHRIE REPORTED MISSING IN ARIZONA, SHERIFF SAYS THERE IS A ‘CRIME’

Shortly after Tuesday’s press conference, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department revealed it is “aware” of reports of an alleged ransom note after TMZ reportedly received written correspondence demanding a “substantial amount” of money in exchange for Guthrie’s return. 

WATCH: Police investigating possible Nancy Guthrie ransom note: Report

“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie,” the officials wrote in a statement Tuesday afternoon. 

“Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI,” officials wrote.

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As officials continue to investigate and search for Nancy Guthrie, Walsh emphasizes the important role the public can play in missing persons cases when every second counts. 

“I think they really need to lean into the power of the public and harness whatever evidence, or share whatever information that they have so that the public can assist,” Walsh said, adding, “My biggest hope is that once they do start finding information that the public can assist with, that they release that information and that information can acted upon.” 

The Pima County Sheriff’s Office is providing a reward up to $2,500 for information relating to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

People with information about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance are asked to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.

California official interrupts meeting over terminology for homeless students

A California school board member became “personally offended” when a speaker said “homeless,” saying she preferred the speaker say “unhoused” instead.

“I have a lot to say and I will speak plainly. And you may not like it. I am personally offended by what was presented. On so many different levels,” Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board Vice President Joy Flynn said during a Jan. 14 meeting. 

The comments were made after Michael Berman, the assistant superintendent of educational services, presented a “Report on Student Achievement” which, at some point during the presentation, referred to a population of students as “homeless.”

SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE HOT SEAT AMID FRESH ALLEGATIONS OF HIDING STUDENTS’ GENDER TRANSITION

After a public comment period ended, Flynn made her remarks.

“One thing I would like to see updated is the word homeless to unhoused,” Flynn said.

Another school board member interjected as Flynn spoke, saying that the term “homeless” is used in the state of California.

VIRGINIA SCHOOL BOARD BANS EMPLOYEES FROM FORCING STUDENTS, TEACHERS TO USE PREFERRED PRONOUNS

“I’m not done,” Flynn said to the school board member defending the staff member who used the word “homeless.”

“I just don’t want Mr. Berman [the staff member] to … for this to be on him,” the board member said. “That’s the way our state of California, that’s the language that they use. And that’s their reporting,” the board member continued.

“That doesn’t mean that’s the language we have to use,” Flynn said. She also took issue with the presentation when the staff member discussed Black students.

“I’m just making a statement, and I’d like to have my time to finish. I understand that. I recognize that you’re using the information that was given to you, that you researched, and I’m asking that it be updated,” Flynn said. Flynn explained further, “And it is just because that’s the way that everybody else does it doesn’t mean that’s the way we need to do it. It’s a respectful term to speak about our community.”

Berman presented the “Report on Student Achievement” using the California School Dashboard to track progress across various demographics, including foster youth and students with disabilities. The data covered metrics such as graduation rates, chronic absenteeism, and suspension levels.

The report highlighted that Black students had the highest suspension rates, marked in red to indicate a “very high” status. Although the district is over 85% Hispanic and 13% White, Black students account for less than 1% of the population.

“One thing I want to call out is we see only one group in red, and it’s our Black and African-American students. This is a big problem. You may have noticed that this is the first time we’ve seen our Black students in any of these indicators,” Berman said.

He explained that there were not enough Black students to register as “statistically significant” as a group to appear in the indicators under the other state measures such as the graduation rates and “college and career” categories.

COLORADO SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE HOT SEAT FOR ALLEGEDLY FACTORING IN RACE FOR DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

“We have a lot of work to do, and this data point is significant,” Berman said.

In response, Flynn said that Blacks are “statistically enough” regardless of the number enrolled in the district. 

“I recognize that in this report that I think that something was said was there aren’t enough Black students to have statistical significance. I’m personally offended by that. If we have one Black student, that student is statistically significant enough to be on the report.”

Neither Flynn nor Pajaro Valley Unified School District responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

The North American Values Institute, which tracks education policy around the U.S., reacted to the comments made by Flynn.

“Changing language that functions to help us understand urgency and truth—in order to reduce stigma, cater to feelings, and be ‘politically correct’—is a dangerous path. In the case of K-12, it could inadvertently lead to decisions that direct resources or interventions away from the students who need them most,” a spokesperson said.

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Trans scandal deepens as leaked emails expose ‘horrible’ treatment of opposing players

In fall 2024, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) women’s volleyball team fell under national scrutiny when it was entwined in the San Jose State (SJSU) trans athlete scandal. 

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced that it had found SJSU in violation of Title IX on Wednesday, and weeks earlier it announced that UNR is now under investigation for potential Title IX violations for its handling of a scheduled match against SJSU in 2024. 

Fox News Digital has obtained exclusive details related to UNR’s handling of the situation via testimony from those involved, and public records provided by April Chainey, the mother of a UNR player at the time.

UNR didn’t have a Title IX officer present at a critical meeting

On Oct. 7, 2024, UNR administrators sat down its women’s volleyball players in a meeting. The purpose was to inform the players that the team would not be forfeiting an upcoming home match against SJSU. At the time, four other schools had already forfeited to the Spartans amid a national controversy involving trans player Blaire Fleming.

UNR players privately expressed a desire to forfeit as well, but informed them that wouldn’t be the school’s position at the meeting. 

UNR did not have a Title IX officer at that meeting, according to an Oct. 12, 2024 email sent by the school’s athletics director, Stephanie Rempe. 

“Our Title IX Officer was not present,” read Rempe’s email in response to an inquiry by UNR Chancellor Charlton. 

Former UNR women’s volleyball captain Sia Liilii called the meeting a “horrible” experience.

EDUCATION DEPT LAUNCHES 18 TITLE IX PROBES AFTER SCOTUS HEARS ARGUMENTS IN EFFORTS TO PROTECT WOMEN’S SPORTS

“This meeting was horrible,” Liilii told Fox News Digital. 

“It took place after the school decided to make a choice for us and it was uncomfortable. They told us there was no advantage by Blaire because she was on estrogen and testosterone blockers in order to level the playing field. A bunch of the girls and I expressed not wanting to play for the reasons of safety, fairness, and an opportunity for women in sports being taken away by a male athlete. Instead of supporting this decision we were told that maybe we should think about all the ‘facts’ first in case we wanted to reconsider. 

“It was very concerning that this meeting had no title IX officer and we were given a bunch of ‘facts’ that were not backed in truth.”

Chainey said she was “traumatized” as a mother. So she filed a Title IX complaint to the ED’s Office of Civil Rights.

“I just couldn’t believe it,” Chainey told Fox News Digital. 

“UNR Athletics Department discriminated by not suggesting or offering a Title IX officer to be present… I was mad, really mad. I felt like there was nobody there to protect the teams and the players… they really dismissed [the player’s voices] because their voice did not fit in the NCAA gender ideology agenda. 

“I was disgusted when I saw that happening.” 

UNR warned players of potential ‘legal issues’ if they did not play SJSU, and one witness alleges ‘emotional blackmail’

After UNR announced in October it would play SJSU, the Wolfpack players did not back down. 

They went public with their intent to not play the game. 

The school had a national controversy on its hands, all while the volleyball season was still going on. 

Marshi Smith, a former NCAA swimmer and co-founder of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS), is a Nevada resident who also leads the Nevada lieutenant governor’s task force on the protection of women’s sports. During that season, the UNR players reached out to her to share the alleged treatment they received from the university as they sought to escape their match with SJSU.

“There was sweeping intimidation for the girls on UNR’s volleyball team to stand down on their decision not to play San Jose State University. There were multiple different tactics, from emotional blackmail to even insinuation that legal disputes could be brought,” Smith alleged. 

“It was unclear to them exactly what that meant. But when someone in a position of authority threatens you with various consequences for you standing up for your rights, that’s a really serious thing.” 

UNR previously confirmed to Fox News Digital that it had raised the concern of “legal issues” for the players if they did not play the match.

SJSU VOLLEYBALL TEAM FAILS TO MAKE CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT IN FIRST SEASON AFTER TRANS ATHLETE SCANDAL

“University administrators met with the Nevada volleyball team and discussed scenarios of what could happen if they chose not to play. One of the scenarios that was discussed revolved around possible legal issues for violating the Nevada Constitution,” UNR said last January. 

The state’s constitution was revised in 2022, when Democratic lawmakers voted to adopt the Equal Rights Amendment, which added gender identity to its list of diversity classifications that are protected under state law. 

UNR athletics staff was ‘concerned’ about players interacting with Riley Gaines and conservative lawmakers

After the players went public with their intent not to play SJSU in October, UNR had a national media landmine to navigate. 

During correspondence about media requests and interview, UNR Assistant AD of Strategic Communications Aaron Juarez told Rempe he had a “concern” about the players meeting with conservative influencer Riley Gaines and Idaho lawmakers for photo-ops.

“My main concern isn’t with media talking to Shannon, it is Idaho legislators and other types (i.e., the Idaho Freedom Foundation) connecting with [redacted] and any of our players, or the players connecting with them for photo ops and such. Or that our team sports these shirts from Riley Gaines,” the email wrote. 

The players ultimately did meet with and take photos with Gaines, and GOP politicians, including Tulsi Gabbard, former U.S. Senate candidate and military veteran Sam Brown and Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla.

UNR athletics included ‘next steps in transgender education’ on an agenda

An Oct. 24 email from Rempe to Senior Associate Athletic Director of Administration Casey Stangel appearing to outline the UNR athletic department’s upcoming priorities lists “Next steps transgender education” as the final point.

Fox News Digital has reached out to UNR to request clarification about why the point was on the agenda and what those next steps were. 

The match was never played, and the season fell apart

The university stated in communication with the public that players would be free not to participate in the SJSU match, without consequence. 

The game was ultimately moved from Nevada to San Jose just days before the Oct. 26, 2024 date. Then, just a day before the game, UNR announced they would forfeit due to not having enough players willing to compete.

The team then went 1-7 to finish the season after that, finishing 12-17 and well out of the postseason picture. 

“This situation hit our team morale pretty hard. It was a huge distraction and took us away from what we were there to do play volleyball. Being pulled in and out of meetings and being asked about the events from outsiders really got to our heads,” Liilii said.

For Liilii, the impact of the situation even bled into her personal life.

“In regard to personal life, I can speak for myself that I have lost friends over being a vocal part of this issue. Which is unfortunate, but I believe strongly that this is just not right and something I couldn’t stay silent about then,” she said.  

Chainey said the morale of her daughter’s team was “horrible,” and was “infuriated” that the team had to take a loss from the forfeit.

“For them to get punished like that, it’s infuriating, because they shouldn’t have had to take a forfeit, they shouldn’t have taken a loss, because it reflected in their standings,” Chainey said. 

“These young female adults, they are being bullied.”

Things didn’t get better for UNR in 2025, slipping to last place in the Mountain West conference at 8-20, and now faces a federal investigation in 2026. 

Meanwhile, Liilii has moved on and is playing pro volleyball outside the country.

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“My pro volleyball career has been fun. I just wrapped up a season in Kosovo and I will be moving to play in Germany for 2026. My involvement hasn’t impeded anything, but I have been asked about the situation and why I feel so strongly about this issue. I have learned this issue has a lot of support from females from other countries,” Liilii said. 

Now, Liilii, Chainey and Smith await the pending consequences on SJSU and UNR from the federal government.

Meanwhile, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo is doing his part to prevent similar situations in his state. 

Lombardo announced in early January that he’s leading a petition to amend the Nevada Constitution to keep transgender athletes out of girls’ and women’s sports.

The proposed ballot initiative would require the state and other entities that receive public funds, such as schools, colleges or local athletic programs, or entities that govern them to categorize each sport or competition as male, female, or coeducational/mixed sex.

UNR’s response

UNR has provided a statement to Fox News Digital addressing all of the above findings and testimony. 

The University has received correspondence from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and has responded appropriately through the proper legal and administrative channels.

“The University remains committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and respectful campus environment for all of our students. We recognize and uphold our responsibilities under state and federal law, including the U.S. and Nevada Constitutions. The University also remains in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Mountain West Conference and NCAA.  

“As stated in the University’s statement from Oct. 17, 2024, the administration communicated that the University supported the players’ rights to choose not to participate and that any member of the women’s Wolf Pack volleyball team that opted out of participating in the match could do so without consequence and would not be subjected to any team disciplinary action.

“Our focus remains on ensuring that every student has the opportunity to pursue their educational and professional goals in a safe and welcoming environment.”

Ex-Prince Andrew caught on all fours in Epstein photos as Prince William ‘furious’

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s entanglement in Jeffrey Epstein’s “House of Horrors” has become a nightmare for King Charles III and his heir, Prince William, who are desperately trying to distance themselves from it.

The disgraced former royal appears in three newly released photos from the latest batch of files made public by the Department of Justice in connection with the investigation into the convicted sex offender.

In the images, the ex-Duke of York is seen on all fours above an unidentified woman lying on her back. The woman is fully clothed in all three photos, and her face is blacked out.

EX-PRINCE ANDREW ASKED TO TESTIFY BY HOUSE DEMOCRATS IN ONGOING JEFFREY EPSTEIN INVESTIGATION

“There used to be a very famous series in the U.K. called ‘Hammer House of Horrors,'” royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital. “Now we are seeing the modern-day equivalent of the ‘House of Horrors’ with the image of Andrew on all fours, sending both King Charles and Prince William into apoplexy.”

“Prince William must be thanking God that he has taken on a new troubleshooter fixer to try and distance ‘The Firm’ from further ridicule,” Turner added.

Fox News Digital reached out to Andrew’s attorney for comment. Buckingham Palace previously told Fox News Digital it does not comment on matters concerning the king’s younger brother, as he is no longer a working royal.

WATCH: PRINCE ANDREW, JEFFREY EPSTEIN HAD MONEY AND SEX IN COMMON: AUTHOR

Inclusion in the files does not necessarily imply wrongdoing. Still, the optics are deeply damaging for an already frustrated king and the Prince of Wales, multiple royal experts told Fox News Digital.

Two of the photos, released Jan. 30, show Andrew crouched on the ground with his hand resting on the woman’s stomach as he looks down at her. A third shows him on his knees with his hands on either side of her body, looking directly at the camera.

Additional context, including where and when the photos were taken, was not provided by the Department of Justice. The newly released files also include email exchanges between Epstein and a contact listed as “The Duke,” which is believed to refer to Andrew, 65.

British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that William, 43, is reportedly “furious” that a tougher stance has not been taken against his disgraced uncle.

“William believes Andrew is obliterating the monarchy’s good work, and it’s become vulnerable to the stream of bombshell revelations,” Chard explained. “King Charles had wanted to keep his brother close by. However, I believe William will put his foot down and prevent his uncle from moving so close to his family.”

“Meanwhile, Andrew — under renewed scrutiny — continues to maintain his innocence as the Department of Justice drip-feeds uncomfortable, tawdry images related to him,” she said. 

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“Andrew remains defiant, digging in his heels. There is little King Charles can do at this point other than urge his brother to testify before U.S. Congress or push him further into exile abroad.”

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on Andrew to testify before Congress following the latest release of Epstein-related files.

“In terms of testifying, I have always said anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information,” Starmer told reporters Saturday.

“You can’t be victim-centered if you’re not prepared to do that,” he continued. “Epstein’s victims have to be the priority.”

Royal commentator Meredith Constant told Fox News Digital that while senior royals grapple with the ongoing “Andrew problem,” the disgraced former prince appears entirely unfazed.

“Andrew was photographed over the weekend at Sandringham, on horseback at a well-known location where photographers often capture the royals,” she explained. “It conveys that he feels above it all — unbothered, almost defiant.”

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“This latest file drop is explosive for three big reasons,” said Constant. “First, we have photos of Andrew on all fours over a young woman. Denying this is a lot harder than denying you’re the ‘Invisible Man’ in email exchanges. 

“There’s a second alleged victim who says she was flown to the U.K. to engage in sex acts at Andrew’s home, Royal Lodge. There are also the 2010 emails from Andrew seemingly arranging a dinner with Epstein and some young women at Buckingham Palace, where they will have ‘lots of privacy.’”

“Andrew had a lifetime of royal security, a team of secretaries and aides, security and staff dedicated to royal properties,” Constant continued. 

“It is inconceivable that no one saw or heard anything pertinent to an investigation. The king’s strategy has been swiftly pulling titles, distancing himself from Andrew while bringing his nieces further into the royal fold. That speaks of self-protection, not transparency or true accountability for Andrew, who has denied all allegations against him.”

“Prince William was smart to hire a PR crisis expert,” Constant noted. “He won’t want the stain of his uncle following him into his future reign.”

Turner also said Andrew has been “riding out the storm on horseback as if nothing happened.”

But experts warned the crisis is far from over.

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“Oversight Dems received 95,000 new photos from Jeffrey Epstein‘s estate. These disturbing images raise even more questions about Epstein and his relationships with some of the most powerful men in the world. Time to end this White House cover-up. Release the files!” Oversight Dems said on X.

One previously released photo shows Andrew standing beside Bill Gates at the Malaria Summit in London in April 2018. In the original Getty Images version, King Charles — then the Prince of Wales — appears with Gates and Andrew. In the committee’s released version, Charles was cropped out.

In another set of photos released Dec. 19, Andrew is seen lying across the laps of five people whose faces are blacked out, while Epstein’s partner, Ghislaine Maxwell, and a sixth unidentified person stand behind them with their faces obscured.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital that any scandalous acts Andrew may have committed in Epstein’s notorious “House of Horrors” are likely to keep coming to light.

“There is no doubt now that both Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, were considerably more [connected] than they had admitted, and there is much more to come,” he said. 

“This is what the palace has long dreaded. It has been impossible to be proactive as they don’t know what is coming next, and they do not act for Andrew. This is likely to continue for a considerable time, with thousands of images and emails to be sifted through. It will get worse.”

“Andrew can’t escape Epstein’s shadow,” Chard added.

UK PRIME MINISTER SUGGESTS FORMER PRINCE ANDREW SHOULD TESTIFY IN EPSTEIN INVESTIGATION

Andrew announced in October that he was giving up his royal titles, and the palace confirmed later that month that the king had “initiated a formal process to remove the style, titles and honours of Prince Andrew.”

The decision followed Andrew’s initial step back from public life in 2019 after his BBC interview, in which he discussed his relationship with Epstein, who died that year.

Andrew was accused of sexual assault by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers. Giuffre filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was forced to have sex with the disgraced duke three times, including when she was 17. The case was settled out of court in 2022, with Andrew admitting no wrongdoing.

Judge frees two Venezuelans accused of attacking ICE agent, but release is short-lived

Two Venezuelan nationals accused of assaulting a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during a chaotic Minneapolis arrest last month were ordered released by a federal judge this week, only for ICE to re-arrest them, according to court records cited by The Minnesota Star Tribune.

Alfredo Alejandro Ajorna, 26, and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, 24, were released under court-ordered conditions Tuesday after a judge found they did not pose a heightened flight risk, the outlet reported. The men were re-detained by ICE almost immediately after the hearing and never left the courthouse before agents took them back into custody. 

The Tribune reported that attorneys for the men said ICE detained them “without explanation” shortly after the judge’s release order, prompting a habeas corpus petition filed late Tuesday. Minnesota Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz then barred ICE from removing the men from the state and ordered the federal government to explain its actions by Friday.

CRIMINAL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ALLEGEDLY RAMS ICE VEHICLE IN MINNESOTA AS ATTACKS ON AGENTS SURGE

“This re-detention is unconstitutional, and they should be immediately released,” attorney Brian Clark wrote in the emergency habeas petition, per the outlet. 

The pair were arrested after a Jan. 14 altercation that began when ICE agents attempted a targeted traffic stop in north Minneapolis, DHS said at the time.

According to DHS, federal officers were attempting to arrest Sosa-Celis when he fled the scene in his vehicle, crashed into a parked car and ran on foot.

DHS said the pursuing officer caught up with Sosa-Celis and attempted to take him into custody, at which point Sosa-Celis allegedly began to resist and violently assault the officer.

As the two struggled on the ground, DHS said two individuals emerged from a nearby apartment and began striking the officer with a snow shovel and the handle of a broom. DHS said Sosa-Celis then broke free and allegedly struck the officer as well before the agent, fearing for his life, fired a defensive shot that struck Sosa-Celis in the leg.

Despite being wounded, DHS said Sosa-Celis and the other two men retreated into the apartment and barricaded themselves inside.

FEDERAL JUDGE BACKS AWAY FROM THREAT TO HOLD ICE LEADER IN CONTEMPT

ICE ultimately arrested all three suspects and took them into custody, DHS said. The officer and Sosa-Celis were both hospitalized following the confrontation.

The agency described the incident as an “attempted murder of federal law enforcement,” saying an ICE officer was ambushed and struck with a snow shovel and the handle of a broom before firing a defensive shot that struck Sosa-Celis in the leg.

DHS publicly identified three Venezuelan nationals — Sosa-Celis, Ajorna and Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledezma — as the suspects who allegedly assaulted the ICE agent and were taken into federal custody after the Jan. 14 incident.

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The Tribune reported that the federal affidavit in the case makes no mention of Hernandez-Ledezma, and that he has not been charged with any federal crime. The newspaper said he is being held at a federal detention facility in Texas and that it could not independently verify his presence or involvement in the incident.

Defense attorneys told the court that photographic evidence and witness statements raise questions about the timing and circumstances of the shooting, including allegedly suggesting the shot may have been fired after the suspects had gone inside a residence, according to the Tribune.

Trump faces credibility test as Iran tensions rise amid stalled diplomacy

For weeks, President Donald Trump has promised the Iranian people that “help is on the way” while positioning a massive U.S. naval armada within striking distance of Iran’s coast. But as the White House pivots toward a diplomatic summit in Istanbul Friday, analysts warn the president may face a growing credibility test if threats are not followed by action.

By threatening “speed and fury” against a regime accused of killing thousands of protesters, Trump has drawn a red line — one that analysts say echoes President Barack Obama’s 2013 warning over Syria’s use of chemical weapons. Obama ultimately chose diplomacy over military strikes, a decision critics said weakened U.S. credibility and emboldened adversaries, while supporters argued it avoided a broader war and succeeded in removing large portions of Syria’s chemical arsenal. Trump now faces a similar debate as he weighs whether to enforce his own warnings against Iran.

Trump’s envoys have been set to meet Friday in Istanbul with Iranian officials to press for an end to Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, curbs on ballistic missiles and a halt to support for proxy groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah — terms Tehran, Iran, has shown little public sign of accepting. Trump has also demanded an end to the regime’s violent crackdown on protesters.

But signs of strain are already emerging around the talks. 

Iran is now seeking a change in venue to Friday’s meeting — wanting it to be held in Oman, according to a source familiar with the request — raising questions about whether the summit will proceed as scheduled or produce substantive progress.

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Tensions on the ground have continued to rise even as diplomacy is pursued. This week, U.S. Central Command said American forces shot down an Iranian drone after it aggressively approached the USS Abraham Lincoln while the aircraft carrier was operating in international waters in the Arabian Sea. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the drone ignored de-escalatory measures before an F-35C fighter jet downed it in self-defense. 

No U.S. personnel were injured.

Hours later, Iranian naval forces harassed a U.S.-flagged, U.S.-crewed commercial tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to CENTCOM. Iranian gunboats and a surveillance drone repeatedly threatened to board the vessel before the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul intervened and escorted the tanker to safety. 

CENTCOM warned that continued Iranian harassment in international waters increases the risk of miscalculation and regional destabilization.

Despite weeks of delay, foreign policy analysts say the pause does not mean military action has been taken off the table.

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“If you just look at force movements and the president’s past statements of policy, you would have to bet on the likelihood that military action remains something that is coming,” Rich Goldberg, a former Trump National Security Council official now at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital.

“I don’t think the window is closed,” said Michael Makovsky, president of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America. “If the president doesn’t do something militarily, it would damage his credibility.”

The standoff is reviving comparisons to President Barack Obama’s 2013 decision not to carry out military strikes in Syria after warning that the use of chemical weapons would cross a U.S. “red line” — a moment that became a touchstone in debates over American deterrence. Critics of Obama argued the move signaled weakness and emboldened adversaries, while supporters said diplomacy avoided a broader war and succeeded in removing large portions of Syria’s chemical arsenal.

The Syria episode remains a touchstone in Washington’s red-line debates. Critics argued Obama’s decision not to strike emboldened adversaries, while supporters said diplomacy prevented war — a divide resurfacing as Trump weighs his next move.

“They have challenged the president now to try to turn him into Obama in 2013 in Syria, rather than Donald Trump in 2025 in Iran,” Goldberg said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Obama’s office for comment.

Trump has publicly encouraged Iranian protesters to continue their demonstrations, telling them in early January to “KEEP PROTESTING” and promising that “HELP IS ON ITS WAY.”

U.S. officials, however, have previously said the pause reflects caution rather than retreat, pointing to concerns about retaliation against American forces and uncertainty over who would lead Iran if the regime were significantly weakened. Trump himself raised those questions in January, publicly casting doubt on whether any opposition figure could realistically govern after decades in exile.

“As for the president, he remains committed to always pursuing diplomacy first,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday. “But in order for diplomacy to work of course it takes two to tango, you need a willing partner to engage.”

“The president has always a range of options on the table, and that includes the use of military force,” she added. 

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Some analysts reject the premise that the administration has meaningfully slowed its military posture.

“I don’t think they’ve paused action,” said Gregg Roman, executive director of the Middle East Forum. “The more assets that the president deploys to the theater gives the U.S. more maneuvering room, rather than less.”

Roman pointed to continued U.S. force movements into the region, arguing the buildup signals preparation rather than restraint.

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“That’s not the behavior of a country backing away from military options,” he said.

 

Clintons surprised after Dems join GOP contempt vote in Epstein probe

The chairman of the House Oversight Committee said former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton agreed to sit for transcribed, filmed depositions in the committee’s Epstein investigation after facing the possibility of a contempt vote that drew Democratic support — a prospect Comer claims the Clintons did not see coming.

We had a markup for contempt when they missed the [original] date that they were supposed to testify,” Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., said Tuesday on “The Ingraham Angle.”

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“And to their surprise, a majority of Democrats on the Oversight Committee voted with all the Republicans.”

He said Democrats met with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s victims, who wanted everybody known to have spent time with Epstein to answer questions, adding that the Clintons have never been interviewed on the matter. Bill Clinton has appeared in photographs with Epstein.

The 42nd president and former first lady were facing contempt of Congress votes in the House this week if they did not agree to come to Capitol Hill for in-person interviews with the Oversight Committee.

Those votes were likely to succeed. Late last month, nine Democrats on the committee joined all Republicans in voting to advance Bill Clinton’s contempt of Congress resolution to a House-wide vote. Three Democrats voted to advance the resolution against Hillary Clinton.

The committee is examining what the Clintons may have known about Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, including scrutiny of Hillary Clinton’s role overseeing U.S. efforts to combat international sex trafficking while serving as secretary of state. 

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Comer claimed the Clintons attempted to avoid their deposition, but it didn’t work.

“Then they spent a week trying to intimidate me and say our subpoena wasn’t lawful, and then try to get the Democrats back together… to not vote for it, to make it a partisan vote, thinking they could beat it in court if it was a partisan vote,” Comer said, adding some Democrats were prepared to hold them in contempt of Congress. 

The Clintons’ change of heart led the House to pause proceedings to hold them in contempt on Monday night.

Democrats on the committee have pointed out that Comer has not pushed to hold others who did not appear in contempt, nor has he made any threats against the Department of Justice for failing to produce all of its documents on Epstein by a deadline agreed to by Congress late last year. The department has produced a fraction of the documents expected so far.

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Audio and video from the Clintons’ testimony will be publicly available, Comer said, along with a transcript.

“Every American is going to be able to watch the entirety of this deposition,” he said.

Native American tribe responds to Billie Eilish’s Grammy remarks about ‘stolen land’

The Tongva tribe in Southern California responded to singer Billie Eilish‘s comments declaring “no one is illegal on stolen land” at the Grammy Awards Sunday night.

While accepting the Grammy for Song of the Year, the 24-year-old singer drew backlash for using her acceptance speech to attack border enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“No one is illegal on stolen land,” Eilish said while wearing an “ICE OUT” pin. “I feel really hopeful in this room, and I feel like we need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting. Our voices really do matter, and the people matter.”

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“And f— ICE, that’s all I’m gonna say, sorry,” she added.

Several commentators pointed out that Eilish herself owned a multimillion-dollar Los Angeles property on what is considered “stolen land” that was historically inhabited by the Tongva people, a Native American nation whose territory includes the greater Los Angeles Basin.

The tribe released a statement to Fox News Digital on Tuesday confirming her home’s presence on “ancestral land,” adding that Eilish has not contacted the tribe regarding her ownership.

BILLIE EILISH SAYS PROTESTERS ARE BEING ‘ASSAULTED AND MURDERED’ DURING AWARD SPEECH

“We appreciate the opportunity to provide clarity regarding the recent comments made by Billie Eilish,” the statement read. “As the First People of the greater Los Angeles basin, we do understand that her home is situated in our ancestral land. Eilish has not contacted our tribe directly regarding her property, we do value the instance when Public Figures provide visibility to the true history of this country.”

The statement continued, “We have reached out to her team to express our appreciation for her comments. It is our hope that in future discussions, the tribe can explicitly be referenced to ensure the public understands that the greater Los Angeles basin remains Gabrieleno Tongva territory.”

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Fox News Digital reached out to Eilish’s representatives for comment.

Eilish was one of several celebrities who used the Grammy Awards to bash ICE officers and the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

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“ICE out,” singer Bad Bunny said while accepting the Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album. “We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens — we are humans, and we are Americans.” 

Restaurant chain announces it’s closing all of its stores after nearly 30 years in operation

Darden Restaurants announced on Tuesday that it will close its Bahama Breeze chain after nearly 30 years in operation.

The Orlando-based company said it will permanently shut down 14 of Bahama Breeze’s 28 restaurants, while converting the remaining locations into other Darden brands.

Restaurants designated for permanent closure will continue operating through April 5, Darden said.

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The conversion of the remaining 14 locations is expected to take 12 to 18 months. Those restaurants will continue operating until any temporary closures are required during the conversion process, the company said.

Darden did not specify which brands the Bahama Breeze locations will be converted into. The company’s portfolio includes chains such as Olive Garden, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Eddie V’s, among others.

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“The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio,” Darden said in a press release. “Going forward, the primary focus will continue to be on supporting team members, including placing as many as possible in roles within the Darden portfolio.”

The Bahama Breeze locations slated for permanent closure are in Delaware, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, Darden said.

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Most of the locations that will be converted into other brands are in Florida, with additional restaurants in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Shares of Darden Restaurants are up more than 14% year to date.