VOUX MAG

U.S. ‍District Judge Jeannette Vargas on Friday had ordered the funding ​restored. The Justice Department ‌had warned it would be required by 1 p.m Monday to disburse up to $200 million in funds for the ⁠project unless her ​order halted.

Vargas said ​she would put her order on hold until ‍Thursday ⁠5 p.m. to give the Second Circuit U.S. Court ⁠of Appeals time to consider ‌the government's emergency request.

(Reporting by ‌David Shepardson)

Immigration Enforcement Boy Detained

Images of Liam Conejo Ramos wearing a bunny hat and Spider-Man backpack surrounded by immigration officers stirred outrageover the crackdown.

Danielle Molliver, a lawyer for the boy and his father, told the New York Times that the government was attempting to speed up the deportation proceedings, calling the actions "extraordinary" and possibly "retaliatory."

The government denied that.

"These are regular removal proceedings. They are not in expedited removal," Department of Homeland Security official Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement, adding "there is nothing retaliatory about enforcing the nation's immigration laws."

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Molliver told the Times that an immigration judge, during a closed Friday hearing, gave her additional time to argue the family's case.

The boy and his father, Adrian Conejo Arias, who originally is from Ecuador, were detained in a Minneapolis suburb on Jan. 20. They were taken to a detention facility in Dilley, Texas.

They were released followinga judge's orderand returned to Minnesota on Feb. 1.

Neighbors and school officials have accused federal immigration officers of usingthe preschooler as "bait"by telling him to knock on the door to his house so that his mother would come outside. DHS has called that description of events an "abject lie." It said the father fled on foot and left the boy in a running vehicle in their driveway.

The government said the boy's father entered the U.S. illegally from Ecuador in December 2024. The family's lawyer said he has an asylum claim pending that allows him to stay in the U.S.

"This is obviously very disappointing," Comer told reporters after the brief deposition. "We had many questions to ask about the crimes she and Epstein committed, as well as questions about potential co-conspirators. We sincerely want to get to the truth to the American people and justice for the survivors. That's what this investigation is about."

Latest release of Epstein files includes some survivors' names, despite DOJ assurances, lawyers say

It was expected that Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison in Texas,would refuse to answer questionsfrom lawmakers and committee staffers as part of the panel's investigation into the late financier and his ties to some of the world's most powerful figures in politics, business and entertainment. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died by suicide in 2019 while at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City.

Maxwell has a petition pending in federal court in New York that seeks to overturn her conviction or reduce her sentence.

Maxwell's attorney "pointed out a number of times that she has a habeas corpus petition pending for new trial or release," Republican Rep. Andy Biggs said. "And that's why she is not going to answer questions."

Asked whether he suspects that Maxwell, who is now in a minimum-security prison in Texas, succumbed to political pressure by refusing to testify, Comer said he had "no idea."

"Unfortunately, she had an opportunity today to answer questions that every American has, questions that would be very important in this investigation, and she chose to invoke her Fifth Amendment," Comer said.

Despite Maxwell refusing to cooperate, Comer emphasized his committee's investigation will continue with five confirmed depositions "on the books" in the coming weeks, including Leslie Wexner, the retail billionaire who was once Epstein's largest financial client, on Feb. 18.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clintonhas agreed to sit for a deposition on Feb. 26while former President Bill Clinton has agreed to a Feb. 27 deposition. Comer said that the committee will also interview Epstein's accountant and lawyer next month.

Biggs told reporters that Maxwell's lawyer read a statement at the outset of the deposition -- clearing both President Donald Trump and former President Bill Clinton "of any wrongdoing."

"One thing that the attorney for Ms. Maxwell said is that she has no indication and would say that neither Presidents Trump or Clinton are culpable for any wrongdoing," Biggs said.

AfterDeputy Attorney General Todd Blancheinterviewed Maxwell over two daysin a proffer session in July, Maxwell told Blanche that she never witnessed nor heard of any criminal or inappropriate activity by Trump, Clinton, nor any of the well-known men who associated with Epstein. Maxwell was moved to a federal minimum security prison in Texas, the Bureau of Prisons confirmed on Aug. 1.

Biggs said Monday that the lawyer continued to press for clemency in exchange for Maxwell's testimony -- a pitch her legal team has floatedsince last July.

Last month, Maxwell's attorney David O. Markus again asked Comer to delay any compelled testimony from Maxwell until her habeas proceedings have been resolved, but suggested there was one scenario that might change Maxwell's stance -- clemency from the president.

"Of course, in the alternative, if Ms. Maxwell were to receive clemency, she would be willing -- and eager -- to testify openly and honestly, in public, before Congress in Washington, D.C.," Markus wrote to the committee on Jan. 21. "She welcomes the opportunity to share the truth and to dispel the many misconceptions and misstatements that have plagued this case from the beginning."

Democrats complained that Maxwell used the virtual deposition to renew her bid for clemency -- after Trump, in July,did not rule out pardoning Maxwell.

"Ghislaine Maxwell should have no hope of ever getting out of prison," Democratic Rep. Suhas Subramanyam told reporters on Monday. "But today, she, through her lawyer, explicitly stated that she wants to be out of prison through a clemency that this president would grant."

Subramanyam claimed the hope of clemency is "why she's continuing to not cooperate with our investigation."

Comer also discouraged the president from granting Maxwell any form of clemency.

"Initially she had asked that the Oversight Committee grant immunity, and when we met with the survivors of Epstein it was pretty clear, according to the survivors -- and we had 20-some members in that meeting -- that Maxwell was a very bad person, and she committed a lot of crimes, and it was the intent, in my opinion, when we left that meeting in a bipartisan manner that we would not grant immunity," Comer explained. "Now, what she said today, she's asked for clemency from the president. So I personally, for the reasons you just stated, don't think she should be granted any type of immunity or clemency."

Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett said Maxwell has shown no remorse and "is not seeking to bring about some kind of closure for these women."

After Epstein's death, investigation weighed potential charges against co-conspirators

"I got news for you, Ms. Maxwell: we're not done. We're going to continue to go," Crockett said.

Maxwell's deposition was more than six months in the making, and was first requested last July, when Comerformally issued a subpoenafor a deposition with Maxwell to occur at Federal Correctional Institution Tallahassee on Aug. 11.

Comer agreed to delay the deposition as Maxwell awaited a Supreme Court ruling on her appeal,which she ultimately lost.

The closed deposition with Maxwell comes on the same day that members of Congress can go to the Department of Justice to view unredacted versions of the Epstein files that the department has withheld from public disclosure.

"There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of," Hess said at a news conference in Milan ahead of the2026 Winter Olympics. "Wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S.

"I'm representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented it before me, all the things that I believe are good about the U.S. I just think if it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I'm representing it."

Hess' teammates on the dais with him that day also addressed the topic, but only the 27-year-old from Oregon drew the president's ire. Trump called Hess a "loser" and did not properly convey what Hess said in his post.

Hahna Norman of the United States in women's snowboarding big air qualifications during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Snow Park.

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Women snowboarders push the limits in high‑flying Big Air event

Hahna Norman of the United States in women's snowboarding big air qualifications during theMilano Cortina 2026Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Snow Park.

The four-member women's halfpipe team, led by two-time Olympian Chloe Kim, largely echoed what Hess originally said.

"I think there are a lot of different opinions in the U.S. right now. Obviously, we're very divided," Bea Kim, 17, said. "I personally am very proud to represent the United States. That being said, I think diversity is what makes us a very strong country and what makes us so special."

Nowhere else in the world can an individual express themself with the level of freedom Americans can, Bea Kim said.

"I think the four of us sitting here (Monday) are an example of that. We all came from very different backgrounds."

Chloe Kim's parents, like Bea Kim's grandparents, immigrated to the West Coast from South Korea.

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"I think that's also so special about the Olympics. Bringing people together from different countries," while celebrating sport, friendship and respect, Bea Kim said.

Chloe Kim said the recent news has "hit really close to home" because her immigrants made the sacrifice many others have done to build a better life for their descendants in America.

"It is really important for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another with all that's going on," Chloe Kim said. "I'm really proud to represent the United States. It's given my family and I so much opportunity. But I also think that we are allowed to voice our opinions of what's going on. And I think that we should lead with love and compassion. And I'd love to see more of that."

Maddie Mastro agreed that she is proud to represent her country.

"I'm also saddened with what's happening at home. It's really tough and we can't turn a blind eye to that," Mastro said.

At the same time, Mastro said, she represents a country that has not lost what makes it special – kindness and compassion.

By the time Maddy Schaffrick grabbed the mic, she didn't have much to add.

"I feel like the Olympics is the epitome of all countries and cultures coming together in celebration and friendly competition," she said. "I'm proud to represent the U.S. and wear the American flag in such an internationally cohesive event, and do what I love while representing the U.S."

Multiple members of Team USA have received online hate for their comments leading into these Games, from Hess tofigure skater Amber Glennto moguls skier Chris Lillis.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:US snowboarders respond to Donald Trump's criticism of Hunter Hess

The Blue Devils took over sole possession of first-place in the ACC last week with aone-point victoryover then-No. 6 Louisville. Duke, which jumped six places this week, hasn't lost since a 16-point defeat to LSU on Dec. 4 that left the team 3-6.

UConn remained the unanimous No. 1 team in the poll as the Huskies continue to steamroll through the regular season. They received all 31 first-place votes from a national media panel after routing DePaul by 46 points and Butler by 32 last week. UConn has won 20 consecutive games by at least 25 points — the longest such streak by a Division I team in over 25 years.

UCLA, South Carolina and Texas followed the Huskies. The Bruins edged then-No. 8 Michiganby three pointsSunday to remain in first and undefeated in the Big Ten. The Longhornsbeat LSU, which dropped one spot to sixth. Vanderbilt moved back up to fifth.

Michigan, Ohio State, Louisville and Oklahoma round out the top 10 this week.

Falling just short

Three of Michigan's four losses this season have come by three points to No. 1 UConn, No. 2 UCLA and No. 5 Vanderbilt. The Wolverines have shown they can consistently play with the best teams in the country.

Conference supremacy

The SEC remained the top conference with nine 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 and Ivy League each have one.

Games of the week

No. 17 TCU at No. 12 Baylor, Thursday. First place in the Big 12 will be on the line as the Bears have a one-game lead in the standings on the Horned Frogs, who also host third-place West Virginia on Sunday.

No. 24 Princeton at Columbia, Friday. The top spot in the Ivy League will be on the line as the Tigers visit the Lions. Princeton holds a one-game lead in the standings over Columbia and Harvard. The Lions handed the Tigers their lone loss in conference play when they met two weeks ago.

This story has been updated to correct Duke's winning streak to 15 games.

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

NEED TO KNOW

• Drake Maye got emotional, holding back tears while delivering remarks after Super Bowl LX

• The New England Patriots quarterback credited Mike Vrabel for being the "heartbeat" of the team after their loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Feb. 8

• In his first year as head coach of the Patriots, Vrabel won NFL coach of the year honors last week

Drake Mayeis standing by his coachMike Vrabel.

The second-year quarterback credited the first-year head coach of the New England Patriots — who won NFL coach of the year on Feb. 5 — following the team's 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on Sunday, Feb. 8.

"He was the heartbeat, no doubt about that," Maye, 23,said as his voice waveredat the postgame presser. "He was a big reason why we're here. He's always the same and I look forward to my relationship with him for a long time."

He added, "He's a great person and a hell of a football coach."

Maye and the Patriots struggled to get going for most of the game, stifled by the Seahawks' defense.

The signal-caller finished with a 27-of-43 line for 295 passing yards and two touchdowns, but most of those stats came in the fourth quarter when the game was already out of reach.

Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty

Maye also praised his team while speaking to reporters after the game. He became choked up at several points in the post-game presser.

"It hurts no doubt, definitely hurts. It's been a long ride but they played better than us tonight and they deserved to win that game," Maye said. "Speaking for the whole team and myself, just what a journey it's been for us. I love this team, all those guys in the locker room and we left it all on the field and I know a lot of guys did that tonight, but we just came up short we didn't play our best and that's what happens."

At another point, he told reporters, "This team was awesome. I'm so proud. That's probably the reason I'm choked up most. This team is something that I'm just glad to be a part of," perCBS News.

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On Feb. 5 in San Francisco, Vrabel, 50, received the COTY nod at the NFL Honors, where he was lauded for 10-win turnaround of the franchise following consecutive 4-13 seasons.

Vrabel's equal parts intensity and affection toward his players rubbed off on the team this year — from the beginning of the season when he showed he would go to bat for any of them.

Last August on the eve of the season's start, during a practice scrimmage against the Washington Commanders,the coach jumped into the frayto break up a skirmish between players.

"That's what we're trying to build, and it starts with the head coach intensity, bringing it every day, taking no crap when we're out there on the field," Maye told reporters at the time. "The mentality, I like it. That's what you want."

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Had the Patriots won, the retired linebacker would have become the first person ever to win a Super Bowl as a player and as a coach for the same franchise.

For Maye —who received a painkilling shotin his right shoulder before the game — his time in the spotlight on the sport's biggest stage was not a memorable one.

"I'd like to go back to the beginning and redo it," the North Carolina standout told reporters.

Read the original article onPeople

Ian Vogler - WPA Pool/Getty; New York State Division of Criminal Justice/HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

NEED TO KNOW

• Kate Middleton and Prince William are 'deeply concerned' about the continuing revelations about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein

• A spokesperson for the Prince and Princess of Wales revealed the couple's feelings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where William is about to start a short visit

• The couple remains "focused on the victims," the rep said

Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamare showing their support for the victims of the late convicted sex offenderJeffrey Epstein.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have been "deeply concerned" by the revelations that have continued to emerge in the wake of the release of millions of pages of documents in the Epstein files, the couple's spokesperson said on Feb. 9.

"I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims," the spokesperson added from Saudi Arabia, where William is at the start of an official three-day visit.

It is the first time that William and Kate have directly addressed the scandal, which has seen William's uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the formerPrince Andrew, face increased scrutiny over his connections with Epstein.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

When Mountbatten-Windsorwas stripped of all his royal titles and honors— and told to surrender the lease on his home Royal Lodge — by his brotherKing Charles, 77, in October 2024, those close to William and Kate made it clear that they supported his actions. They shared the Buckingham Palace statement at the time.

That statement concluded, "Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse," the statement concluded.

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Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Feb. 3, Mountbatten-Windsor's younger brother, Prince Edward, became thefirst senior royal to publicly address the latest Epstein-related developments, saying it was "really important to remember the victims."

Rick Friedman Photography/Corbis via Getty

Mountbatten-Windsorstepped back from his public royal rolein 2019 following his headline-makingBBC interviewin which he discussed his relationship with Epstein. His late mother Queen Elizabeth stripped her son of hismilitary titles and patronagesin January 2022, after a judge rejected his attempt to have Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre'ssexual assault lawsuitagainst him dismissed.

Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied Giuffre's allegations andreached a settlementwith her in 2022.

Kensington Palace, where William and Kate have their office are hoping that attention can be concentrated on the what aides call the impportant diplomatic visit that William, 43, is making to Saudi Arabia over the next few days

Read the original article onPeople