Andrew Gets the Hammer

2.19.26

Happy Thursday and welcome to today’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Let’s break down the latest news in politics.

Prince Andrew Arrested on Suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office….Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and younger brother of King Charles III—was arrested Thursday by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Authorities searched properties in Berkshire and Norfolk, including Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, while Andrew remains in custody. The arrest follows newly surfaced documents detailing communications between Andrew and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, allegations Andrew has long denied. Buckingham Palace said it was not notified in advance, and Charles issued a brief statement supporting a “full and proper” investigation. If convicted, the charge carries a potential life sentence—an unprecedented legal crisis for a senior royal in modern times.

Common Sense Takeaway: For decades, the British monarchy has relied on secrecy and tradition to shield itself from any accountability. An arrest shatters that. If the allegations hold, this is a test of whether power still places someone above the law, and King Charles said today, “The law must take its course.” Either way, it says a lot that the U.K. arrested someone associated with Epstein’s crimes before the U.S. did.

Trump Convenes “Board of Peace” Summit as Allies Stay Away…President Donald Trump hosted the first meeting of his newly created “Board of Peace” in Washington, aimed initially at advancing the fragile Gaza ceasefire but now pitched as a broader global conflict body. Leaders from roughly 40 countries attended—including allies like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Argentina’s Javier Milei—while key U.S. partners such as the U.K., France, and several Nordic nations declined, citing concerns it could undermine the United Nations. Trump is expected to unveil a multibillion-dollar Gaza reconstruction plan and a proposed international stabilization force, though critics question the lack of Palestinian representation and warn that the initiative risks undercutting existing diplomatic frameworks.

Common Sense Takeaway: You can’t actually build a credible “peace” coalition while alienating your closest allies and sidelining the institutions that already coordinate global diplomacy. If key partners refuse to participate, it immediately loses legitimacy. But this is all for optics anyway, Trump doesn’t really care about Gaza—we know that.

Les Wexner Says He Was “Conned” by Jeffrey Epstein in Closed-Door Testimony….Billionaire retail magnate Les Wexner, the former CEO of L Brands and longtime head of Victoria’s Secret, told House investigators he was “conned” by disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and had no knowledge of his crimes. Testifying under subpoena in a six-hour closed-door deposition, Wexner denied being a co-conspirator and said he cut ties with Epstein in 2007 after learning of alleged abuse and financial theft. Lawmakers remain skeptical, with some Democrats arguing Epstein’s wealth and operations depended heavily on Wexner’s support. Though never charged, Wexner faces renewed scrutiny over his decades-long relationship with Epstein as congressional investigators continue probing the network surrounding the late sex offender.

Common Sense Takeaway: When billionaires like Les claim they were simply duped by a man they empowered for years, it begs the question: how does someone with immense wealth, access, and influence miss something so massive? Either the warning signs were ignored, or these people are dumb as rocks. You make the judgement.

Investigators Turn to Genetic Genealogy in Search for Missing Mother of Savannah Guthrie….Authorities are using advanced genetic genealogy techniques to analyze DNA evidence in the suspected abduction of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of “TODAY” co-host Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing since Feb. 1. Investigators say partial DNA recovered from her home may belong to a suspect, though it does not match existing FBI databases. Surveillance footage shows an armed, masked man near the property, and a distinctive backpack could provide a key lead. With more than 19,000 tips received and over $200,000 in rewards offered, officials say the case remains active and they are confident the perpetrator can be identified using emerging forensic methods.

Common Sense Takeaway: Genetic genealogy has transformed cold cases into solvable ones, and investigators clearly believe science will succeed where the thousands of traditional leads have not. Prayers that this is the catalyst to finding Nancy sooner rather than later.

That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back tomorrow for more.