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Lord Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to passing sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest followed claims he planned to flee the UK for the British Virgin Islands, which his lawyers deny. He was released on bail after questioning.
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Newly released Epstein files reveal his extensive contacts with Russian officials, including attempts to meet President Vladimir Putin and connections to Russian intelligence-linked figures. Poland has launched an investigation into possible Epstein ties to Russian secret services. The documents also detail Epstein's network recruiting young Russian women, raising questions about his influence and espionage allegations.
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As of February 16, 2026, French prosecutors have intensified investigations into former Culture Minister Jack Lang and his daughter Caroline over suspected tax fraud linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Raids at the Arab World Institute and other locations are underway. Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has ordered probes into diplomat Fabrice Aidan's alleged ties to Epstein, amid broader European fallout from newly released US Justice Department documents.
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On February 14, 2026, Thorbjørn Jagland, former Norwegian prime minister and ex-chair of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, was charged with aggravated corruption linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Norwegian police searched his Oslo and other properties after US Justice Department files revealed extensive contacts and travel involving Epstein. Jagland denies wrongdoing and is cooperating with investigators.
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Since 2022, Russia has unlawfully moved nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children, with some being returned through efforts led by the U.S. First Lady and intermediaries. Kyiv reports 1,984 children have been repatriated, but many remain in captivity amid ongoing accusations of forced deportations and indoctrination.
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Keir Starmer's government is under intense pressure following a series of crises, including the departure of key aides, internal party dissent, and controversy over appointments linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for Starmer's resignation, but the Prime Minister survived a week of turmoil, with support from senior figures. Meanwhile, UK politics remains volatile as investigations and internal conflicts unfold.
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On February 17, 2026, Thomas Pritzker resigned immediately as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels amid revelations of his ongoing contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Pritzker, 75, expressed regret for his "terrible judgment" and will not seek re-election to Hyatt's board. CEO Mark Hoplamazian succeeds him as chairman.
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A bipartisan New Mexico panel is investigating allegations that Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch facilitated sex trafficking and abuse. The commission aims to uncover survivor testimonies, examine potential public official involvement, and address why Epstein was not registered as a sex offender after his 2008 plea. The investigation follows the release of US government files and Epstein's death in 2019.
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The UK House of Lords is under renewed scrutiny after Lord Mandelson's resignation amid scandal. Critics call the chamber outdated and undemocratic, while supporters defend its review role. The government plans legislation to strip Mandelson of his peerage and reform the Lords, amid ongoing debates about its future.
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President Trump delivered a lengthy prime-time speech to Congress, aiming to rally support amid economic setbacks, Supreme Court rulings, and escalating tensions with Iran. He highlighted economic gains, border policies, and peace efforts, while facing criticism over tariffs and his tone towards the judiciary.
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King Harald V of Norway, aged 89, was hospitalized in Tenerife for an infection and dehydration. His condition is stable, but his doctors emphasize the seriousness due to his age. He is responding well to treatment, with further updates expected after assessment.
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The Justice Department is reviewing missing FBI interview summaries related to a woman’s allegations against Trump and Epstein. The records, part of Epstein-related files, were flagged as potentially withheld improperly, raising questions about transparency and legal compliance amid ongoing investigations.