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Tropical Cuba experiences freezing point for the first time on record

Venus L Peñaflor
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Tropical Cuba experiences freezing point for the first time on record

HAVANA — Cuba has recorded its lowest temperature ever, with a weather station in the province of Matanzas logging 0 degrees Celsius (32°F) on February 3, 2026, the first time the island nation has reached the freezing point in its meteorological history, authorities said.

The Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) confirmed that a station at Indio Hatuey, in the municipality of Perico, Matanzas, reported the historic reading early Tuesday morning, breaking the previous record low of 0.6°C set in 1996.

INSMET officials attributed the unprecedented chill to an intense cold front that swept polar air from North America into the Caribbean, a rare meteorological event for the tropical nation. The cold wave has brought unusually low temperatures across much of the country, with at least 32 weather stations reporting minimums below 10°C (50°F) during the early hours of February 3.

In several areas, frost has been observed on crops, an extraordinary sight in Cuba’s typically warm climate, with meteorologists describing the conditions as “winter‑like days across the entire national territory.”

The cold outbreak is linked to a broader pattern of extreme weather that has affected the region in recent days. A severe Arctic blast brought record cold to parts of the United States last month, contributing to widespread low temperatures across the Southeast and Florida before moving southward toward the Caribbean.

Climate records in Cuba date back to the mid‑19th century, though data over recent decades has become more consistent and reliable, making this first‑ever documented freeze especially notable for scientists and forecasters.

Meteorologists say the temperature drop reflects unusual atmospheric conditions, combining high‑pressure systems and cold air masses that rarely penetrate so far into the tropics. While daytime temperatures are expected to rebound into more typical ranges, the historic low stands as a stark reminder of the extremes possible even in tropical regions.

Mahigit 1,000 na bahay nasunog sa Tawi-tawi

Arman B. Cambe
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Mahigit 1,000 na bahay nasunog sa Tawi-tawi

COTABATO CITY — Mahigit 1,000 kabahayan ang nilamon ng apoy at libo-libong residente ang napilitang lumikas matapos sumiklab ang malawakang sunog sa Barangay Lamion, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi nitong Martes ng gabi, ayon sa mga lokal na otoridad.

Umabot sa bandang 10:09 p.m. ng Pebrero 3 nang magsimula ang apoy na mabilis kumalat sa mga bahay sa dalampasigan dahil sa malakas na hangin at mas madaling masunog na materyales ng mga bahay na karamihan ay gawa sa light at semi-permanent materials na itinayo sa ibabaw ng tubig.

Ayon sa Bongao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), tinatayang 1,000 kabahayan ang nasunog habang ang tinatayang apektadong populasyon ay umabot sa humigit 5,000 katao na inilikas sa mga pansamantalang evacuation center sa loob ng Mindanao State University (MSU) Amilbahar Gym, MSU-Integrated Laboratory School at iba pang ligtas na lugar. Walang naiulat na nasawi o malubhang nasugatan sa insidente.

Sinabi ng Bongao Central Fire Station na na-control ang sunog mga 2:00 a.m. ng Miyerkules matapos ang mahigit na apat na oras na pagsisikap ng mga bumbero, MDRRMO personnel, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi) at mga volunteer responders.

Nasira rin ang ilang foot bridges na nagpahirap sa mga rescue at firefighting operations. Patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) at iba pang awtoridad upang matukoy ang pinagmulan ng apoy.

Agad namang tumugon ang Bangsamoro Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) sa pamumuno ni Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, sa pakikipagtulungan sa Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali at lokal na pamahalaan ng Bongao upang maghatid ng relief assistance kabilang ang pagkain, tubig, tent, at iba pang pangunahing pangangailangan sa mga pamilyang apektado.

Nanawagan din ang mga lokal na lider sa iba pang relief agencies at mga organisasyong humanitarian, kapwa lokal at internasyonal, na magbigay ng karagdagang tulong upang mapagaan ang pinagdadaanan ng mga nasalanta at matulungan sila sa muling pagbangon.

Plunder laban kina Chiz, Joel, Jinggoy inirekomenda ng Blue Ribbon Committee

DC Alviar
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Plunder laban kina Chiz, Joel, Jinggoy inirekomenda ng Blue Ribbon Committee

Maynila — Inirekomenda ng Senate Blue Ribbon Committee ang paghahain ng kasong plunder at iba pang kasong kriminal laban kina Senators Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada at Francis “Chiz” Escudero kaugnay ng imbestigasyon sa umano’y iregularidad sa flood control projects, ayon sa nag-leak na draft partial report ng komite.

Batay sa kopya ng draft report na lumabas sa media at ipinaiikot para sa pirma ng mga senador, kabilang din sa mga inirerekomendahang kasuhan sina dating Senador Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., na kasalukuyang nakakulong, gayundin ang mga dating kongresista na sina Zaldy Co at Mitch Cajayon-Uy.

Ayon kay Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, ipinamahagi ang draft committee report noong Pebrero 3 at nilagdaan ito ng anim na senador, kabilang sina Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, JV Ejercito, Win Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino at Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.

Gayunman, kalaunan ay binawi nina Zubiri, Ejercito at Gatchalian ang kanilang mga lagda, dahil nais pa umano nilang suriin nang mas mabuti ang pinal na ulat ng komite bago ito tuluyang aprubahan.

“Maybe due to the complexity and sensitivity involving the issues and personalities mentioned in the draft committee report, many members prefer to discuss and understand the contents of the report before they affix their signatures. Others may want to include their inputs,” pahayag ni Lacson.

Ipinaliwanag ni Lacson na kinakailangan ng hindi bababa sa 11 pirma ng mga miyembro ng komite upang maging opisyal ang committee report. Kung hindi umano ito makakakuha ng sapat na bilang ng lagda, hindi magiging balido ang partial committee report.

Sa kabila nito, iginiit ni Lacson ang nilalaman ng draft committee report, partikular ang rekomendasyon na magsampa ng kaso laban sa tatlong senador na pinangalanan sa imbestigasyon.

Trump criticized for rewriting Mexican-American War history to justify aggressive Latin America policy

Venus L Peñaflor
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Trump criticized for rewriting Mexican-American War history to justify aggressive Latin America policy

MEXICO CITY — Historians and political observers have criticized a recent White House statement commemorating the Mexican-American War, accusing the Trump administration of presenting a historically distorted account to support its foreign policy posture toward Latin America.

The unsigned statement, released Monday to mark the war’s anniversary, described the 1846–1848 conflict as a “legendary victory that secured the American Southwest, reasserted American sovereignty, and expanded the promise of American independence across our majestic continent.” It drew parallels between the period and the administration’s current policies, asserting that such actions would “ensure the Hemisphere remains safe.”

“Guided by our victory on the fields of Mexico 178 years ago, I have spared no effort in defending our southern border against invasion, upholding the rule of law, and protecting our homeland from forces of evil, violence, and destruction,” the statement said.

Critics noted that the post made no reference to the role of slavery in the conflict or to the broader consequences of the 19th-century doctrine of Manifest Destiny, which led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Native Americans.

Alexander Aviña, a professor of Latin American history at Arizona State University, said the statement downplays the violence involved in U.S. territorial expansion at a time when Washington has taken a more assertive approach to regional affairs.

“U.S. political leaders for generations have recognized this as a troubling chapter in history,” Aviña said. “This was a clear case of imperialism against a southern neighbor. The administration is framing it, inaccurately, as a defensive act.”

The remarks sparked swift reaction online. During a Tuesday morning briefing, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded with a quip, emphasizing her country’s sovereignty. Sheinbaum has sought to maintain a measured tone in dealings with the Trump administration, occasionally responding with sarcasm, including after Trump proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”

The Mexican-American War was rooted in longstanding border disputes and the U.S. annexation of Texas in 1845. In the years leading up to the conflict, American settlers moved into what was then Mexican territory. Mexico had outlawed slavery, and some U.S. abolitionists feared the expansion effort aimed in part to add new slave states.

Following a series of U.S. military victories, Mexico ceded more than 525,000 square miles of land to the United States. The territory included areas that now comprise Arizona, California, western Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah.

The war’s legacy has continued to shape relations between the two countries. Former U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant later described the conflict as “one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation.”

The episode also played a role in the origins of The Associated Press, which was founded by five New York newspapers that financed a pony express route to deliver news of the war more quickly than the U.S. Postal Service.

Albert Camarillo, a history professor at Stanford University, said the White House language reflects broader efforts by the administration to reshape how U.S. history is presented in federal institutions.

“It’s a distorted, ahistorical, imperialist version of the war,” Camarillo said, adding that the approach aligns with recent directives to revise exhibits at the Smithsonian Institution and to remove references on government websites that officials say “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living,” including materials addressing slavery, the destruction of Native American cultures and climate change.

Aviña said the statement underscores an effort to justify the administration’s “America First” policy across the region, regardless of historical consensus.

“This is about asserting a narrative that places U.S. actions in the Americas in a purely defensive light,” he said, “even when the historical record suggests otherwise.”

Heavy snow in northern Japan causes road closures and dozens of deaths

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Heavy snow in northern Japan causes road closures and dozens of deaths

TOKYO — Northern Japan has been battered by unusually heavy snowfall over the past two weeks, blocking roads, disrupting transportation, and resulting in dozens of fatalities nationwide.

As of Wednesday, 15 prefectures have been affected, with snow accumulation reaching up to two meters (6.5 feet) in the hardest-hit areas. Meteorologists attribute the extreme weather to a persistent Arctic cold air mass over the Japanese archipelago.

In Aomori prefecture, more than 1,700 homes lost electricity, and most train lines—including the bullet trains—were suspended. Governor Soichiro Miyashita said authorities were coordinating with emergency services to ensure ambulances and fire trucks could reach residents in need. Medical staff have reportedly resorted to transporting patients on foot with stretchers when roads became impassable.

“We anticipate some roads might get blocked off, and we are consulting with services that can help ambulances and fire trucks reach their destinations,” Miyashita told reporters Wednesday. He also urged the city of Aomori to prioritize clearing main roads, as schools remained closed, affecting thousands of children.

Across Japan, 35 deaths have been reported, with most incidents involving falls during snow removal. Niigata prefecture, a key rice-growing region, recorded 12 fatalities, including a man found collapsed on his roof in Uonuma city on January 21 and a 70-year-old who fell from a roof in Nagaoka city.

Japan’s chief government spokesperson, Minoru Kihara, cautioned that even as temperatures rise, the melting snow could trigger landslides and create slippery conditions, posing further risks to residents.

Nationwide, injuries totaled 393, including 126 classified as serious. Niigata accounted for 42 of these serious injuries. Structural damage was also reported, with 14 homes affected—three in Niigata and eight in Aomori.

Authorities are preparing for additional snowfall forecast for the coming weekend, warning residents to take precautions as northern Japan continues to grapple with severe winter weather.

House justice panel: Walang patunay sa umano’y drug addiction ni PBBM

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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House justice panel: Walang patunay sa umano’y drug addiction ni PBBM

Maynila — Iginiit ng ilang miyembro ng House justice committee na walang sapat na ebidensya at basehan ang alegasyon ng umano’y drug addiction laban kay Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., kaugnay ng impeachment complaint na inihain ni Atty. Andre de Jesus.

Tinalakay ng mga mambabatas ang sufficiency in substance ng reklamo, kung saan inakusahan si Marcos na umano’y unfit sa pamamahala dahil sa paggamit ng illegal na droga, isang paratang na una nang itinanggi ng Malakanyang.

Ayon kay House Deputy Minority Leader at ML Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, “unfitness per se is not a ground for impeachment.”

“This is not a factual allegation because the ground must not only state a categorical allegation that President Bongbong Marcos is a drug addict and that this impairs the performance of his mandate, but must also include a recital of the alleged acts, events, and incidents that support the same,” dagdag ni de Lima, dating justice secretary.

Binanggit naman ni FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe ang negative drug test ng Pangulo na isinagawa sa St. Luke’s Medical Center noong Nobyembre 2021, na inilabas ng kampo ni Marcos bago ang kampanya para sa 2022 elections.

“What we know for a fact and what is actually on record is that on November 2021, there was a negative drug test that was attested to at St. Luke’s. On May 2024, there was actually a Senate hearing in which one drug analyst, Geresza Reyes, and laboratory head, Dr. Cecilia Lim, confirmed that the President tested negative specifically for cocaine,” ani Poe.

Kapwa iginiit nina Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin at Quezon City 4th District Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay na hindi maituturing na impeachable offense ang mga alegasyon kung walang beripikado at awtoritatibong patunay.

“Absent verified and authoritative proof showing impairment in office or misconduct indirectly related to the exercise of Presidential functions, such allegations cannot establish impeachable offense and should not be given weight,” pahayag ni Garbin.

“There was actually no narration of which of the presidential actions or judgment was impaired due to the alleged drug addiction. There was also no medical evidence presented, no drug test results,” ayon naman kay Suntay.

Para kay Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, ang paratang ng drug use ay “a clear example of not a recital of facts, but a conclusion of fact not based on any evidence.”

Matatandaang ipinagpaliban ng House justice panel ang botohan sa sufficiency in substance ng dalawang impeachment complaints laban kay Marcos. Inaasahang tatalakayin at pagbobotohan ng komite ngayong araw, Pebrero 4, ang reklamo ni de Jesus at ang isa pang impeachment complaint.

Signal No. 1 itinaas sa ilang bahagi ng Surigao del Sur habang bumibilis ang TD Basyang

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Signal No. 1 itinaas sa ilang bahagi ng Surigao del Sur habang bumibilis ang TD Basyang

Calauan City — Itinaas ang Signal No. 1 sa timog na bahagi ng Surigao del Sur habang patuloy na bumibilis ang paggalaw ng Tropical Depression Basyang patungong west-southwest nitong Miyerkules, ayon sa PAGASA.

Sa 5:00 a.m. cyclone bulletin ng ahensya, sakop ng tropical cyclone wind signal ang mga bayan ng Cagwait, Marihatag, San Agustin, Barobo, Tagbina, Hinatuan, City of Bislig, Lingig, at Lianga.

Ayon sa PAGASA, maaaring maranasan sa mga nasabing lugar ang hangin na may bilis na 39–61 kilometers per hour sa loob ng hindi bababa sa 36 oras, gayundin ang paminsan-minsang pag-ulan sa parehong panahon.

Inaasahang lalakas pa ang Basyang habang nasa Philippine Sea at maaaring umabot sa kategoryang tropical storm sa loob ng araw. Gayunman, matapos ang unang pag-landfall, inaasahan itong hihina at muling magiging Tropical Depression bago tuluyang ma-downgrade bilang low pressure area pagsapit ng Lunes, Pebrero 9.

Huling namataan ang sentro ng Basyang sa layong humigit-kumulang 895 kilometro sa silangan ng Northeastern Mindanao, kumikilos pa-west-southwestward sa bilis na 20 km/h, na may maximum sustained winds na 55 km/h malapit sa gitna at gustiness na umaabot sa 70 km/h.

Sinabi ng PAGASA na ang pinakamataas na Wind Signal No. 2 ang posibleng itaas sa kabuuan ng pagdaan ng bagyo.

Batay sa forecast track, patuloy na kikilos ang Basyang pa-west-southwestward hanggang Huwebes bago ito lumihis pa-west-northwestward simula Biyernes ng umaga. Inaasahang magla-landfall ito sa silangang bahagi ng Mindanao mula Huwebes ng gabi hanggang Biyernes ng umaga, tatawid sa Northeastern Mindanao at Central at Western Visayas, at lalabas sa Sulu Sea pagsapit ng Sabado ng umaga.

Dagdag pa ng ahensya, tatawid ang Basyang sa hilagang bahagi ng Palawan pagsapit ng Sabado ng hapon bago muling lumabas sa West Philippine Sea.

Samantala, isinuspinde ang mga klase sa bayan ng Amlan, Negros Oriental nitong Miyerkules, Pebrero 4, 2026, bilang pag-iingat sa posibleng epekto ng Basyang.

Philippines, Japan finalize updated tax treaty to strengthen cross-border economic ties

Venus L Peñaflor
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Philippines, Japan finalize updated tax treaty to strengthen cross-border economic ties

MANILA — The Philippines and Japan have concluded formal negotiations to update their Double Taxation Convention (DTC), a move aimed at modernizing the tax framework governing income earned by citizens and residents of both countries, the Department of Finance (DOF) said Tuesday.

The talks, led by the DOF, were held from January 27 to 30 and resulted in the completion of the revised treaty after a single round of formal negotiations.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the agreement reflects the two nations’ shared commitment to deepening their long-standing economic partnership through a clearer and more equitable tax framework.

“As one of the Philippines’ most vital and enduring economic partners, the negotiation with Japan underscores our countries’ mutual commitment to strengthening partnership by providing a clear, modern, and equitable tax treaty framework,” Go said.

The updated DTC outlines how each country will impose taxes and grant credits for taxes already paid, helping ensure compliance with the tax laws of both jurisdictions. The DOF said the revised treaty is designed to support cross-border economic activity while protecting the integrity of both nations’ tax systems.

According to the department, the agreement will proceed through each country’s respective legal approval processes and will take effect 30 days after the exchange of diplomatic notes confirming ratification.

DOF-Revenue Operations Group Undersecretary Rolando Ligon said the renegotiation aligns the treaty with current international standards and strengthens measures to address tax evasion and avoidance.

“Through these renegotiations, we seek to align our Convention with contemporary international standards, promote certainty and fairness for taxpayers, and reinforce our shared commitment to combating tax evasion and avoidance,” Ligon said.

The update coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan this year, underscoring the broader context of enhanced bilateral cooperation.

Japan’s Minister for Economic Affairs Yokota Naobumi expressed optimism that the amended treaty would encourage greater Japanese investment in the Philippines.

“I sincerely hope that the amendment to the tax treaty will be concluded at an early stage and that this year will truly become one of significant progress in our bilateral relationship,” Yokota said.

The Philippine negotiating team included DOF-Revenue Operations Group Assistant Secretaries Dakila Elteen Napao and Euvimil Nina Asuncion, along with Bureau of Internal Revenue Deputy Commissioner for Legal Larry Barcelo and International Tax Affairs Division Chief Robbie Bañaga.

The Japanese delegation was led by Yokota and included Embassy of Japan Second Secretary Narita Akihiro, as well as officials from Japan’s Ministry of Finance Tax Bureau: Director for Tax Treaties and International Affairs Hisanaga Takuma, Deputy Directors Nishijima Hiromitsu and Tanaka Kyohei, and Section Chief Kawashima Ayaka.

Iran signals willingness to pursue ‘fair and equitable’ talks with U.S.

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Iran signals willingness to pursue ‘fair and equitable’ talks with U.S.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday said he has instructed the country’s foreign minister to pursue what he described as “fair and equitable negotiations” with the United States, marking the clearest indication yet that Tehran is open to renewed diplomatic engagement as tensions with Washington remain high.

In a post on X written in both English and Farsi, Pezeshkian said the move followed “requests from friendly governments in the region” to respond to a proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump for talks. He said negotiations would proceed only in an environment “free from threats and unreasonable expectations,” and would be guided by “the principles of dignity, prudence, and expediency.”

The announcement represents a notable shift for the reformist president, who in recent weeks had warned that the political unrest and nationwide protests in Iran had moved beyond his control. The statement also signals apparent backing from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has previously dismissed direct negotiations with Washington.

Regional diplomacy efforts have reportedly intensified in recent days. Turkey is said to be working behind the scenes to host talks later this week, coinciding with a regional tour by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Foreign ministers from Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have also been invited to attend, according to a regional official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Washington has not formally confirmed that talks will take place. A semiofficial Iranian news agency reported Monday that Pezeshkian had ordered Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to begin negotiations, though the report was later deleted without explanation.

Late Monday, pan-Arab satellite channel Al Mayadeen aired an interview with Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Khamenei and a member of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Shamkhani said any engagement would likely begin indirectly and move to direct talks only if progress appeared achievable. He added that discussions would be limited to nuclear issues.

“Iran does not seek nuclear weapons, will not seek a nuclear weapon and will never stockpile nuclear weapons,” Shamkhani said, while emphasizing that Tehran expects reciprocal steps in return. He rejected the idea of transferring Iran’s enriched uranium abroad, a provision that was part of the 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers.

Iran has enriched uranium up to 60% purity, a level just short of weapons-grade. The International Atomic Energy Agency has said Iran is the only country enriching to that level without possessing nuclear weapons. Tehran has also declined IAEA requests to inspect nuclear sites damaged during a 12-day conflict with Israel in June.

“The quantity of enriched uranium remains unknown,” Shamkhani said, citing debris at bombed facilities that has not yet been cleared due to safety concerns.

Witkoff is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior security officials during a visit to Israel, according to U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. Israel is expected to press for any agreement with Iran to include halting uranium enrichment, removing existing stockpiles, limiting ballistic missile development and ending support for regional proxy groups.

From the White House, President Trump said negotiations were ongoing but declined to outline any military thresholds. “I’d like to see a deal negotiated,” he told reporters. “If we can work something out, that’d be great. And if we can’t, probably bad things would happen.”

Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, speaking at Dubai’s World Governments Summit, expressed skepticism, saying a lasting agreement was “unimaginable” under Iran’s current leadership.

Meanwhile, regional security concerns persist. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported Tuesday that a vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz was hailed by multiple small armed boats. The incident occurred in waters where Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned of recent naval drills. The ship continued its passage without further incident.

Whether the diplomatic signals from Tehran and Washington will translate into formal negotiations remains uncertain, as longstanding disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence continue to pose significant obstacles.

Epstein files trigger political and royal scrutiny across Britain

Venus L Peñaflor
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Epstein files trigger political and royal scrutiny across Britain

LONDON — The U.S. government’s release of more than three million documents linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein has intensified scrutiny of several prominent figures in British public life, raising new questions about the extent of his access to the country’s political leadership and royal circles.

Among those repeatedly referenced in the newly disclosed materials are former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, his former wife Sarah Ferguson, and former U.K. ambassador to the United States and House of Lords member Peter Mandelson. The disclosures have prompted renewed calls for accountability, including demands for testimony, resignations and official investigations.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Mountbatten-Windsor to cooperate with a U.S. congressional inquiry into Epstein’s network, while Mandelson is facing pressure from senior political figures to step down from the House of Lords.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Mountbatten-Windsor has long denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and has said he cut ties with the financier in 2010, following Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. However, previously released emails suggested the two remained in contact in 2011, undermining those claims.

The latest document release includes three undated photographs that appear to show Mountbatten-Windsor leaning over a woman or girl lying clothed on the floor, with her face redacted. No captions or contextual details accompanied the images, and the documents do not allege any criminal conduct related to them.

Mountbatten-Windsor has previously faced scrutiny over a 2001 photograph showing him with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former partner who was later convicted of child sex trafficking, and Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein accuser who died by suicide in April. In her posthumous memoir, Giuffre reiterated allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor sexually abused her when she was 17. He has denied all claims and settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting wrongdoing.

An email exchange from August 2010 included in the latest files shows Epstein inviting Mountbatten-Windsor to meet a “friend” in London. The royal responded that he would be “delighted to see her” and shared his contact details. The documents do not indicate any illegal activity.

U.S. lawmakers requested in November that Mountbatten-Windsor appear before the House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into Epstein. On Saturday, Starmer publicly encouraged him to comply.

“Anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they are asked to do that,” Starmer said. “You can’t be victim-centered if you’re not prepared to do that.”

The royal family has not issued a formal statement on the latest disclosures. Speaking at an event in Dubai, Prince Edward said it was important to “always remember the victims,” without commenting further.

Sarah Ferguson

Sarah Ferguson, Mountbatten-Windsor’s former wife and the Duchess of York, is also mentioned multiple times in the new files. While the documents do not allege criminal conduct, they include emails suggesting a close personal and financial relationship with Epstein.

In messages from 2009 and 2010, Ferguson expressed gratitude for Epstein’s support and assistance, including one email in which she thanked him for helping revive her professional opportunities. Another message appeared to reference financial difficulties, including a request for £20,000 to cover rent. It remains unclear whether Epstein provided the funds.

Previously released records showed that Epstein transferred $150,000 to Ferguson in 2001 after assisting her with the sale of share options related to her work with Weight Watchers.

The latest files also suggest Epstein explored using Ferguson to help rehabilitate his public image, with emails between Epstein and a crisis management firm discussing potential public statements attributed to her. A spokesperson for Ferguson previously said she regretted her association with Epstein. CNN reported it had sought further comment following the latest disclosures.

On Monday, Ferguson’s charity, Sarah’s Trust, announced it would suspend operations “for the foreseeable future,” according to the U.K.’s PA Media.

Peter Mandelson

Peter Mandelson, a senior Labour figure and former U.K. ambassador to the United States, resigned from the Labour Party on Sunday, saying he did not want to cause the party “further embarrassment.” He has been under scrutiny since U.S. lawmakers released a “birthday book” compiled for Epstein in 2003, which included a handwritten note from Mandelson describing Epstein as “my best pal.”

The newly released documents indicate Mandelson may have shared sensitive U.K. government tax policy information with Epstein while serving as business secretary in 2009. The files also include emails showing that Mandelson’s partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, received financial assistance from Epstein to support his education and living expenses.

Some lawmakers have called on Mandelson to refer himself to the House of Lords Commissioner for Standards, which investigates alleged breaches of conduct. Mandelson has been on leave from the House of Lords since February last year while serving as ambassador to Washington.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Starmer believes Mandelson should be stripped of his peerage, adding that the matter was being reviewed.

Police Review and Ongoing Fallout

London’s Metropolitan Police said it has received multiple reports alleging misconduct in public office linked to the document release. Police Commander Ella Marriott said the reports would be assessed to determine whether they meet the threshold for a criminal investigation.

The release of the Epstein files has renewed debate over transparency, institutional accountability and the influence of powerful individuals within British public life, with political leaders and law enforcement agencies now facing mounting pressure to address the implications of the disclosures.

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