The U.K. fires its U.S. ambassador over his emails to Jeffrey Epstein
LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer fired the U.K. ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, over links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In 2008, before becoming ambassador to the U.S., Mandelson wrote Epstein an email saying, “I think the world of you and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened.”
Photos have also emerged of Mandelson in a bathrobe at Epstein’s home. And there is a birthday message in which Mandelson called Epstein “my best pal.”
The British Foreign Office says emails show the extent of Mandelson’s relationship with the late sex offender was “materially different” from what was known at the time he was appointed as ambassador.
Mandelson’s firing could complicate Starmer’s efforts to build bridges with the Trump administration — just days before the U.S. president comes to the U.K. for a state visit.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Justice Department opens investigation into Minnesota governor and Minneapolis mayor
Federal prosecutors are investigating Gov. Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey.
No sign of new protests in Iran as a hard-line cleric calls for executions
A Iran returns to an uneasy calm after protests led to a violent crackdown, a senior cleric is calling for the death penalty for detained demonstrators. His sermon Friday also threatened U.S. President Trump.
Gulf South food banks look back on a challenging year as another shutdown looms
Federal funding cuts and a 43-day government shutdown made 2025 a chaotic year for Gulf South food banks. For many, the challenges provide a road map for 2026.
Measles is spreading fast in S.C. Here’s what it says about vaccine exemptions
More than 550 people have contracted measles in Spartanburg County, S.C., in a fast-growing outbreak. Like a majority of U.S. counties, nonmedical exemptions to school vaccination are also rising.
It took 75 governors to elect a woman. Spanberger will soon be at Virginia’s helm
Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer and three-term congresswoman, is breaking long-held traditions on inauguration day. She says she wants her swearing-in to showcase the state's modern vibrancy.
For those with addiction, going into and coming out of prison can be a minefield.
Many jails and prisons around the country don't provide medication treatment for opioid use disorder. Studies show that medication makes recovery more likely and reduces the risk of overdose death.
