Former Harvard University president and economist Larry Summers will resign from his teaching role at the end of the academic year, just months after his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was revealed through a federal document disclosure.

Summers has been on leave from the school since November, and will not be returning to the university before his final day, according to the New York Times.

The economist and former Treasury Secretary under the Clinton administration has also resigned from his role as co-director of the Mossava-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, according to a Harvard spokesperson.

Jason Newton, the spokesperson, confirmed to the Times that Summers’ resignation comes “in connection with the ongoing review by the University of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein that were recently released by the government.”

The news of Summers’ resignation was first reported in The Harvard Crimson, the school’s newspaper.

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Summers issued a statement saying he has made the “difficult decision” to retire, adding that he will “always be grateful to the thousands of students and colleagues I have been privileged to reach and work with since coming to Harvard as a graduate student 50 years ago.”

He said that he will now look forward to “engaging in research, analysis and commentary on a range of global economic issues.”

Summers’ links to Epstein weren’t unknown, but his closeness to accused child sex trafficker only became clear after the federal government released a trance of Epstein’s emails in November.

Summers has not been accused of any wrongdoing related to his friendship with Epstein.

The documents capture private moments between the men, including friendly banter about a Summer’s alleged romantic interest in a woman who was not his wife. Elsewhere, Epstein described himself as Summers’ “wingman.”

In a 2019 email, Summers complained to Epstein that a woman he was interested in was involved with another man.

“I said what are you up to. She said ‘I’m busy,’” he wrote. “I said awfully coy u are.”

Epstein responded, saying “shes smart. making you pay for past errors. ignore the daddy im going to go out with the motorcycle guy, you reacted well.”

Summers also appeared to use a racist term in one exchange to refer to his attraction to an Asian woman.

“I’d be happy to have a rational affair w yellow peril,” he wrote in the message. Moments before that message, he wrote that he was “way smitten with her so woukd sacrifuce (sic) lots for being w her.”

The men were having conversations as recently as 2019, more than a decade after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting sex from a child. Summers’ and Epstein’s correspondence continued until July 5, 2019, just a day before Epstein was arrested and charged with child sex trafficking, NBC News reports.

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After the November document dump, Summers issued a statement acknowledging the emails and expressing regret for his association with Epstein. He said he was “deeply ashamed” and would take “full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein.”

Shortly after the messages were made public, Summers retreated from public life and stepped down from the board of directors of the OpenAI Foundation. OpenAI is the company that developed ChatGPT.

“In line with my announcement to step away from my public commitments, I have also decided to resign from the board of OpenAI,” he said in a statement at the time. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have served, excited about the potential of the company, and look forward to following their progress.”

In December, Summers was banned for life from the American Economic Association due to his ties to Epstein. The group said late last year that it accepted Summers’ voluntary resignation.

“Effective immediately, the AEA has imposed a lifetime prohibition on Mr. Summers’ attending, speaking at, or otherwise participating in AEA-sponsored events or activities, including serving in any editorial or refereeing capacity for AEA journals,” it said in a statement at the time.

The Independent has requested comment from Summers.

Harvard has launched an investigation into its own ties to Epstein, including a review of both donors and employees who might have been close to the disgraced financier.

The university launched a similar probe in 2020, which reportedly turned up only one explicit reference to Mr Summers. The report found that Summers had helped start a program pitched by Epstein.

You can use your current bills to calculate what your future bills will be

The cost of energy is set to fall from April after Ofgem announced its new energy price cap. The typical dual fuel household will now pay £1,641 a year for their energy from April 1, 2026. That’s down from £1,758 based on the cap set on January 1, 2026.

That’s the typical household, however. You can use your current bills to estimate how much your bills will change by using our interactive calculator.

The price cap sets the maximum you can be charged for unit rates and standing charges – so your bill can be higher or lower than the price cap figure.

The average unit rate for gas is falling from 5.93p per kilowatt hour (kWh) to 5.74p per kWh, while the standing charge is decreasing from 35.09p a day to 29.09p. The average unit rate for electricity is falling from 27.69p per kWh to 24.67p per kWh. The standing charge is rising from 54.75p a day to 57.21p a day.

Tim Jarvis, Director General, Markets, at Ofgem, said: “Today’s announcement will be welcome news for many households. Wholesale energy prices have fallen in recent months, and we’re investing in our network to safeguard the future energy system. The main driver of today’s reduction is the change to policy costs announced by the Chancellor in the budget.

“Our focus at Ofgem remains on bearing down on the costs within our control, and unlocking the investment needed to support the transition to a more stable energy system over the longer term.

“We’re also seeing encouraging signs of greater engagement and competition, with switching increasing by almost 20% year on year. More households are choosing time‑of‑use tariffs that offer cheaper off‑peak rates, and suppliers are offering a wider range of products, including deals with savings at evenings or weekends.

“The price cap protects households from overpaying for energy, but it’s a safety net. Last year, consumers on fixed deals paid around £115 less than the cap on average, so we’d encourage people to speak to their supplier about the options available and consider whether a different tariff or payment method could help bring their bills down further.”

At the 2026 Bafta awards, big wins for independent British film I Swear and American horror film Sinners were overshadowed by a regrettable moment. Activist John Davidson said the N-word – arguably the most offensive slur in the English language due to the centuries of violence and oppression it carries – while Sinners’ stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award.

Davidson, on whom the film I Swear is based, has Tourette syndrome – including coprolalia which causes the involuntary use of obscene and socially inappropriate words and phrases.

Jordon and Lindo looked shaken and have since expressed their discomfort and disappointment with Baftas’ handling of the situation. In an apology letter to Bafta members, the academy said it was launching a “comprehensive review” into the incident.

Since the incident, Davidson has received extensive online abuse, including accusations that he is a racist – an accusation that fails to consider that this was an involuntary audible compulsion. Davidson has stressed there was no intention behind the word, stating he was “deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning”.

Two things can be true at the same time. While this incident was involuntary, that does not lessen the hurt or offence that Jordan, Lindo and members of the viewing public felt. No one could have prevented Davidson’s involuntary compulsion in the moment.

However, it could have been edited out of the delayed broadcast. In fact, a second slur was removed, but this one was missed. Doing so would have spared viewers from hearing the slur and helped protect Davidson and others with Tourette’s from the abuse that followed. It also could have reduced the spread of misinformation about the condition, which directly undermines the mission of I Swear to teach empathy and kindness towards people with Tourette syndrome.

By broadcasting the Baftas on a two-hour delay in a condensed format, the BBC assumes greater editorial responsibility than with live transmission. It must therefore meet higher standards and be able to justify its editing choices. The BBC failed to do that in this instance, causing undue harm to both black and disabled people.

There are two main reasons why the Baftas are broadcast at a delay. The first is engagement. The award ceremony lasts three hours, so to help make it less tedious, the broadcast is edited down to two hours.

The second is political. The BBC’s editorial guidelines require them to prevent harm and offence to viewers. Award shows are considered high-risk because they are live and broadcasters cannot control what winners say.

This is often called “the tyranny of live”. As media and communications scholar Paddy Scannell wrote, in live broadcasting “if something goes wrong, the best you can do is damage limitation, for once the words are out of your mouth they are in the public domain and they cannot be unsaid”.

Yet, by broadcasting at a delay to mitigate “the tyranny of live”, broadcasters open up a new can of editorial worms – “the tyranny of the edit”.

In live broadcasting, when things go wrong, they can often be blamed on live conditions. While this does not necessarily reduce any harm caused, it can reduce culpability. Once a programme has been edited, this no longer applies, raising the editorial standards and making broadcasters accountable for every word spoken and removed.

In other words, broadcasters must be able to justify every editorial choice to their audience, especially when those choices cause harm or censor a political perspective.

Reaction and lessons for the BBC

The BBC has apologised for broadcasting the slur and re-edited the programme for BBC iPlayer. Producers overseeing the coverage told the Guardian that they did not hear the N-word from the broadcast truck due to a technical issue. That would hardly be a reassuring defence of their actions.

Davidson later said that he was assured by Bafta that any swearing would be edited out of the broadcast, and that he felt “a wave of shame” over the incident. He also questioned the decision to seat him so close to a microphone.

The BBC has also offered no explanation for the post-production removal of sections of My Father’s Shadow director Akinola Davies Jr’s acceptance speech, including a statement of solidarity with “the economic migrant, the conflict migrant, those under occupation, dictatorship, persecution and those experiencing genocide” and the remark “free Palestine”.

Labour MP Dawn Butler has written to the BBC seeking a full explanation for these decisions.

Beyond the immediate fallout, this episode carries wider lessons for the BBC about learning from past errors. Last summer, the BBC was found to have broken harm and offence standards after airing “death, death to the IDF” chants in Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury set. After this incident, they promised to review their protocols around the livestreaming of “high-risk” events. Yet a similar misjudgement happened again.

To maintain public trust and support, the BBC must be more responsive in explaining their editorial choices – and more forthcoming when they get things wrong.

Cuba claims its military fired on a US speedboat that entered territorial waters, killing four people and injuring six in a confrontation on Friday

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Cuban military forces have shot at an American boat, resulting in four fatalities and six casualties, according to emerging reports.

Cuba’s Ministry of Interior (MININT) announced today (February 25) that a US speedboat bearing the Florida registration FL7726SH was spotted approximately one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino Channel, near Cayo Falcones in Corralillo Municipality, Villa Clara.

According to the Home Office’s official account, hostilities erupted when the “violating” craft opened fire on Cuban border personnel, wounding the commander, after Border Guard Troops moved in to identify the vessel.

The statement confirmed the “offending boat opened fire against the Cuban personnel, causing the commander of Cuban vessel to be injured. As a result of the confrontation, at the time of this report, on the foreign side, four aggressors were killed and six were injured, who were evacuated and received medical assistance”.

Cuba’s Home Office further declared: “Cuba reaffirms its commitment to protecting its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defence is a fundamental pillar for the Cuban State in order to protect its sovereignty and stability in the region. Investigations are continuing by the competent authorities to fully clarify the facts.”, reports the Express.

The exchange of gunfire occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the United States and the communist nation, separated by merely 100 miles (160 kilometres) of the Florida Straits, AFP reported. This development follows Washington’s decision to ease the near-total oil embargo on the island, initially imposed by President Donald Trump in January following the U.S. removal of Cuba’s key ally, Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela.

The agency further reported that prior to Maduro’s apprehension by U.S. forces on January 3, Cuba had depended on Venezuela for approximately half its fuel requirements.

In response to concerns from Caribbean leaders, who feared that depriving Cuba of oil would rapidly lead to economic collapse, Washington announced it would permit shipments of Venezuelan oil for “commercial and humanitarian use,” according to AFP.

Daniel Dubois refused a fist bump from world champion Fabio Wardley as the pair came face-to-face at a lively news conference in London.

The world title fight between two of Britain’s biggest punchers takes place at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on 9 May.

After some long-winded bickering between the two camps, the fighters – relatively restrained until that point – finally sparked into life.

Wardley said he would “flatten” the challenger. “My power is proven. If there’s time left on the clock, I’m taking you out of the fight,” he added.

The 31-year-old – with 19 stoppages in 20 wins – will make the first defence of his WBO crown, having claimed the ‘interim’ title against Joseph Parker before being upgraded to full champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.

Former IBF champion Dubois, 28, is coming off a devastating knockout loss to generational great Usyk last summer.

“If you look back, when it gets dicey, he’s not up for it,” Wardley said of Dubois, who has faced accusations of folding too easily in his three stoppage defeats.

Wednesday’s news conference took place at Dutch Hall, a converted 16th-century church tucked away in the heart of the city.

Dubois – never one for lengthy monologues – kept his answers short and matter of fact.

But the Londoner was clear in his intention. “Victory by knockout, by any means necessary,” he said.

When the fighters eventually stepped forward for the obligatory face-off, Dubois looked away first as Wardley smirked.

Moments later Wardley extended his fist in a gesture of respect, but Dubois shook his head and refused to engage.

The former glamour model visited an aesthetics clinic on Tuesday with her husband Lee Andrews, where she splashed the cash on course of beauty treatments

Katie Price has showed off her new face after booking in for a series of tweakments in Dubai. The former glamour model visited an aesthetics clinic on Tuesday with her husband Lee Andrews, where she splashed the cash on course of beauty treatments.

On Wednesday evening she posed for a glamorous selfie in front of the Burj Al Arab, telling fans she had enjoyed a “gorgeous dinner with a gorgeous view”. Katie wore her hair up and showed off her tan in a white dress, accessorising with some gold jewellery.

READ MORE: Katie Price’s husband says he prefers the ‘natural look’ as she reveals weight gainREAD MORE: Princess and Junior Andre ‘sign up’ for huge BBC series

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The newlyweds both underwent aesthetic tweakments, with the clinic claiming on Instagram that they have set out a “treatment plan” for Katie “over time” – suggesting she isn’t planning on coming back from her honeymoon any time soon.

Sharing a snap with Katie and Lee on Instagram, aesthetic practitioner Max McNiel wrote: “It was lovely to see you today @katieprice. It was great to have you both in clinic today & was lovely to meet you both!

“Thank you for trusting me to carry out your treatments & I look forward to seeing you both again soon. A full treatment plan for Katie has been set out to achieve best results overtime.”

It’s not yet known what the Pricey has done to herself, however the clinic says it specialises in ‘lip contouring’.

The mum-of-five, 47, promised fans she would come back to Blighty last week with her new husband, Lee, 43, who hasn’t stepped foot in the country since their bombshell wedding in Dubai.

After the shock nuptials, the former glamour model returned home to the UK on her own just days later – as her new husband explained she needed to see her children .

She then flew back out to Dubai for their ‘honeymoon’ after the businessman claimed he would come to the UK several times. However, the couple have now been in Dubai for several weeks.

Last night, the Pricey admitted she’d put on half a stone in weight since meeting Lee, who she teased was a “feeder”. Taking to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday evening, Katie told fans: “I have a confession to make. He is a feeder. I’ve been to the doctors and everything, asked them why… everyone’s saying how I’ve lost weight.”

“I’ve got to sort you out, I’m sorry,” Lee replied. “I’ve actually put on half a stone,” Katie continued. “You’ll be pleased to know I’ve put on half a stone because I can’t stop eating. And you’re eating for one, that’s the truth,” Lee said, referencing recent speculation that Katie was pregnant. She has since confirmed she isn’t. “I’m just comfy,” Katie concluded as the couple enjoyed their meal in Dubai.

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The changes will come into affect in March 25, which will recognise vehicles automatically.

Under the new system, travellers will be able to pay for parking after their visit, either online, by phone, or via Auto Pay.

A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: “We’re introducing a new barrierless parking system, so you can simply drive in and out without stopping.

“No barriers. No queues. No pay stations.

“Your vehicle will be recognised automatically, and you can pay after your visit – online, by phone, or via Auto Pay.”

More information can be found here: https://pay.manchesterairport.co.uk

Firefighters were called to the property in Church Lane, Thornton le Dale, at 12.45pm on Wednesday (February 25).

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the crew from Pickering pumped the water out of the property and helped a Yorkshire Water engineer to isolate the burst main.

A service spokesperson said: “Crews used main pump, hard suction and a delivery pump to get water out of the property as well as a salvage sheet and small tools to assist a Yorkshire water engineer isolate the water.

“Once the water had stopped progressing into the property, crews left the incident.”

On 23 February 1981, a group of officers led by Tejero burst into the main chamber of the national parliament, wielding guns and threatening the politicians as a new government was being sworn in. Their aim was to return authoritarianism – six years after the death of the country’s dictator Francisco Franco.

York Central MP Rachael Maskell said the “web” surrounding child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his associates “must be brought to book”.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, whose royal titles were removed in October 2025, was a known associate of Epstein’s and stepped down from his role as UK trade envoy – a position he held from 2001 – in July 2011.

It came after details of his friendship emerged following Epstein’s 18-month prison sentence for soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008.

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Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday (February 19).

He has since been released under investigation and has previously denied any wrongdoing.

Rachael Maskell MP has called for more to be made clear surrounding Andrew’s appointment and time spent as trade envoy, along with the

‘Privilege must not be protected’

In a parliamentary debate held on Tuesday (February 24), Ms Maskell said “unaccountable power must not hide, privilege must not be protected”.

The debate was brought to the House of Commons by the Liberal Democrats, who demanded all papers relating to the creation of Andrew’s role as trade envoy, along with minutes and communications on the vetting of the former prince, be made public.

The motion also requested correspondence relating to advice from – or provided to – Peter Mandelson, another associate of Epstein’s who was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Monday (February 23).

‘This is the latest blow, in this shameful chapter’

The House passed the motion on Tuesday (February 24) without division.

Trade Minister Chris Bryant confirmed that the government will release the files “as soon as is practicable and possible within the law”.

He indicated that any documents potentially relating to the offence of misconduct in public office may be withheld.

Tom Gordon MP has welcomed the passing of his party’s motion in Parliament (Image: Supplied)

MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, Tom Gordon, said he “welcomed” this news, which he said would “shine a light on Andrew’s dealings”.

He added: “This is the latest blow, in this shameful chapter.

“We’ll continue to call for transparency and restore trust in our political institutions.”

But Ms Maskell has called for more to be done.

She called the Liberal Democrats’ motion “narrow in scope”, adding: “Clearly the police investigation must take its course, and I am sure it will be deep and thorough because it runs so far, but ultimately, if we are just looking at the appointment, we must also ask about that period of time when Mr Mountbatten-Windsor carried out the role and the implications to wider networks.”