Democrats release dozens more Epstein photographs, texts and documents

Plus: Poland hails 'breakthrough' at crunch EU meeting on frozen Russian assets

Friday, December 19, 2025 Good morning and welcome to your daily news briefing from The Independent.   Dozens of new Epstein photos, text messages and documents have been made public, Poland's prime minister has said the EU has made a breakthrough on using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort, and Labour have announced sweeping changes in a bid to tackle violence against women and girls. Top stories 1 | Democrats release dozens more Epstein photographs, texts and documents Read more 2 | 'Breakthrough' hailed at EU talks on frozen Russian assets Read more 3 | Starmer appoints career diplomat Christian Turner to replace Mandelson as US ambassador Read more 4 | What the latest interest rates mean for mortgages, savings and bills Read more 5 | Labour: We'll treat violence against women like terror and gang crime Read more Editors' picks Calling teen boys toxic will backfire – there are bigger targets Labour's Erasmus breakthrough shows the way back from Brexit I know Trump has an 'alcoholic's personality' because I have one too Your Views Your Views 'It's not worth it': Readers slam soaring World Cup ticket costs Fans and the retail public are mugs. Don't go. Don't buy the merch. Watch the game on TV. Give FIFA nothing. But don't expect change – all the real money comes from corporate. Enjoy capitalism greed.   Papamoomin Get involved and share your views here. Don't forget to complete your registration You haven't completed your registration with The Independent. It's free, quick, and helps support our journalism while tailoring your experience. Register now to enjoy benefits including access to limited Premium articles, The Independent app, more than 20 newsletters and commenting on independent.co.uk. Complete your registration today to unlock access. WATCH  Putin calls European leaders 'little pigs' ahead of crucial summit in Brussels STAT OF THE DAY 3.75% The Bank of England (BoE) announced on Thursday its decision to cut interest rates to 3.75 per cent, the fourth cut of the year. Read more QUOTE OF THE DAY The hunger strikers are dying Palestine Action activists who have been on hunger strike for months while awaiting trial for alleged break-ins or criminal damage are dying, according to a doctor. Read more Other stories you might like Coldplay kiss cam HR manager reveals she no longer speaks to CEO Warning as EU entry-exit system causing 'three-hour waits' at airports Emotional McIlroy ends 'dream year' with the award he wanted all along Use code: "SKIN15" to save on Keskine's LED face mask. Pocket savings on sustainable clothing at Asket.   Join the conversation and follow us Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Evening Headlines newsletter.   To unsubscribe from The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy policy and cookie policy