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The Dalai Lama said in a statement that he never met or interacted with Jeffrey Epstein, following what he called attempts to connect him to the late sex offender.

"Some recent media reports and social media posts concerning the 'Epstein files' are attempting to link His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Jeffrey Epstein," the Tibetan spiritual leader's office said in a news release. "We can unequivocally confirm that His Holiness has never met Jeffrey Epstein or authorised any meeting or interaction with him by anyone on His Holiness's behalf."

It was not immediately clear what reports or posts the Dalai Lama, 90, was referencing.

The statement comes after the Trump administration'srecent release of filesfrom government investigations into the disgraced financier. The Dalai Lama's work is referenced in some documents, but he has never been formally accused of wrongdoing in connection with the accused sex trafficker.

Press StatementSome recent media reports and social media posts concerning the "Epstein files" are attempting to link His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Jeffrey Epstein.We can unequivocally confirm that His Holiness has never met Jeffrey Epstein or authorised any meeting or…pic.twitter.com/QtV6B3Wr0u

— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama)February 8, 2026

More:Dalai Lama accepts first Grammy after beating out host Trevor Noah

The Justice Department released3 million pagesofEpstein fileson Jan. 30. Members of Congress will be able to review unredacted versions of the recordsstarting Feb. 9, according to a letter obtained by USA TODAY.

Overall, the released files and emails have tied dozens of high-profile people to Epstein, includingPresident Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton and Elon Musk, among others. None of individuals had been charged with crimes connected to Epstein.

Many of the relationships were already public information. For example, Trump and Epstein werefriendly several decades agobut had a falling out in the 2000s.

Additionally, therecently released filesalso include a former U.S. senator, a Norwegian princess, a NASCAR driver and several wealthy men who did business with Epstein. None have been charged, and their participation in Epstein's orbit in some cases simply indicates they had social or business connections with him.

USA TODAY's Erin Mansfield, Kathryn Palmer, and Jayme Fraser contributed to this report.

Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or on X @katecperez_.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Dalai Lama says he never met, interacted with Jeffrey Epstein

HONG KONG —Hong Kongpro-democracy activistJimmy Laiis set to be sentenced Monday after hisconviction in a landmark national security trialthat has drawn international attention and become a symbol of Beijing'scrackdown on dissentin the Chinese territory.

Lai, a 78-year-old media tycoon who was one of the most prominent critics of China's ruling Communist Party, faces possible life in prison. The case has been criticized by the U.S. and other governments as politically motivated and a sign of shrinking space for dissent in Hong Kong, a former British colony thatreturned to Chinese rulein 1997.

"The eyes of the world will be on Hong Kong," Aleksandra Bielakowska of Reporters Without Borders, a press freedom advocacy group, said in a statement Friday. "The outcome will resonate far beyond Jimmy Lai himself, sending a decisive signal about the future of press freedom in the territory."

Rights groups and members of Lai's family have also expressed concern about his health after he's spent more than 1,800 days in custody, much of it in solitary confinement. Hong Kong officials say Lai has received appropriate medical care and that he had requested to be kept separate from other prisoners.

Lai was arrested and charged in 2020, shortly after Beijing imposed asweeping national security lawin response to months of anti-government protests the previous year. Hong Kong authorities say the law was necessary to restore stability after the protests, which sometimes turned violent, and that Lai's case has nothing to do with press freedom.

The case has drawn scrutiny from foreign leaders including PresidentDonald Trump, who hadvowed to secure Lai's releaseand said he felt "so badly" after Lai was convicted in December on charges of sedition and colluding with foreign forces. British Prime MinisterKeir Starmer, who met with Chinese leaderXi Jinpingin Beijing last month, also said he had raised the issue of Lai, who is a British citizen.

Hong Kong officials have defended the independence of the local judicial system, which is separate from that of mainland China, and accused foreign governments of interfering in internal affairs. Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Hong Kong's top judge, said in a speech last month that calls for Lai's premature release "strike at the very heart of the rule of law itself."

Lai — the founder of Apple Daily, a popular pro-democracy tabloid that wasforced to shut downin 2021 — was convicted on one charge of conspiring to publish seditious articles and two charges of conspiring to lobby foreign governments to impose sanctions, blockades or other hostile measures againstChinaand Hong Kong.

In their 855-page verdict, the three handpicked judges cited Lai's interactions with senior U.S. government officials, including meetings he had at the height of the 2019 protests with Vice PresidentMike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, national security adviser John Bolton and multiple members of Congress.

Lai pleaded not guilty to all charges. Also being sentenced in the case on Monday are six former Apple Daily journalists and two activists, some of whom testified against Lai, and all of whom pleaded guilty in the hope of receiving reduced sentences.

Lai had already been convicted separately on a number of lesser charges including fraud and unlawful assembly. In December 2022, he was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison in the fraud case.

Japan's ruling party, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is set to seal a decisive win in Sunday's snap election, exit polls suggest.

The country's first female prime minister is seeking a clear public mandate just four months after becoming Liberal Democrat Party (LDP) leader.

Her predicted success is in marked contrast to her two predecessors, under whom the party lost its parliamentary majority because of corruption scandals and rising costs.

An LDP-led coalition has governed Japan for much of its post-war history due to the lack of a strong opposition.

Takaichi has pledged to step down if her party fails to secure a majority, and some have called the snap election a big gamble.

In 2024 the LDP lost its majority in both houses of parliament, and its decades-old coalition with the Komeito party collapsed.

But Takaichi's personal popularity appears to have helped the party, with approval ratings for her government mostly hovering above 70%.

The LDP and its current coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, could secure as many as 366 of the 465 seats in the House of Representatives, according to a poll by broadcaster NHK.

People across Japan braved snow to vote in the country's first mid-winter poll in 36 years.

Japan's transport ministry said 37 train lines and 58 ferry routes were closed and 54 flights cancelled as of Sunday morning. There was rare snowfall in Tokyo as people headed out to vote.

"People want their lives to be better and more comfortable because we are so accustomed to not having inflation [costs rising]... so people are very worried. I think we need a long-term solution rather than short-term fixes," Ritsuko Ninomiya, a voter in Tokyo told the BBC.

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Takaichi's enthusiasm, populist spending promises and nationalist rhetoric appear to have energised voters.

Her social media presence has also cultivated new followers, particularly among young voters. She regularly shares clips of her daily life and political activities, and a video of her playing the drums with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is one of many clips that have gone viral.

"I think this election is more important for the younger generation, people like us," Daniel Hayama said, adding that the cold weather was not a hurdle for young people who want to vote.

Takaichi and the LDP faced a more unified opposition than before. LDP's former coalition partner Komeito has joined forces with the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan to form the largest opposition bloc in the lower house.

Takaichi has pushed to toughen the immigration system, review rules around foreign ownership of Japanese land, and tackle any non-payments of tax and health insurance by foreign nationals.

But in a country where only 3% of the population are foreign nationals, critics have accused her of creating anxiety and division.

Critics, including businesses, are sceptical that her pledge to spend more and cut taxes can revive the sluggish Japanese economy. The country's government debt is already one of the highest among developed nations.

Relations with China - Japan's largest trading partner - have been strained as well, after Takaichi suggested last November that Japan could intervene militarily if China invaded Taiwan.

Takaichi has courted Donald Trump, who has publicly endorsed her - an unusual move by a US president - and they both seem to agree that Japan should spend more on defence. That relationship too was on voters' minds as they headed to the polls on Sunday.

"I am concerned with what President Trump is doing as well as the national defence issues. I am not sure where the money is coming from to cover that. So balancing budget spending between defence and people's life is a major concern for me," Yuko Sakai says.

Additional reporting by Kelly Ng and Chika Nakayama.

• Will Sunday's snap election gamble pay off for Japan's first female premier?

• Meet Japan's drum-playing, Thatcher-loving first female prime minister

Bad Bunnyisn't the only star getting ready for aSuper Bowl Sundayperformance.

Turning Point USA, theconservative organization cofounded by late activist Charlie Kirk, is set to put on what it has dubbed the "All-American Halftime Show" on Feb. 8 to compete with the officialApple Music Super Bowl halftime show headlined by Bad Bunny.

The All-American Halftime Show will stream live at around 8 p.m. ET on Turning Point's social channels,including XandYouTube.

Turning Point announced its alternative halftime show after Bad Bunny's selection as this year's halftime show performer drew backlash, including fromPresident Donald Trump, whotold Newsmax he has"never heard" of the popular Puerto Rican rapper.

Bad Bunny, who performs in Spanish,recently took a standagainst Trump's immigrationenforcement actions at the Grammy Awards. "ICE out," he said on stage.

Turning Point has described its "All-American Halftime Show" as an "opportunity for all Americans to enjoy a halftime show with no agenda other than to celebrate faith, family and freedom."

"We set out to provide an entertainment option that will be fun, excellent and exciting for the entire family while millions are gathered together for the big game," Turning Point spokesman Andrew Kolvet said. "These performers will deliver exactly that, and we can't wait to watch the incredible show they're about to put on. We know millions around the country will be watching too."

Turning Point All-American Halftime Show lineup

The show will feature performances by Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert and Lee Brice. Gabby Barrett, 2021 winner of new female artist of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, will also perform.

Kid Rock is a close Trump ally, becoming more outspoken in his conservative beliefs in recent years. Both Gilbert and Brice are mid-level stars in the country music space; Gilbert is known for hits like "Dirt Road Anthem" and "Bottoms Up" while Brice is known for tracks like "One of Them Girls" and "Rumor." Barrett is the only female performer announced so far, breaking through with her hit single "I Hope."

"We're approaching this show like David and Goliath. Competing with the pro football machine and a global pop superstar is almost impossible … or is it?" Kid Rock said in a release announcing the lineup.

Kid Rock also took a jab atBad Bunny: "He's said he's having a dance party, wearing a dress, and singing in Spanish? Cool. We plan to play great songs for folks who love America."

Kid Rock resurfaced lyrics spark backlash, singer slams haters

Ahead of the performance, Kid Rockfaced renewed backlashon social media over his 2001 song "Cool, Daddy Cool," which included the controversial lyrics, "Young ladies, young ladies / I like 'em underage, see / Some say that's statutory / But I say it's mandatory."

On Feb. 5, he seemed to send a message to his detractors on X, where he shared a Kobe Bryant quote that read, "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and everyone should have one about you. Haters are a good problem to have. Nobody hates the good ones. They hate the great ones."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Where to watch Turning Point halftime show

Neil Mockford/WireImage; Karwai Tang/WireImage

NEED TO KNOW

• Andy Samberg says Jason Momoa picked him up and spun him around "like a rag doll" the first time they met

• The unexpected encounter inspired the pair's upcoming movie, Protecting Jared

• The SNL alum spoke with PEOPLE about Momoa and the action comedy while on the set of Hellmann's 2026 Super Bowl ad, which sees him channel Neil Diamond

Andy Sambergis recalling his memorable first encounter withJason Momoa.

In an interview with PEOPLE on the set of hisHellmann's 2026 Super Bowl commercial, theBrooklyn Nine-Ninestar, 47, shared how he met theMinecraft Movieactor, 46, at theSNL50th Anniversary Special afterparty, and how the introduction helped spark their upcoming movie,Protecting Jared.

"I had never met him and then last year at theSNL50th after-party, I met him and he picked me up and swung me around in a circle like a rag doll," Samberg tells PEOPLE. "We hugged and laughed."

Samberg says he later told the story to his longtime friends and collaborators, writers Rob Klein and John Solomon, and they immediately saw potential in pairing the two together onscreen.

"A week later they were like, 'We have an idea for a movie for you and Momoa,'" he remembers. "They told it to me and I loved it, and we called him. We went and pitched it to him and he loved it. We took it out, and Netflix bought it."

Official plot details have yet to be released, but according toProduction Weekly,Protecting Jaredfollows William Ikaika (Momoa), a Hawaiian security guard who is forced to defend both himself and Jared Bachman (Samberg), a despised tech billionaire, when a dangerous kidnapping scheme erupts.

"It's going to be really fun. I've never done one exactly like this," Samberg says. "I think it's going to be on a scale that I'm really excited about also. I think it's going to be a really cool team."

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In January, PEOPLE exclusively revealed that Samberg had taken on the starring role inHellmann's 2026 Super Bowl commercial. Shot at Los Angeles' famed Canter's Deli, the playful ad sees Samberg channel Neil Diamond in a musical parody about mayonnaise inspired by a beloved singalong anthem.

"I was told that there was going to be a re-imagining of a Neil Diamond song for a spot, and it was for the Super Bowl, which was very exciting of course," Samberg tells PEOPLE.

The comedian says he enjoyed the brand's previous spots, such as Kate McKinnon's "mayo cat" and last year'sWhen Harry Met Sallyreunion. "I thought there was probably going to be some fun to be had," he shared.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE'sfree daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

TheSaturday Night Livealum is also a big fan of theSweet Carolinesinger.

"Love Neil Diamond," Samberg continues. "Not just him, but I also love Will Ferrell's impression of him he used to do onSNL."

"He's an American classic, and he writes songs people want to sing along to," he adds.

Read the original article onPeople

NEW YORK (AP) —Paul Thomas Andersonwon the top prize at the 78th Directors Guild Awards, putting the "One Battle After Another" filmmaker on course to potentially win his first Oscar.

The DGA Awards, held Saturday night at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, is among the most reliableAcademy Awardsprecursors. In the last 10 years, nine DGA winners have gone on to win best director at the Oscars. In the guild's nearly eight-decade history, only eight times has the guild not predicted the Oscar winner.

The award adds to a virtual awards-season sweep for "One Battle After Another," which has won with critics groups, the Gotham Awards and the Golden Globes. It's considered the favorite for best picture at the March 15 Oscars. Academy voting begins Feb. 26.

The other nominees were Ryan Coogler ("Sinners"), Guillermo Del Toro ("Frankenstein"), Josh Safdie ("Marty Supreme") and Chloé Zhao ("Hamnet").

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As he's often done through awards season, Anderson in his brief speech paid tribute to late assistant director Adam Somner, who died in 2024. "Obviously," he said, "we are up here minus one."

The awards, hosted by Kumail Nanjiani, were the first presided over by new Directors Guild of America president Christopher Nolan.He began the ceremony acknowledging "very hard times" for filmmakers.

"In 2024, our employment in our guild was down about 40%, and that was followed by another decline in '25," said Nolan. "The amount of money that people spend on our work, on entertainment, is very, very stable. Audiences are invested in us, we have to be sure that we're able to repay that investment."

Other winners Saturday included "The Plague" filmmaker Charlie Polinger for first-time director; "2000 Meters to Andriivka" director Mstyslav Chernov for best documentary filmmaking; and "The Studio" directors Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg for comedy series.

BEIRUT (AP) — At least three people were rescued from the rubble of a multistory apartment building that collapsed Sunday in the city of Tripoli in northern Lebanon, state media reported.

Rescue teams were continuing to dig through the rubble. It was not immediately clear how many people were killed or injured.

Dozens of people crowded around the site of the crater left by the collapsed building, with some shooting in the air.

The building was in the neighborhood of Bab Tabbaneh, one of the poorest areas in Lebanon's second largest city, where residents have long complained of government neglect and shoddy infrastructure. Building collapses are not uncommon in Tripoli due to poor building standards.

Lebanon's Health Ministry announced that those injured in the collapse would receive treatment at the state's expense.

The national syndicate for property owners in a statement called the collapse the result of "blatant negligence and shortcomings of the Lebanese state toward the safety of citizens and their housing security," and said it is "not an isolated incident."

The syndicate called for the government to launch a comprehensive national survey of buildings at risk of collapse.