Global News Podcast — February 17, 2026

Episode Summary

Theme:
This episode centers on breaking international news, focusing particularly on Hillary Clinton’s explosive claim that the Trump administration is covering up files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Other key stories include the ongoing Iran nuclear negotiations, the plight of Australians detained in Syria, tributes to late actor Robert Duvall, and the collapse of a famous Italian landmark.

Top Story: Hillary Clinton Accuses Trump of Epstein Cover-Up

Overview

• Hillary Clinton, former US Secretary of State, speaks publicly to the BBC, alleging the Trump administration is "covering up" key documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
• Clinton and her husband, ex-president Bill Clinton, are due to testify before Congress on the matter.
• The episode features an extended, direct interview with Clinton, followed by official responses from the Trump administration and Department of Justice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Clinton's Claims & Testimony ([02:00]–[10:45])

• Clinton asserts that although Congress passed a law to release all Epstein files, the Trump administration is stalling and redacting important information.

  “What we're seeing, I think it's fair to say, is a continuing cover up by the Trump administration... She [the Attorney General] refused to answer questions. She diverted attention away from the matters at hand. She refused to look at the survivors.” — Hillary Clinton ([02:40])

• She emphasizes her and Bill Clinton’s willingness to testify publicly.

  “We have been willing to say whatever we know, we've even done it under oath, but they want us to testify, not everyone else who's mentioned many, many times, hundreds of thousands of times in these files.” — Hillary Clinton ([04:00])

• Clinton insists neither she nor Bill Clinton has substantive links to Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell:

  “We have no links. We have a very clear record... my husband has said he took some rides on the airplane for his charitable work. I don't recall ever meeting him.” ([05:00])

• On Ghislaine Maxwell: Clinton admits to a few social interactions via large charitable events but distances herself from any substantial connection.

• Clinton frames the situation as highly political:

  “The Republican member of Congress who is running this hearing... is trying to protect the president. So let's get to what's really at stake here.” ([06:40])

• She presses for public testimony over closed-door sessions, expressing a lack of trust in the current process.

  “We think sunlight is the best disinfectant. Get the files out. They are slow walking it. They are redacting the names of men who are in it. They are stonewalling legitimate requests from members of Congress.” ([08:40])

• Clinton calls for fairness, supporting the idea that all key figures mentioned, including Andrew Mountbatten Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew), should testify:

  “I think everybody should testify, including the former prince. I think everybody should testify who was asked to testify. I just want it to be fair.” ([10:10])

White House and DOJ Response ([10:45]–[13:45])

• The White House strongly denies accusations of a cover up, stating:

  “By releasing thousands of pages of documents, cooperating with the House Oversight Committee's subpoena request, and President Trump recently calling for further investigations into Epstein's Democrat friends, the Trump administration has done more for the victims than Democrats ever have.” — Official White House Statement ([11:15])

• On references to President Trump in the files:

  “References with regards to President Trump are from an FBI tip line... tips that were given without evidence and haven't been verified. Inclusion in these files doesn't mean any sort of wrongdoing.” — BBC North America Correspondent Helena Humphrey ([12:00])

• Department of Justice position:

  “Some docs contain untrue and sensationalist claims against Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election... The claims are unfounded and false, and if they have any shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against Trump already.” — DOJ Statement ([13:00])

• On Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, there is no legal mechanism to compel testimony in the US, but he continues to deny any wrongdoing.

Additional Major Stories

Australians in Syrian Detention ([14:10]–[17:40])

• 34 Australian women and children with alleged Islamic State links, detained in northern Syria for 7 years, are denied repatriation.

• Australian PM Anthony Albanese states:

  “My mother would have said, if you make your bed, you lie in it. These are people who went overseas supporting Islamic State.” ([14:45])

• Ongoing debate regarding the humanitarian ramifications, especially for children.

• Australian law does not support repatriation, but acknowledges responsibilities if individuals reach embassies.

BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year: Smriti Mandhana ([17:50]–[20:30])

• Mandhana wins after leading India to a World Cup victory.

• Faces discussed: gender inequality, family support, pressure for girls to abandon sports careers.

• Correspondent Isha Drita Lahiri shares insight:

  “It is an uphill journey even now... in her [Anju Bobby George’s] sports academy, she often gets requests from younger female players and from their parents to drop out... so that they can get married before they turn adults.” ([19:40])

Iran Nuclear Deal Talks ([22:50]–[25:40])

• Second round of indirect US-Iran talks begin.

• Trump claims Iran “wants to make a deal” but issues remain unresolved, particularly concerning ballistic missiles and uranium enrichment.

  “President Trump continues to send conflicting signals. He often says he prefers to do a deal, but he recently remarked that regime change would be the best thing to happen in Iran.” — Lyse Doucet ([23:35])

• Both sides want a deal; the gap is on ancillary security issues, with Israel demanding curbs on Iran’s missiles program.

Special Report: Dark Web Child Rescue ([25:45]–[30:30])

• Two US Homeland Security agents saved a 12-year-old girl identified only by details in abuse images.

• Investigators narrowed the search to the type of brick visible in the room, with help from industry experts.

• The abuser was arrested and sentenced to over 70 years.

  “We looked at the bricks... One wall in the room in the images is made of exposed brick. The agents decide to take a photo... and I was like, I can't believe we found the experts at this.” — Special Agent Greg Squire ([27:25])

Tribute: Robert Duvall Dies at 95 ([30:40]–[35:15])

• Legendary American actor, known for roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now.
• Al Pacino tribute:

  “A born actor with a phenomenal gift.” ([30:45])

• Anecdotes about Duvall’s craft and Hollywood camaraderie.

  “He never really capitalized on that Oscar success, refusing to do Godfather 3 because he was offered much less money than Al Pacino.” ([34:25])

Lovers’ Arch Collapses in Italy ([36:00]–[37:15])

• The “Lovers Arch” in Puglia, a tourist favorite, collapses due to bad weather on Valentine’s Day.

  “Today we woke to some really sad news. It's very painful and on Valentine's Day of all days.” — Local Mayor Maurizio Cisternino ([36:25])

• Symbolizes broader issues of coastal erosion and extreme weather damage in southern Italy.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Hillary Clinton:

  “We think sunlight is the best disinfectant. Get the files out. They are slow walking it. They are redacting the names of men who are in it. They are stonewalling legitimate requests from members of Congress.” ([08:40])

• White House:

  “The Trump administration has done more for the victims than Democrats ever have.” ([11:15])

• DOJ:

  “The claims are unfounded and false, and if they have any shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against Trump already.” ([13:00])

• PM Albanese:

  “If you make your bed, you lie in it. These are people who went overseas supporting Islamic State.” ([14:45])

• Smriti Mandhana:

  “I’m happy that I could contribute in any ways to help India win matches.” ([17:55])

• Special Agent Squire:

  “We looked at the bricks... and I was like, I can't believe we found the experts at this.” ([27:25])

• Mayor Cisternino:

  “Today we woke to some really sad news. It's very painful and on Valentine's Day of all days.” ([36:25])

Major Segments & Timestamps

• Hillary Clinton/Epstein Files: [02:00]–[13:45]
• Australians in Syria: [14:10]–[17:40]
• Indian Sportswoman of the Year: [17:50]–[20:30]
• Iran Nuclear Talks: [22:50]–[25:40]
• Dark Web Child Abuse Case: [25:45]-[30:30]
• Robert Duvall Tribute: [30:40]-[35:15]
• Lovers’ Arch Collapse: [36:00]-[37:15]

Tone & Style

The reporting is urgent, direct, and global in scope, balancing hard-hitting investigative journalism with empathetic human interest stories. Clinton’s statements are pointed and unapologetic; reporting on the Syrian camp is sobering; the Duvall tribute gently blends respect with insight.

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

This episode dives deep into one of America’s most contentious ongoing political scandals while covering complex global affairs, harrowing tales of rescue, and moments of cultural mourning and celebration. With frank interviews and sharp analysis, it’s essential listening for anyone wanting an informed global perspective.