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Epstein files, Minneapolis Nobel Peace Prize nomination & more

Plus: Contextualizing claim Indiana HB 1119 would have allowed death row gas chambers, firing squad

February 05, 2026

THURSDAY EDITION

Snopes Debunker

A white man looks at the camera. His hands are clasped, and 3 wine glasses can be seen in front of him. Two of the glasses appear to be empty, while the other glass appears to be filled with water.

Epstein files mention cannibalism, 'ritualistic sacrifice.' That's not the full story

After the U.S. Department of Justice released more than 3 million files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a claim spread online that the files referenced cannibalism and accused Epstein or his inner social circle of engaging in "ritualistic sacrifice."

We reviewed the federal records and found the claim was true but missing some crucial context. Reporter Laerke Christensen has the details.

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DOJ briefly published Epstein document with unsubstantiated claim that Trump hosted 'calendar girl' parties

The allegations against Trump stemmed from an unverified, anonymous message to the FBI. There's no evidence to support them.

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We've been hard at work investigating claims that spread online after the DOJ released more than 3 million files related to Jeffrey Epstein. We need your help to keep breaking down these rumors. By building our membership, we will be able to continue cutting straight to the facts on any subject our readers are interested in. We appreciate any support you can give.

Photo from above of a crowd with anti-ICE protest banners filling a Minneapolis street from one building to the other. The US Bank Center is in the background and the ground is covered in snow

Was Minneapolis officially nominated for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize?

The Nation, a progressive magazine, formally nominated the city for its residents' resistance to Trump's immigration crackdown.

A Black man wearing a black suit is photographed looking to the right.

Did Pete Hegseth remove Colin Powell's name from Arlington Cemetery website? What to know

Online users claimed Hegseth ordered the removal of Powell's name from a list of notable Americans.

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Did Morgan Wallen donate $514K to ICE?

The claim spread through unreliable social media posts, not trustworthy news outlets.

Staff Pick

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Contextualizing claim Indiana HB 1119 would have allowed death row gas chambers, firing squad

In early 2026, a claim spread online that Indiana lawmakers attempted to pass legislation that would authorize executions via gas chambers and firing squads.

As of this newsletter, Indiana executes death row prisoners using lethal injection. Reporter Rae Deng broke down what we do (and don't) know about the rumor.