2025-02-28 18:01:01.274

Attorney General Pam Bondi released government documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, but the initial batch posted online contained mostly previously public information, including flight logs and a redacted address book. The release, initially touted as "breaking news," included a list of masseuses and an evidence list with items like nude images and sex toys, but its origin wasn't specified. While the Justice Department claimed this showed transparency, the rollout was criticized as mere showmanship, with documents given to conservative influencers before the public. The lack of new information drew criticism, including from Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. Bondi ordered an investigation into why not all documents were released and requested the FBI provide the rest. FBI Director Kash Patel pledged to find any missing records and ensure transparency. The documents are unlikely to satisfy those seeking fresh details about Epstein's crimes and connections to famous people, including mentions of Trump, Clinton, Prince Andrew, and others found in previously released material. Epstein's case has attracted significant attention due to his connections to high-profile individuals and his controversial plea deal in 2008 which led to a lenient sentence. The previously released files included a 2016 deposition mentioning an accuser spending time at Trump's casino but not accusing him of any wrongdoing. Trump himself once called Epstein a "terrific guy", but later said they had a falling out. Thousands of pages of records have been released over the years through various means. A 2023 Associated Press report detailed the final days of Epstein's life in jail, and an Inspector General report found negligence and misconduct leading to his death.

2025-02-28 18:01:01.266

Observant Muslims worldwide will observe Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity. It is a time of increased worship, religious reflection, charity, and good deeds, often bringing families and friends together in festive gatherings. Ramadan is followed by Eid al-Fitr. This year, Ramadan begins around March 1st and its start date may vary slightly based on moon sightings. Fasting, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn till sunset. Exemptions exist for illness or travel. Ramadan is marked by increased mosque attendance, Quran recitation, and charitable giving, including providing iftar meals for the needy. Cultural traditions vary widely, from the mesaharati's pre-dawn calls in Egypt to communal feasts in Indonesia and festive markets in India. Concerns exist regarding the commercialization of Ramadan, but many see a balance between religious observance and festive celebrations. This year, Ramadan occurs amidst the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and significant political changes in the Middle East, such as the fall of the Syrian government.

2025-02-28 18:01:01.259

Authorities are investigating the deaths of Oscar-winner Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, found dead in their Santa Fe home. Autopsies and carbon monoxide testing are pending to determine the cause of death. Investigators believe the couple may have been deceased for days or weeks before discovery. A search warrant revealed prescription medication at the scene, but there is no indication of foul play. The investigation is ongoing, and the sheriff's office is working to piece together the timeline of events leading up to their deaths. Hackman was a highly acclaimed actor known for roles in films such as "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven."

2025-02-28 18:01:01.254

A grassroots organization, the People’s Union USA, is calling for a 24-hour "economic blackout" on Friday, urging Americans to abstain from all spending as a form of protest against the perceived negative influence of billionaires, large corporations, and both major political parties on working Americans. This follows similar boycotts targeting companies like Target for scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The planned blackout aims to pressure corporations by reducing consumer spending, particularly at large retailers like Walmart and Amazon. Experts offer mixed opinions on the potential impact, with some suggesting limited effects, while others point to previous boycotts—such as those against Goya Foods and Bud Light—which yielded varied results. The success of such actions depends on factors like consumer participation, the availability of alternative brands, and the political leanings of the consumer base. While the short-term impact may be minimal, the movement is seen by some as an opportunity to demonstrate consumer power and influence corporate behavior.

2025-02-28 17:48:48.198

In early February, John Schwarz, a mindfulness and meditation facilitator, proposed a 24-hour nationwide "economic blackout" on February 28th, urging people to boycott major chains like Amazon and Walmart. His call, initially expecting minimal participation, went viral, garnering millions of views and celebrity support. While experts doubt its effectiveness in significantly impacting major corporations, the boycott taps into widespread public anger towards the American economy and corporate power. The movement, though uncoordinated, reflects a desire for collective action outside the traditional political arena. The boycott's reasons are diverse, encompassing high prices, corporate power, political grievances, and opposition to the rollback of DEI policies. Schwarz formed "The People's Union" to organize further action. The boycott coincides with a more organized effort to target Target, which has faced backlash for scaling back its DEI initiatives. This has led to decreased foot traffic at Target, although this may be due to various factors. While boycotts are often short-lived and hard to sustain, they can raise awareness, pressure companies, and damage reputations. The Bud Light boycott is cited as a recent example of a successful, albeit right-wing, campaign. Ultimately, while the success of Schwarz's boycott remains uncertain, it highlights the potent combination of social media, public frustration, and the potential for consumer action to influence corporate behavior.

2025-02-28 17:48:48.194

President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, with plans to sign a deal exchanging US access to Ukraine's mineral resources for investment and security guarantees for Kyiv. This occurred amidst a backdrop of mass layoffs within the Trump administration, particularly affecting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with around 800 employees facing termination. A federal judge ruled these firings likely unlawful. Adding to the complexity, US intelligence suggests Russia and China are actively recruiting recently fired federal employees with security clearances, exploiting their vulnerability. Trump also surprisingly mused about taking over the government of Washington, D.C. Zelensky, after meeting with a bipartisan US Senate delegation, described the meeting with Trump as focusing on military assistance, legislative initiatives, and achieving a just and lasting peace. The minerals deal, while potentially beneficial for both countries, faces skepticism due to the unclear extent of Ukraine's mineral wealth and the challenges of extraction during wartime. The deal's value, initially touted as half a trillion dollars by Trump, is now less certain. Meanwhile, Democratic super PACs launched ads criticizing Republican plans for Medicaid cuts, showcasing Elon Musk wielding a chainsaw to symbolize these cuts. Trump also signed an executive order designating English as the official US language, a move criticized by Democrats. Republican leaders face challenges in funding federal agencies targeted for dismantling by Trump and Musk, leading to uncertainty surrounding a potential government shutdown. Senator Jeanne Shaheen accused Putin of manipulating Trump, while expressing cautious optimism about the minerals deal. Finally, the article highlights the evolving relationship between Trump and Zelensky, noting Trump's shifting tone towards Zelensky, from calling him a dictator to welcoming him to the White House for the minerals agreement. The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is becoming a key battleground as federal workers fight Trump's layoffs, with the board facing an avalanche of cases and political maneuvering.

2025-02-28 12:00:14.417

Amidst accusations of the FBI withholding "thousands of pages" of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, Attorney General Pam Bondi has demanded their immediate release. The FBI, under new Director Kash Patel, has been instructed to hand over all records by Friday morning. However, the initial release of approximately 200 pages, dubbed "Phase 1," proved underwhelming to many conservative figures. The documents included flight logs, a partially redacted contact list, and a completely blacked-out list of "masseuses." Much of the information was previously public knowledge, stemming from Ghislaine Maxwell's trial and other previously released documents. Despite the lack of new revelations, the release has been framed as a significant event by some, while others view it as a distraction from other matters. The situation continues to unfold, with ongoing debate about the extent of the withheld information and its potential implications.

2025-02-28 06:05:21.146

Mary Kate Cornett, a University of Mississippi student, and her boyfriend, Evan Solis, are speaking out against false rumors that went viral online. The rumors allege Cornett had a relationship with Solis's father. Both Cornett and Solis have vehemently denied these claims, calling them "unacceptable" and "unequivocally false." Cornett specifically criticized Pat McAfee, Antonio Brown, and Barstool Sports for amplifying the rumors. While Barstool CEO Dave Portnoy denied involvement, McAfee's show and Barstool personalities did discuss the rumor. Cornett has started a GoFundMe page, stating she's been the victim of a "deliberate and coordinated cyber attack" and has hired legal and forensic investigators. She and her family have filed reports with the University of Mississippi campus police, local authorities, and the FBI. Cornett expressed hope that this experience will help others who face similar online attacks.

2025-02-28 06:05:21.144

Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday. Hackman was 95, and Arakawa was 65. Their deaths are currently under investigation, though authorities have stated there were no apparent signs of foul play. Gene Hackman's youngest daughter, Leslie Anne Hackman, spoke to the Daily Mail about her father's health leading up to his death. She revealed that she hadn't spoken to her father or stepmother in a couple of months but stated that Hackman was in "very good physical condition" up until his passing. He reportedly maintained an active lifestyle, practicing Pilates and yoga several times a week. Leslie, who described a close relationship with her father, said there were no indications of health problems before his death. Leslie and her sister, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, speculate that a carbon monoxide leak may have been the cause of death. The police affidavit notes that the deaths were "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation." An open prescription pill bottle and scattered pills were found near Arakawa and a deceased dog. Autopsy and toxicology reports are pending. The family released a statement expressing their sadness and confirming the deaths. Leslie plans to travel to New Mexico to cooperate with the investigation once police provide more information.

2025-02-28 06:05:21.142

Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly announced that the FBI withheld "thousands of pages" of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. She sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel demanding the full release of all documents, audio, and video recordings by Friday morning. Initially, Bondi received some documents including flight logs, phone numbers, and victim names, but a source within the New York FBI office revealed that many more documents were being withheld. This action follows reports of potential document destruction within the FBI. Representative Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) is drafting the "Preventing Epstein Documentation Obliteration Act" (PEDO Act) to prevent the destruction of non-public Epstein records at the Department of Justice. A former FBI agent, Garret O’Boyle, hinted that the FBI may be destroying files, including potentially those related to Epstein. While the FBI has released some Epstein files online, the Justice Department is preparing to release 100 pages of Epstein’s personal address book. Conservative influencers received a portion of the Epstein files at the White House. Senator Marsha Blackburn also pushed for the full release of unredacted Epstein files, echoing concerns about a lack of transparency in the case. The FBI has not yet commented on the allegations.