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 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 00:07:37.076

Gene Hackman, the iconic actor known for roles in films like "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," passed away at age 95. His death, along with that of his wife Betsy Arakawa, is being investigated as suspicious by authorities. Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, retired from acting in 2008 due to heart concerns. His career spanned decades, starting in the theater before transitioning to Hollywood where he became a beloved and celebrated figure. While his family initially suggested carbon monoxide poisoning, police found no evidence of a gas leak. The investigation is ongoing. Hackman's daughters and granddaughter released a statement confirming his death and expressing their grief.

2025-02-28 00:07:37.061

Gene Hackman, the acclaimed actor, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered dead in their $3.3 million Santa Fe home. Police described the scene as suspicious, noting Arakawa's body showed signs of mummification and bloating. Hackman's body displayed similar signs of death. One of their dogs was also found dead. While there were no signs of forced entry or theft, an open pill bottle was found near Arakawa. Authorities are investigating the cause of death, which remains undetermined. The couple's family released a statement expressing their devastation over the loss.

2025-02-27 08:10:53.967

Michelle Trachtenberg, the star of 'Gossip Girl' and 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' died Wednesday morning at the age of 39. A friend, photographer Amanda de Cadenet, shared on Instagram that Trachtenberg had been recently hospitalized and that they had a FaceTime conversation from her hospital bed. De Cadenet stated that Trachtenberg was aware that death was a significant possibility. Sources suggest that Trachtenberg underwent a liver transplant within the last year and that her body may have rejected it, leading to her death from natural causes. Trachtenberg's representative confirmed her death, and law enforcement stated that her death is not considered suspicious. Tributes poured in from fellow actors, including Blake Lively, Ed Westwick, Rosie O'Donnell, James Marsters, and Alyson Hannigan. Her boyfriend, Jay Cohen, also released a statement.

2025-02-27 08:03:24.932

Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, announced a significant shift in the newspaper's opinion section, narrowing its focus to personal liberties and free markets. This decision led to the resignation of opinion editor David Shipley. Bezos justified the change as a modernization, arguing that the internet covers a broader range of opinions. The move has drawn both praise from some conservatives and criticism from others who see it as a capitulation to Donald Trump or an example of the influence of billionaire ownership. The decision follows other recent changes at the Post, including the decision not to endorse a presidential candidate and a restructuring of the newsroom. Critics like former Post executive editor Marty Baron and Senator Bernie Sanders have voiced concerns about the implications of this shift for media independence. The change is immediately apparent on the Post's website, with opinion pieces now focusing on the selected themes.

2025-02-27 07:43:45.146

Former CBS News investigative journalist Catherine Herridge has released photos of confidential files seized by the network last year, reigniting controversy surrounding the network's handling of her reporting. The files, which included sensitive information on Hunter Biden and the origins of COVID-19, were returned after a year-long battle involving a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing and intervention from SAG-AFTRA. Herridge described the network's actions as a "journalistic rape" and an attack on investigative journalism. The incident highlights concerns about media bias and editorial decisions at CBS News, particularly regarding Herridge's reporting on Hunter Biden's laptop, which was not aired before the 2020 election despite her efforts. The network's delayed coverage and subsequent editing of an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris on "60 Minutes", which led to a $20 billion lawsuit from Donald Trump, further fuels accusations of bias. Herridge's case underscores broader concerns about the protection of journalists and their sources.

2025-02-27 07:39:49.262

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in "Gossip Girl" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," has died at age 36. Her mother discovered her unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment. Trachtenberg had received a liver transplant within the last year, and authorities believe she may have suffered complications from organ rejection. She was reportedly active and out with friends just days before her death. Tributes have poured in from fellow actors, including Blake Lively and James Marsters, who praised her talent and dedication. The news has shocked fans and the entertainment industry.