Billionaire Les Wexner, founder of the L Brands retail empire, has informed members of Congress that he was “duped by a world-class con man” in his former financial adviser, Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner denies any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes or participation in the abuse of girls and young women, asserting he was “naïve, foolish, and gullible” to trust him. Despite the extensive mention of his name in Epstein’s documents, Wexner maintains he has done nothing wrong and is eager to “set the record straight” regarding their decades-long association. The relationship between Wexner and Epstein soured when Wexner discovered Epstein had stolen “vast sums” from him and his family.
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The expansion of California’s free transitional kindergarten program, a signature achievement of Governor Gavin Newsom, has led to significant increases in public preschool access. While parents report substantial savings and improved early childhood education for their 4-year-olds, the program’s growth has inadvertently destabilized the private child care sector, leading to closures and reduced availability of care for younger children. This unintended consequence raises questions about the sustainability of the private sector and the long-term availability of child care options for all families.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is prohibited from re-detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, as his 90-day detention period has expired and the government lacks a viable deportation plan. Judge Paula Xinis ruled that the government had repeatedly failed to execute deportation to proposed African nations and had not pursued a consistent offer of refuge from Costa Rica. Abrego Garcia, who has a U.S. wife and child, was previously deported by mistake and later returned to the U.S. under an indictment for human smuggling, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The judge concluded that the government had not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood of deportation in the foreseeable future, thus invalidating further detention.
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The findings suggest that a “global criminal enterprise” orchestrated by Jeffrey Epstein may have committed crimes against humanity, as indicated by millions of files released by the US Justice Department. These alleged atrocities, which occurred against a backdrop of supremacist beliefs, racism, corruption, and extreme misogyny, involved the commodification and dehumanization of women and girls on a significant scale. Independent experts appointed by the UN human rights council are calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations, as well as into the prolonged duration of these crimes, while also expressing concern over the mishandling of sensitive victim information in the document releases.
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A shooting during a youth hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, resulted in three fatalities, including the shooter, and three individuals critically injured. Authorities indicated that an intervention by another individual helped to end the violent incident, with the shooter believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators are treating the event as targeted, possibly stemming from a family dispute, and are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
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Stephen Colbert revealed on Monday’s “Late Show” that CBS refused to air an interview with Texas Senate candidate Rep. James Talarico, citing concerns from network lawyers about the Federal Communications Commission. The unaired segment, subsequently released on YouTube, featured Talarico discussing his belief that Donald Trump fears a Texas upset and is using the FCC to suppress dissenting voices, labeling it a dangerous form of “cancel culture” that undermines First Amendment rights. This decision occurs amidst increased FCC scrutiny of broadcasters and suggestions from the Trump administration that licenses could be revoked, particularly when political candidates are featured on shows.
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American surfer Kurt Van Dyke, 66, was found dead in his Cahuita, Costa Rica apartment on Saturday following an apparent robbery. Authorities reported that two armed individuals entered the apartment, threatened Van Dyke and a companion with a firearm, and stole valuables. Van Dyke, who was known for his contributions to surfing in the Caribbean and hailed from a prominent surfing family, died at the scene from asphyxiation and stab wounds. The woman with him sustained minor injuries, and an investigation is underway to identify the perpetrators.
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Thomas Pritzker is stepping down as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels following the revelation of his past affiliations with Jeffrey Epstein, as detailed in newly released documents. Pritzker acknowledged exercising “terrible judgment” in maintaining contact with Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, expressing deep regret and sorrow for the harm they caused. His retirement is effective immediately, and he will also not seek re-election to Hyatt’s board. This development mirrors other recent instances where individuals implicated in Epstein-related documents have faced professional consequences.
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Prosecutors in Sweden have revealed that a husband in the northern part of the country is suspected of exploiting his wife and selling sex with her to at least 120 men. The man, who has been in custody since October after his wife reported the incidents, faces charges of aggravated procurement. Investigators believe this to be a large-scale exploitation, and the indictment is expected on March 13th, with the trial to follow.
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The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement, Baptist minister, and two-time presidential candidate, passed away at the age of 84. Jackson’s family described him as a servant leader dedicated to justice and equality for the oppressed and voiceless worldwide. He was a consistent advocate for dignity, standing against injustice both domestically and internationally, and his unwavering faith uplifted millions. His legacy is marked by decades of activism, including his work alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Federal Judge Rules Immigration Cannot Re-Detain Kilmar Abrego Garcia
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is prohibited from re-detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, as his 90-day detention period has expired and the government lacks a viable deportation plan. Judge Paula Xinis ruled that the government had repeatedly failed to execute deportation to proposed African nations and had not pursued a consistent offer of refuge from Costa Rica. Abrego Garcia, who has a U.S. wife and child, was previously deported by mistake and later returned to the U.S. under an indictment for human smuggling, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The judge concluded that the government had not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood of deportation in the foreseeable future, thus invalidating further detention.
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