Student journalists at Eastern Kentucky University uncovered a connection to Jeffrey Epstein through DOJ files, revealing that alumnus David Rodgers, Epstein's personal pilot, was recommended by billionaire Les Wexner and was subpoenaed by the FBI in 2016 but faced no charges. The students conducted thorough research to clarify Rodgers' role and emphasized the importance of accuracy and staying current with new information. The story highlights the university's indirect mention in Epstein's files due to Rodgers' association.
Sky Roberts, the brother of Virginia Giuffre, is advocating for "Virginia's Law," which aims to eliminate the statute of limitations for sex trafficking crimes, and is calling for the full release of Jeffrey Epstein's remaining files. Giuffre, a key Epstein accuser who died by suicide in April 2025, had protected her brother during childhood and endured abuse from Epstein, whom she identified as threatening her family and coercing her into sex trafficking. Roberts is continuing her legacy of speaking out for survivors and justice, emphasizing the importance of truth and support for victims.
The article discusses recent instances of conflicting messaging within the Trump administration, highlighting an incident where a racist video was posted on Trump's Truth Social account and the differing responses from Trump and his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt. It explores a pattern of Trump making controversial statements, with his staff attempting to downplay or justify them, only for Trump to contradict or escalate the controversy later. This disconnect signals potential challenges for Trump in maintaining control over public opinion as he campaigns for the 2024 election.
More than a dozen US states, led by California and Arizona, have filed a lawsuit against the HHS and CDC to challenge recent changes to childhood immunization schedules, alleging they are unlawful and unscientific. The states criticize the reduction of vaccinated diseases from 17 to 11 in the new schedule and oppose reforms to the CDC’s Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, which included replacing members with vaccine skeptics. The lawsuit warns that these changes could lower vaccine uptake and increase disease spread, asserting they were made without scientific basis.
Dr. Casey Means, President Trump's nominee for surgeon general, is scheduled to appear before the Senate for confirmation after her previous hearing was postponed due to labor. She is noted for her advocacy of holistic health approaches, skepticism of vaccines, and focus on addressing chronic disease and improving food quality, despite not being a licensed or board-certified medical practitioner. Her views and qualifications have generated both support and concern among public health officials and medical organizations. If confirmed, she would lead over 6,000 public health professionals and influence U.S. health policy and messaging.
U.S. President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union speech but made minimal reference to China, aside from a brief mention of "Russian and Chinese military technology." The speech occurred shortly before his planned visit to Beijing, with analysts noting that Trump's cautious language toward China reflects a strategic shift aimed at maintaining stable relations amid trade tensions and the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. The trip, scheduled for late March to early April, may be an opportunity for potential trade agreements or negotiations, with some experts suggesting a significant deal could be imminent.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shared a photo of herself with U.S. men's ice hockey team members wearing 'MAGA' and '45-47' hats during their visit to Washington, D.C., following their Olympic gold medal victory. The team received mixed reactions online, with some criticism over their social media activities, though player Jack Hughes defended their camaraderie and pointed out the negative nature of the backlash. The U.S. women's ice hockey team declined an invitation to the State of the Union due to prior commitments.
George Retes, a U.S. citizen and Iraq War veteran, was detained by ICE in 2024 under unclear circumstances and held for three days on solitary suicide watch without legal representation. He is scheduled to attend President Trump’s 2025 State of the Union as a guest to highlight concerns about immigration enforcement overreach and wrongful detention, which Retes and others argue are unjust and sometimes violent. Retes has publicly criticized the treatment he received and filed a lawsuit against the federal government for violations of his rights.
Attorneys for Iowa ICE detainee Suraj Vasal are seeking a court hearing to question an ICE deportation officer under oath about the agency's claims regarding Vasal's detention. The case involves questions over whether ICE had a valid warrant and the reasons for Vasal's detention, with the attorney challenging the agency's justification based on weigh-station violation and safety concerns. This case is part of broader legal actions nationwide challenging ICE detention practices and the rights of long-term detainees to bond hearings.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has purchased a warehouse in Oakwood, Georgia, to convert into an ICE detention center with approximately 1,500 beds, as part of a nationwide expansion including a larger facility in Social Circle. The purchase cost $68.16 million and the facility could be operational within two months. While some officials and community members have expressed concerns over water, sewer capacity, safety, and economic impacts, U.S. Congressman Andrew Clyde supports the project, citing national security and economic benefits.
A third-party employee at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood was dismissed after a viral video showed her threatening to call ICE on Latino concertgoers during a dispute after a Los Bukis concert. The incident was captured by a bystander and led to the employee's removal, with Hollywood Park stating that such behavior is unacceptable.
The US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has threatened to cut Anthropic from Pentagon supply chains or invoke the Defense Production Act if the AI startup does not grant the military full access to its language models, including for military and domestic surveillance purposes. Anthropic has refused to relinquish control over its models, citing safety and ethical concerns, and has maintained its stance on responsible AI deployment. This conflict highlights ongoing tensions over government influence in AI technology and raises ethical questions about the use of AI in military and surveillance applications.
