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US Attorney General Pam Bondi released files on Thursday related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, who faced serious allegations of sex trafficking before his suicide in 2019. Bondi emphasized that the release aligns with President Donald Trump's commitment to transparency, although the documents did not yield new information, as many had been previously leaked. The files included evidence lists, flight plans, and a contact book linked to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former associate, who was convicted of sex crimes in 2021 and is serving a 20-year sentence. Bondi noted that while her office initially received 200 pages, thousands more related to Epstein's investigation had not been disclosed. The FBI has been tasked with providing these additional documents. Epstein's death, ruled a suicide, has fueled numerous conspiracy theories, despite a 2023 Inspector General's report citing negligence and misconduct surrounding his incarceration. 
Published: Feb 28 2025, 12 pmeznews.inScientists have captured rare footage of polar bear cubs emerging from their dens for the first time in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. The video shows a mother bear and her three cubs navigating the icy terrain, highlighting their reliance on maternal support, as the cubs were observed outside the den without their mother only five percent of the time. This research, conducted by Polar Bears International, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the Norwegian Polar Institute, and the University of Toronto Scarborough, was published in the _Journal of Wildlife Management_ on International Polar Bear Day (February 27). Lead author Louise Archer noted the remarkable nature of the cubs' first steps in such a challenging environment. The study also raises concerns about polar bear families potentially leaving their dens earlier in spring, a change that may be linked to climate change, although further monitoring is needed to understand this trend fully.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA devastating blast during Friday prayers at a mosque in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, has resulted in at least five fatalities and 20 injuries, according to police reports. The explosion claimed the life of Hamidul Haq Haqqani, the head of a faction of the Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI) and caretaker of the Madrassa-e-Haqqania in Akora Khattak. Authorities suspect the blast was a suicide bombing targeting Haqqani, who had received security protection. The explosion occurred during 'Jumma' prayers, prompting swift action from rescue teams that transported the injured to local hospitals, where an emergency was declared. The madrassa, known for its ties to the Hanafi Deobandi school of thought, has produced many notable Taliban figures. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Chief Minister and Governor condemned the attack, while JUI leaders called for blood donations to assist the injured.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 5 pmeznews.inApple has announced new initiatives to enhance safety for children and teens using its devices, responding to increasing legislative pressure in states like Utah and South Carolina for stricter age verification measures. The tech giant will introduce a Declared Age Range feature, allowing developers to access age information provided by parents during the setup of child accounts. This approach seeks to balance Apple's previous stance on age verification with the preferences of companies like Meta, which advocate for app stores to take on this responsibility. Alongside this, Apple is streamlining the child account creation process, enabling parents to select their child's age range and verify their information. The App Store will also provide additional guidance for parents on third-party apps, including details about user-generated content and parental controls. While some features are already available, a full rollout is anticipated later this year. Meta praised the move but called for more comprehensive legislation.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 4 pmeznews.inAn 18-year-old hiker, Sun Liang, survived for 10 days in the freezing conditions of China's Qinling mountains after going missing during a solo trek. Sun began his journey on February 8 but lost contact with his family two days later when his electronic devices ran out of battery. Isolated and injured with a fractured arm, he resorted to drinking river water, melted snow, and even toothpaste to survive. After his family alerted local authorities, a rescue operation involving over 30 members was launched, costing the family approximately 80,000 yuan. Sun was eventually found after he signaled for help while attempting to start a fire. Following his rescue, he warned prospective hikers about the treacherous conditions, stating that the area is unsuitable for trekking due to harsh weather and dangerous wildlife. Notably, over the past two decades, more than 50 hikers have gone missing or died along this perilous route.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 4 pmeznews.inGermany's recent elections have highlighted a significant shift in the country's political landscape, with Friedrich Merz's conservatives emerging victorious, but the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) capturing 20.8% of the vote, doubling its support in four years. This marks a troubling normalization of the AfD, which has been classified as a right-wing extremist party by domestic intelligence. Despite a historical consensus among mainstream parties to exclude extremist groups from power, there are growing concerns about the longevity of this "firewall." Economic challenges, rising unemployment, and dissatisfaction with traditional parties have fueled the AfD's rise, as they exploit anxieties over immigration and national identity. With the US's waning influence in Europe, Germany faces pressure to lead while addressing internal divisions. Merz has acknowledged the need to resolve underlying issues to diminish the AfD's appeal, but the party's leader, Alice Weidel, is already positioning for future elections, signaling ongoing instability in German politics.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 4 pmeznews.inDocuments released by the US Department of Justice on Friday revealed that notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein had an extensive contact list featuring numerous high-profile celebrities, including US President Donald Trump, pop icon Michael Jackson, actor Alec Baldwin, and film producer Harvey Weinstein. Other notable names included former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, and supermodel Naomi Campbell, along with political figures like John Kerry and the late Ted Kennedy. The flight logs also listed individuals such as Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew. Additionally, the Justice Department published a censored list of 254 masseuses, whose identities were protected due to their victim status. While the documents stirred interest, sources indicated they might not disclose significant revelations about connections between Epstein and prominent figures. Epstein, who faced numerous sexual assault allegations, died by suicide in prison in 2019, leaving behind a $634 million estate, part of which was allocated to victim compensation.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA casual conversation on a flight to Sacramento in November 2023 led to the conviction of California couple Byron Lee Fitzpatrick, 24, and Shannon Lee Price, 28, for their involvement in an animal trafficking ring. During the flight, they bragged to fellow passengers, who turned out to be wildlife officers, about illegally hunting a mountain lion and smuggling an endangered turtle skull. Subsequent searches of their homes revealed a mounted barn owl, mountain lion claws, and numerous illegally captured deer. Both Fitzpatrick and Price were found guilty of violating state wildlife regulations, resulting in fines of $1,865 and $1,015, respectively, along with one year of probation that prohibits them from hunting. California Department of Fish and Wildlife's law enforcement chief Nathaniel Arnold emphasized the seriousness of wildlife trafficking, which is linked to larger criminal operations globally, as highlighted by a recent Moody's report.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 2 pmeznews.inIn a significant development for Syria's Druze community, armed factions in the southern province of Suwayda announced the formation of the Suwayda Military Council on February 24, aimed at safeguarding the community from external threats and government repression. This coalition comes in the wake of former President Bashar al-Assad's downfall and amid ongoing insecurity in the region. The Druze, a unique Middle Eastern minority with a faith blending elements of Islam, Hinduism, and Greek philosophy, have faced violence and neglect, particularly from ISIS and the Assad regime. The council's commander, Tareq Al Shoufi, advocates for a unified Syrian army based on secularism and democracy. While some Druze leaders have expressed skepticism about the council's intentions, local civilians view it as a necessary step for protection and political engagement. The council has also shown willingness to cooperate with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, reflecting a broader struggle against tyranny in the region.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 3 pmeznews.inNilam Shinde, a 35-year-old Indian student from Satara, Maharashtra, is in critical condition in a California hospital following a hit-and-run accident on February 14. The fourth-year student at California State University sustained severe chest and head injuries, resulting in her being placed in a coma. Shinde, who previously completed a bachelor's in computer science and a master's in data analytics, has interned at notable organizations, including NASA Ames Research Center and Visa. The collision occurred in Sacramento, and her family was unaware of the incident for two days. After significant efforts, they were granted US visas to visit her. Shinde's case has drawn attention, highlighting the challenges faced by international students and the urgency of support from their families in times of crisis.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIndia has called for urgent reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), emphasizing the need for greater transparency in its subsidiary bodies, particularly regarding the handling of requests to blacklist terrorist entities. Speaking at the Inter-Governmental Negotiations Plenary, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P. Harish, criticized the current lack of public disclosure on rejected or suspended listings, describing it as a "disguised veto." He highlighted the pressing need for the UNSC to adapt to contemporary global realities, as its existing structure has remained unchanged for nearly eight decades. Harish urged member states to move beyond discussions and take decisive action, asserting that piecemeal reforms would be ineffective. He also insisted that the Council's agenda should reflect current issues rather than outdated political interests, advocating for a comprehensive and analytical approach to its reform to enhance its effectiveness in maintaining international peace and security.
Published: Feb 28 2025, 1 pm
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