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  • Thousands of Epstein documents taken down after victims identified

    Thousands of Epstein documents taken down after victims identified

    The U.S. Department of Justice has triggered widespread condemnation after inadvertently publishing thousands of unredacted documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, compromising the identities and privacy of nearly 100 survivors. The massive data release, which occurred on Friday as part of a Congressionally-mandated disclosure, contained email addresses, nude photographs, and personally identifiable information that victims’ attorneys describe as the most severe violation of victim privacy in American history.

    Legal representatives for Epstein’s victims urgently petitioned a federal judge in New York to intervene, characterizing the situation as an unfolding emergency requiring immediate judicial action. The DOJ subsequently removed all flagged documents from its website, attributing the disclosure of sensitive information to technical or human error. In a formal communication to the court, the department confirmed it had taken down all requested files for additional redaction and was continuously examining new requests.

    Survivors expressed profound distress over the incident, with several reporting receiving death threats following the publication of their private banking details. Annie Farmer, one of Epstein’s survivors, told the BBC that the damage caused by the exposure overshadowed any new information revealed through the document release. Another victim, Lisa Phillips, accused the DOJ of violating all three core requirements established for the document release process, stating that survivors feel the department is ‘playing games’ with them despite their continued determination to seek justice.

    Prominent women’s rights attorney Gloria Allred confirmed that numerous victims’ names appeared in the latest release, including some who had never previously been identified publicly. She noted that in some instances, redaction lines were insufficient to conceal names, while in other cases, photographs of victims who had never given public interviews were disclosed.

    The DOJ spokesperson acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing that the department takes victim protection seriously and has redacted thousands of victim names across millions of published pages. The spokesperson stated that only 0.1% of released pages contained unredacted information identifying victims and that the department was working around the clock to address the issue.

    This latest document release, comprising three million pages, 180,000 images, and 2,000 videos, follows legislation signed by President Donald Trump under bipartisan Congressional pressure mandating public disclosure of all Epstein-related documents. The financier died in a New York prison cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

  • Viral video: Japanese volleyball player slides across court on belly in dramatic apology

    Viral video: Japanese volleyball player slides across court on belly in dramatic apology

    Japanese volleyball sensation Yuji Nishida has captivated global audiences with an extraordinary display of sportsmanship that transcends conventional apologies. During Sunday’s Japanese SV League All-Star Game, the Osaka Bluteon captain accidentally struck a courtside staff member with a powerful serve that sailed beyond the net boundaries.

    The incident prompted what spectators are calling the most theatrical apology in recent sports history. Rather than offering the traditional deep bow common in Japanese culture, Nishida launched into a full-body belly slide across the polished court surface, propelling himself headfirst toward the startled staff member. The arena erupted in a mixture of laughter and applause as the athlete demonstrated his remorse through this physically dramatic gesture.

    Social media platforms have been set ablaze by footage of the incident, with viral videos accumulating millions of views within days. Digital commentators have drawn parallels to scenes from the popular volleyball anime ‘Haikyuu!!’, with one observer noting it was ‘the most anime thing that’s ever happened in real life.’ The apology has been widely interpreted as a contemporary adaptation of dogeza—a traditional Japanese act of profound contrition involving kneeling and touching one’s forehead to the ground.

    The staff member, initially surprised by the errant ball, appeared equally astonished by Nishida’s elaborate apology, responding with a respectful bow of her own. This exchange highlights the deep cultural significance of apology rituals in Japanese society, where demonstrations of sincerity often carry substantial social weight.

    Nishida, renowned for his left-handed powerful strikes and leadership qualities, has previously garnered attention for his sportsmanship, though never through such visually striking means. The incident occurred during a high-profile all-star event, amplifying its visibility and cementing its status as an instant internet phenomenon that transcends typical sports highlights.

  • Stone feast of 160 dishes draws crowds to Fuzhou historic district

    Stone feast of 160 dishes draws crowds to Fuzhou historic district

    The historic Three Lanes and Seven Alleys district in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province, has become the site of an extraordinary cultural exhibition that continues to draw substantial public attention. At the heart of this display lies an astonishing collection of over 160 meticulously sculpted dishes, all crafted entirely from Shoushan stone—a material renowned for its diverse colors and textures.

    This remarkable stone feast represents a modern interpretation of the legendary Manchu Han Imperial Feast, historically known as one of China’s most elaborate culinary traditions. The exhibition showcases an impressive range of items, from regional specialties like the iconic Fujian seafood dish “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall” to contemporary Western favorites including burgers and french fries. Each piece demonstrates exceptional artistry and attention to detail, with no two items appearing identical in their stone composition.

    The creative master behind this ambitious project is Sun Zhaoyong, an officially recognized provincial inheritor of intangible cultural heritage. Born into a family with generations of carving expertise, Sun has dedicated decades to perfecting his craft. His inspiration for this comprehensive stone banquet emerged during the 1990s when he created an exceptionally lifelike blood clam sculpture for his wife. This initial experiment revealed the remarkable potential of Shoushan stone, which offers approximately 200 distinct color variations and textural qualities ideally suited for replicating the visual characteristics of various foods.

    The exhibition not only highlights traditional Chinese carving techniques but also demonstrates how ancient art forms can creatively interpret both historical and modern culinary culture. Visitors to the historic district can experience this unique blend of gastronomy and sculpture, which serves as both an artistic achievement and cultural preservation effort.

  • Disney names Josh D’Amaro as new chief executive

    Disney names Josh D’Amaro as new chief executive

    The Walt Disney Company has announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Josh D’Amaro, current chairman of its immensely profitable parks and experiences division, as chief executive officer effective March 18. The 54-year-old company veteran will succeed Bob Iger, who has helmed the entertainment conglomerate for nearly two decades with a brief interruption in 2022.

    D’Amaro’s selection concludes an extensive succession planning process and signals Disney’s strategic prioritization of its most reliable revenue generator. The Disney Experiences division under D’Amaro’s leadership has demonstrated exceptional financial performance, employing 185,000 personnel and generating $36 billion in revenue last year while overseeing 12 global theme parks and 54 resorts.

    The newly appointed CEO brings nearly three decades of institutional knowledge to the role, having joined Disney in 1998 at Disneyland Resort. His tenure has included spearheading major projects including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and World of Frozen, alongside managing digital initiatives such as Disney’s partnership with Epic Games, creator of Fortnite.

    Board Chair James Gorman emphasized D’Amaro’s unique qualifications during a CNBC interview, noting he possesses not only financial acumen but also “great creative touch” – a crucial combination for leading the multifaceted media empire.

    D’Amaro assumes leadership during a complex period for media companies, with Disney facing increased political scrutiny from conservative figures including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over perceived “woke” values. The company recently garnered attention for temporarily suspending comedian Jimmy Kimmel following comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

    Concurrently, Disney announced the appointment of Dana Walden, previously co-chair of entertainment and considered D’Amaro’s primary competitor for the CEO position, to the newly created role of chief creative officer. Walden, known for her outside-of-work friendship with former Vice President Kamala Harris, will report directly to D’Amaro.

    The leadership transition occurs as Disney continues Iger’s restructuring initiatives aimed at controlling streaming and film division costs, revitalizing ESPN’s sports media dominance, and expanding parks and cruise operations. Market reaction was initially cautious, with shares dipping approximately 1% following the announcement.

  • France issues arrest warrants for French-Israeli women accused of inciting genocide

    France issues arrest warrants for French-Israeli women accused of inciting genocide

    French judicial authorities have initiated a significant legal proceeding by issuing arrest warrants for two French-Israeli women, Nili Kupfer-Naouri and Rachel Touitou, for their alleged involvement in obstructing humanitarian aid convoys destined for the Gaza Strip. The warrants, reported by Le Monde, form part of a broader investigation into French citizens participating in activities that disrupt critical aid deliveries during the ongoing conflict.

    Kupfer-Naouri, who leads the organization Israel Is Forever, and Touitou, an activist associated with the group Tsav 9, face accusations of complicity and incitement to genocide. The judicial action follows formal complaints submitted by French-Palestinian citizens and human rights organizations urging prosecution of dual nationals directly involved in hampering lifesaving assistance during Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

    The case gains international context as Tsav 9 has been designated a ‘violent extremist Israeli group’ by the U.S. Department of State in June 2024 for systematically blocking, harassing, and damaging humanitarian aid convoys. According to investigations, group members employed tactics including road blockades, truck vandalism, and destruction of vital supplies, with a particularly severe incident occurring on May 13, 2024, when members looted and burned two aid trucks near Hebron in the West Bank.

    Touitou has publicly criticized the French justice system, alleging biased prioritization of complaints from pro-Palestinian organizations. Conversely, complainants have welcomed the warrants as a necessary step toward accountability. The French Jewish Organisation for Peace (UJFP) emphasized that the warrants reflect the serious nature of ‘collaboration in genocide’ through concrete actions.

    The international response has extended beyond judicial measures, with Meta suspending Tsav 9’s Facebook and Instagram accounts in May 2024 for organizing raids on aid convoys, and the European Union imposing sanctions on the group for exacerbating human suffering and committing serious human rights abuses in Gaza.

  • Trump says Republicans ‘should take over the voting’ and ‘nationalise’ US elections

    Trump says Republicans ‘should take over the voting’ and ‘nationalise’ US elections

    In a recent podcast appearance that has stirred significant political controversy, former US President Donald Trump called for Republicans to “nationalize” American elections while reiterating his unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential race. Speaking on the show hosted by former deputy FBI director Dan Bongino, Trump advocated for Republican control over voting processes in at least fifteen unspecified jurisdictions.

    The controversial remarks arrive shortly after Federal Bureau of Investigation agents conducted a court-authorized operation at the Fulton County Election Hub in Georgia, examining records from the previous presidential election. Trump referenced this development during the interview, suggesting that “interesting things” would emerge from the investigation.

    Trump connected his proposal for federalizing election mechanisms to his immigration agenda, asserting that Republicans must deport undocumented immigrants to secure future electoral victories. “If Republicans don’t get them out, you will never win another election as a Republican,” he stated.

    Despite losing Georgia to President Joe Biden by a narrow margin in 2020, Trump maintained during the interview that he had actually won “in a landslide,” repeating baseless allegations of illegal voting. These claims persist despite two failed criminal cases in Georgia related to alleged election interference, both of which Trump denied any wrongdoing in.

    The FBI raid prompted strong reactions from local officials, with Fulton County Commissioner Mo Ivory characterizing it as “an assault on your vote.” Adding to the unusual nature of the event, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed her presence during the operation, stating that Trump had personally requested her attendance. In a letter to senators, Gabbard explained her involvement fell under her authority to coordinate intelligence related to election security.

    The intelligence director also acknowledged facilitating a brief phone conversation between Trump and FBI agents conducting the raid, noting that the former president merely thanked them for their work without asking questions or issuing directives—an unusual occurrence given typical separation between law enforcement operations and presidential communication.

  • Spain considers social media ban for under-16s, joining others in Europe

    Spain considers social media ban for under-16s, joining others in Europe

    In a significant move to safeguard young people from digital harm, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced Tuesday that Spain will implement a nationwide ban on social media access for children under 16. The declaration came during Sánchez’s address at a Dubai summit where he criticized major technology corporations for permitting the proliferation of illegal content including child sexual abuse materials and nonconsensual sexualized deepfakes.

    “Contemporary children are navigating digital territories they were never equipped to traverse independently,” Sánchez stated. “This era of willful ignorance must conclude.”

    Spain now aligns with several nations implementing similar protective measures. France recently legislated to prohibit social media access for those under 15, with enforcement scheduled for the upcoming September academic term. Australia has pioneered the world’s first comprehensive social media prohibition for under-16s, making platforms legally accountable for minor users. Denmark has established comparable restrictions for users under 15, while the United Kingdom is considering analogous protective measures.

    The Spanish initiative will mandate social media companies to implement robust age verification mechanisms—moving beyond self-declaration systems to establish effective digital barriers. Current platform policies typically set minimum age requirements at 13, though enforcement remains inconsistent across the industry.

    Spain’s prohibition will integrate into existing digital protection legislation for minors currently under parliamentary consideration. Government officials indicate the measure could receive approval as early as next week, though the minority left-wing coalition faces legislative challenges. While the far-right Vox party criticized the proposal as potentially limiting criticism of the government, the center-right Popular Party indicated support, having proposed similar restrictions previously.

    Concurrently, Spain has joined five European nations in forming what Sánchez termed a “coalition of the digitally willing” to coordinate multinational social media regulation. Additional measures include criminalizing algorithmic manipulation that amplifies illegal content and establishing executive liability for failure to remove criminal materials from digital platforms.

    “The myth of technological neutrality must be dispelled,” Sánchez emphasized during his summit address. Both regulatory enhancements will require parliamentary ratification to modify Spanish law.

  • Ethiopia PM hits out at Eritrea over atrocities in Tigray

    Ethiopia PM hits out at Eritrea over atrocities in Tigray

    In a dramatic parliamentary address, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has publicly condemned Eritrean military forces for committing widespread atrocities during the devastating Tigray conflict that ravaged northern Ethiopia from 2020-2022. This marks the first official admission from Addis Ababa regarding Eritrea’s involvement in mass killings, specifically referencing the November 2020 Aksum massacre that Asmara had consistently denied.

    The Prime Minister detailed how Eritrean troops, who fought alongside Ethiopian government forces against Tigrayan rebels, engaged in systematic destruction across multiple cities including Adwa, Aksum, Adigrat and Shire. According to Abiy’s testimony, these operations included wholesale demolition of residential properties, looting of civilian possessions, destruction of industrial infrastructure, and seizure of manufacturing machinery.

    This condemnation represents the latest deterioration in the volatile relationship between these Horn of Africa neighbors, whose alliance has historically oscillated between cooperation and hostility. The current tensions stem partly from Ethiopia’s persistent quest for Red Sea access through Eritrean territory and recent allegations of shifting allegiances in Tigray.

    The 2022 Pretoria Agreement that formally ended the Tigray conflict excluded Eritrea as a signatory, with Asmara having opposed the peace deal for not achieving the complete military defeat of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Independent investigations by organizations including Amnesty International had previously documented extensive human rights violations during the conflict, with Eritrean forces accused of some of the most severe atrocities.

    The timing of Abiy’s statement coincides with renewed regional tensions, including a five-day suspension of passenger flights between Addis Ababa and Tigrayan cities following recent clashes in western Tigray. These developments have raised concerns among international observers about potential renewed hostilities in the region where the African Union estimates approximately 600,000 lives were lost during the two-year war.

  • Intl students experience Chinese New Year celebration in Shanghai

    Intl students experience Chinese New Year celebration in Shanghai

    In a vibrant cultural exchange initiative, nearly 100 international students from Shanghai’s universities gathered at Siping Cinema in Yangpu district on February 2nd for an immersive Lunar New Year experience. The event, strategically timed before the Spring Festival celebrations, offered foreign scholars a deep dive into traditional Chinese customs through interactive activities.

    The celebration featured two distinctive cultural showcases: the launch of six specially designed blind boxes containing traditional artifacts and a hands-on calligraphy workshop. Under expert guidance, participants crafted personalized Spring Festival couplets and practiced writing the symbolic Chinese character “fu” (福), representing good fortune and happiness.

    The cultural program culminated with the premiere screening of “The Moon is Yours,” a documentary directed by Fudan University alumna Wu Bei. This cinematic project represents a three-year ethnographic study initiated in September 2022 by Fudan University’s School of Journalism. The film tracks the academic and personal journeys of six international students from diverse national backgrounds and academic disciplines during their time in China.

    Elijah Knowles, a 24-year-old Wushu scholar from the United States studying at Shanghai University of Sport, characterized the event as emblematic of Shanghai’s multicultural richness. “This celebration perfectly encapsulates the ‘plenty of everything’ experience that Shanghai offers international students,” Knowles remarked, highlighting the city’s capacity for cultural integration and educational hospitality.

    The event demonstrates Shanghai’s ongoing commitment to promoting cultural understanding and creating meaningful connections between international students and traditional Chinese festivals through experiential learning opportunities.

  • UAE Lottery website restored after temporary outage impacting some users

    UAE Lottery website restored after temporary outage impacting some users

    The UAE’s premier national lottery platform has successfully restored its digital services after experiencing a significant technical interruption that lasted approximately two hours on Tuesday morning. The outage, which commenced in the early hours of February 3, 2026, temporarily prevented certain users from accessing the official lottery website and related services.

    Company representatives swiftly addressed the situation through their social media channels, confirming that technical specialists were conducting comprehensive investigations into the system malfunction. During the disruption period, prospective players encountering access difficulties received official guidance to either attempt reconnection at a later time or utilize alternative internet service providers.

    For users requiring immediate assistance, the organization maintained accessible support channels including a dedicated helpline (800 2365) and email support (support@theuaelottery.ae). The lottery administration expressed gratitude toward its user base for their patience and understanding throughout the resolution process.

    Established in late 2024 under the regulatory supervision of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the UAE Lottery represents the nation’s first and exclusively licensed national lottery program. Operated by The Game LLC, the platform features diverse gaming options including the flagship Lucky Day weekly draw alongside various instant-win scratch cards and rapid-play formats, offering participants the opportunity to win substantial monetary prizes.

    The organization has implemented robust responsible gaming protocols in collaboration with Takalam, an artificial intelligence-driven mental health support platform. These measures include continuous monitoring of participant behavior and proactive intervention mechanisms to ensure ethical gaming practices among eligible residents aged 18 and above.