Yesterday, the establishment celebrated the Supreme Court ruling, ending the tariffs, they thought. Today, they realized that they lost. As it happens, only 25% of the tariffs were affected by the ruling to begin with, despite the media claiming it affected most of the tariffs. This is hysterical. So much winning. President Trump just announced, […] The post The Empire Strikes Back: Trump Ups Tariffs on the World to 15% appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

Newly released DOJ documents expose Ghislaine Maxwell’s extensive operational role in launching the Clinton Global Initiative, directly contradicting Hillary Clinton’s previous claims of minimal contact with the convicted sex trafficker. Maxwell’s Central Role in CGI Launch Confirmed by Federal Documents DOJ files released in early 2026 detail Ghislaine Maxwell’s substantial involvement in creating the Clinton Global Initiative in 2004. Maxwell participated in budget discussions, coordinated with Clinton’s top aide, Doug Band, and the advertising giant Publicis Groupe, and personally wired $1 million to Publicis for inaugural event production. In a 2025 federal interview, Maxwell herself described her CGI role as “very central,” confirming what emails had already documented. These revelations emerged from unsealed Epstein investigation materials, providing primary source evidence of Maxwell’s operational activities years before her 2022 conviction for sex trafficking minors. EPSTEIN, MAXWELL & CLINTON Update. What a combination. Hillary & Bubba, pimp & girls and Clinton Global Initiative/ Foundation — MONEY Epstein Files Reveal Ghislaine Maxwell’s ‘Central Role’ in Setting Up Clinton Global Initiative. Details https://t.co/ZDni6OaRLd — Peter Rush (@PeterRush1984) February 20, 2026 Contradiction Between Public Statements and Documentary Evidence The documents expose significant discrepancies between documented interactions and public characterizations of the Clinton-Maxwell relationship. Hillary Clinton previously downplayed her connection to Maxwell, claiming they had met only “on a few occasions.” However, email records show Maxwell embedded in CGI planning alongside key Clinton Foundation architects during 2004. Maxwell attended Chelsea Clinton’s 2010 wedding and appeared at a 2013 CGI conference, demonstrating sustained access to the Clinton inner circle. The Clinton Foundation acknowledged receiving only $25,000 from an Epstein-linked entity in 2006, insisting no other donations came from Epstein or Maxwell, though Maxwell’s coordinating role in CGI’s creation raises questions about the depth of these relationships. Elite Network Exposed Through Primary Source Materials Richard Attias, a former Publicis executive who produced CGI’s launch event, confirmed Maxwell played a pivotal role in conceiving the initiative during discussions in Davos. Maxwell served as what observers called “social glue” between Epstein’s network and Clinton’s post-presidency philanthropic ambitions. Bill Clinton envisioned CGI as a Davos-style platform for legacy-building after leaving the White House in 2001. Epstein’s 2007 lawyer even claimed Epstein co-conceived CGI, though Maxwell described him as merely “supportive but opportunistic.” These elite connections flourished in the early 2000s before Epstein’s 2006 indictment and eventual 2008 plea deal for soliciting prostitution, illustrating how powerful figures operated within overlapping social and philanthropic circles. Congressional Scrutiny and Political Fallout Intensify House Oversight committees are now examining potential contempt proceedings against Hillary Clinton after initial resistance to testifying about Epstein connections. The Clintons ultimately agreed to testify before Congress in February 2026 amid mounting pressure. The files reveal broader implications beyond the Clinton network, with unredacted versions mentioning multiple political figures. This transparency represents a shift from previous administrations that kept such materials heavily redacted. The revelations fuel long-standing concerns about elite impunity and closed networks operating beyond public scrutiny. For Americans frustrated with establishment politics and the lack of accountability among powerful figures, these documents validate suspicions that elite philanthropy often masks troubling associations incompatible with the values ordinary citizens expect from public figures. Hillary Clinton — can I have your attention for a second. I need you to clear something up for me. If you only met Ghislaine Maxwell “on a few occasions”… why was she at your daughter’s wedding.. Most people invite family.Close friends.People they trust.People who have… pic.twitter.com/ns5LyVNwOg — Terrence K. Williams (@w_terrence) February 18, 2026 Foundation Credibility and Legacy Concerns The Clinton Foundation faces renewed credibility challenges as Maxwell’s documented CGI involvement undermines narratives of distant, incidental contact. Clinton spokesman Angel Ureña maintained that President Clinton remained unaware of Epstein’s crimes and severed ties when Epstein showed no genuine philanthropic interest. Yet Maxwell’s central operational role occurred during CGI’s conception phase, before criminal charges emerged publicly. The foundation’s $25,000 acceptance from an Epstein entity in 2006—the year of his indictment—raises timing questions. These revelations erode public trust in elite charitable networks, particularly among Americans who witnessed years of media dismissal of Epstein-related concerns as conspiracy theories. The documents vindicate those who questioned official accounts, demonstrating how establishment figures maintained closer ties to convicted criminals than previously acknowledged to voters and donors. Sources: Epstein Files Reveal Scope of Ghislaine Maxwell’s Role in Clinton Circle Epstein Files: Ghislaine Maxwell and Clinton Epstein Files PR Fallout Is Hitting Worldwide Inside the Epstein Files: Tracing His Links to Digital Advertising So Far Relationship of Bill Clinton and Jeffrey Epstein 119th Congress House Report 469

There’s not much we don’t love about Kevin Bacon. He’s not just a brilliant actor, but he’s truly a nice guy. He and his wife, Kyra Sedgwick, have been together for nearly 40 years and have a relationship many people envy. Their son, Travis, and daughter, Sosie, complete their happy family. They own a 40-acre farm in Connecticut and often film fun content on their beautiful property. Kevin Bacon recently shared an encounter with his animals after some time away, and it’s the wholesome moment we needed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kevin Bacon (@kevinbacon) Kevin Bacon Adores His Animals He and Kyra Sedgwick have lots of animals on their farm, and it appears they all have distinct names and personalities. As Kevin approached the animals, wearing a beanie his daughter made him for Christmas, he talked to the camera about reuniting with animals after vacation. We’ve all seen how dogs react when their humans return after a break, but Kevin wanted to see if he’d get the same reaction from his pigs, cows, and goats. To his delight, most of Kevin’s animals seemed genuinely excited to see him home. It was a cold and slightly snowy day, but Kevin Bacon and his animals didn’t seem to mind. They were all enjoying the Connecticut winter day. As always, Kevin’s video melted fans’ hearts. “I love these animals and I don’t even know them. I know that they are loved. This makes me happy. Thank you,” a fan shared. “I wish I had all those friends welcoming me after a vacation!! Love this Kevin!!!” Another person wrote. We agree with this person completely. There’s nothing we don’t love about Kevin Bacon, his family, and now his animal friends. “Could we possibly love this dude any more?” This story’s featured image can be found here

Both children and adults alike love trading Pokémon cards. It’s a passion for many who spend years curating their collection. Reid, a 7-year-old boy, loves Pokémon and takes his beloved card binder everywhere. During a recent family trip, his parents discovered that the binder had been left at the airport. Devastated, Reid’s dad, Graham, went to an online forum to ask if anyone had seen his son’s binder. Someone at United Airlines saw his post, and what happened next is truly mind-blowing. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Good News Movement (@goodnews_movement) United Airlines Helped Reid Grow His Pokémon Card Collection Beyond His Wildest Dreams A group of United Airlines employees heard about Reid’s lost Pokémon cards and decided to help. Together, 88 employees donated 15,000 Pokémon cards to Reid to start a new collection. The moment touched the family’s hearts in the most profound way. Reid declared that receiving the cards was the best day of his life. Seeing humanity come together for a child’s good touched many hearts. “Ugh I miss stories like this is just coming together for the babies happy nephew got his beloved cards back and to everyone involved bless your heart and may you all get it back 10 fold,”  someone declared. “This is the kind of content I wanna see!! Love how people can come together and lead with their hearts makes me feel so good to see this stuff,” another person agreed. “I mean I’m 39 but I lost my X-men cards a long time ago… anyone wanna help,” someone joked. Sometimes all it takes is the simplest gesture to change someone’s life. The ripple effect is profound. We can all use a little joy and love, especially right now. Something as simple as Pokémon cards made all the difference for Reid. How incredible. This story’s featured image can be found here

'No evidence of criminal intent or racial bias'

'a market‑based approach'

One of the largest proposed mergers in business history will have to wait a little longer. Netflix, which is trying to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery recently granted WBD a seven-day pause so it can explore another offer from Paramount Skydance.  Cue a sigh of relief from many who are worried that purchasing Warner Bros. would make Netflix—the nation’s top streaming service—too big. The proposed deal is worth about $83 billion and would see Netflix, already a streaming giant, take ownership of everything from Batman to “Game of Thrones” to fellow streamer Max.  The proposed Netflix-WBD acquisition has sent shockwaves through Hollywood. Most mega-mergers have involved content producers combining forces, such as when Warner Bros. and Discovery joined up in 2022. But Netflix, though it has some of its own content—think “House of Cards” and “Stranger Things”—is primarily relied upon as a streaming platform, with more than 88 million subscribers in the U.S., ahead of Amazon Prime, Hulu, and other contenders.  Warner Bros., meanwhile, is one of the top entertainment production companies in the world, ranking up there with Disney. Merging it with Netflix wouldn’t just make the latter company huge; it would stack both the production and streaming of so much media in the same place, making everyone answer to the same set of executives and shareholders.  When monopolistic behavior sees one company gain a corner in the marketplace, competition gets squashed and the average American suffers most. We have seen this with everything from life-saving drugs to airlines to internet providers. The results are too often higher prices and inferior services thanks to one corporation with few to no competitors holding all the cards.   It’s happened in the world of entertainment too. As small, independent film producers scratch out an existence with crowd-funded productions and shoe-leather marketing techniques, megamerger after megamerger continues to shrink content choices, restricting them to those with the most mass appeal and in the biggest demand.   So, it shouldn’t be surprising that some are balking at the Netflix-Warner Bros. merger. When the deal was first announced, President Donald Trump said it “could be a problem” because it would create an enormous market share for Netflix. Later, the president said he would be watching to “see what percentage of market they have.”  Sen. Chuck Grassley,  R-Iowa, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, warned, “Control of both a large platform and a deep library of films and shows can affect the bargaining power across the industry… I encourage our antitrust regulators to carefully scrutinize this transaction to ensure that competition is not undermined and to make sure that consumers are protected.”  Many Democrats are skeptical too, with one Democrat senator releasing a statement calling the Netflix-Warner Bros. deal an “anti-monopoly nightmare” and asking the Justice Department to “enforce our nation’s anti-monopoly laws fairly and transparently.”  Some Warner Bros. shareholders have also wondered whether the deal is in their best interest, with one cautioning that “the WBD Board opted to rush into a flawed deal with Netflix rather than earnestly pursue a superior offer from Paramount—in line with the directors’ fiduciary duties.”   A recent Reuters headline hints that this division runs deep: “Some of Warner Bros’ biggest investors are split on Paramount offer.” Such shareholder skepticism is reportedly why Warner Bros. decided to entertain a bid from Paramount-Skydance in the first place, according to CNBC.   When this much of the universe is lining up against you, it would be wise to ask why. Warner Bros. owes its customers this much as they now deliberate over which corporation to join up with.  We live in a changing world, including when it comes to how we watch movies and TV. The good, old-fashioned movie theater is shutting its doors as more and more of us stream content from home.  Yet whether you like or dislike these changes, most of us agree that concentrating too much of this new economic power under a single corporate entity isn’t a good idea. We’ve seen that happen before and it never turns out well.  Warner Bros. should consider this during its weeklong pause. The company’s many iconic entertainment properties deserve to end up in good hands. We publish a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Daily Signal.  The post Netflix-Warner Bros. Deal Falters Under Growing Political and Legal Fire appeared first on The Daily Signal.

OpenAI Suspected that Trans Shooter Was Planning an Attack

One of the Most Important Small-Town Papers of the Industrial Age Closing