Any fans mourning the recent cancellation of the spy-thriller series, Butterfly, and still want their fix of the show’s amazing star, Daniel Dae Kim, should revisit another show he starred in for seven of its ten seasons. Kim was part of the hit action-drama series, Hawaii Five-0, from the show’s 2010 debut to Season 7, when he and co-star Grace Park sadly exited the series. Despite the circumstances of his exit, Kim had a great run in Hawaii Five-0, with the series showcasing the actor in pure action-hero mode, and he was routinely a highlight of the long-running series. It’s time to unpack why Butterfly fans should check out the actor in the amazing crime procedural series. ‘Hawaii Five-0’ Features Daniel Dae Kim at His Action Hero Best Before his starring role in Hawaii Five-0, Kim was a working actor and a fixture across movies and television. He appeared in a recurring role in multiple seasons of 24 as the memorable character, Agent Baker, and also had a recurring role in Star Trek: Enterprise. Additionally, Kim was featured in bit parts in some prominent Marvel blockbusters in the 2000s, such as Spider-Man 2 and The Hulk. The actor finally landed his breakout role in the juggernaut series Lost, portraying Jin-Soo Kwon in all six seasons of the hit series. Hawaii Five-0 was Kim’s follow-up to Lost, allowing him to play a very different character, portraying the disgraced ex-Hawaii Police Department detective-turned-security guard, Chin Ho Kelly. An old acquaintance of Steve McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin) removes Chin from obscurity and recruits him to the Hawaii Five-0 task force to deal with major crimes. The premise of Hawaii Five-0 allowed Kim to stretch his action muscles once again, but this time, as a recurring fixture and lead character. Kim looks like an absolute natural throughout the action-heavy series, performing exceptionally well in his impressive action and fight sequences. Kim had the opportunity to do action scenes before in 24, but the actor truly cut his action hero teeth in Hawaii Five-0, which makes this the perfect series to watch following his stunt-heavy turn in Butterfly. Kim’s performance and believability in the action sequences elevate both the character of Chin and the overall series. Chin Ho Kelly Is the Emotional Heart and Soul of the Series Kim came off as the emotional heart and soul of Hawaii Five-0 in many ways. As someone born and raised in Hawaii, Chin has a unique connection to the islands, people, and culture. He is often seen riding his motorcycle to work, and he is well known across the islands, giving him an intimate knowledge of the community that the Hawaii Five-0 task force serves. He also speaks Hawaiian, which significantly helps the task force in their investigations. Chin’s knowledge of Hawaii, along with his experience as a police officer, reinforces his character as an invaluable member of the team. Chin was also the protégé of Steve McGarrett’s father, John McGarrett (William Sadler), who served as Kelly’s training officer at the HPD. This proves important when Steve is forming his new task force, knowing that Chin is trustworthy, due to Steve’s father serving as Chin’s mentor. Chin provides a beating heart to the Hawaiian community and people in the series, and Kim captured these aspects of his character exceptionally well. One of the best examples of Chin’s compassion and respect for others is the classic Season 4 episode, “Ho’onani Makuakane,” when he meets David Toriyama (James Saito), an elderly man who was once forced to stay in a Japanese internment camp during World War II in his youth. Toriyama is initially arrested as a suspect for attempting to murder a soldier whom Toriyama believes killed his father. Although Toriyama is suspicious of Chin at first, Chin quickly earns Toriyama’s respect by pointing out that, as an experienced soldier, David knew his gun wasn’t capable of firing, and he wanted to make a point rather than trying to kill someone. Additionally, Chin’s Japanese uncle was previously interned in the Sand Island Camp during the war. It’s a great scene that highlights Chin’s respect for his elders and historical knowledge. Chin Ho Kelly Goes Through Tremendous Heartbreak Throughout the Series At the start of the series, Chin’s reputation is in the gutter after he was falsely accused of police corruption and stealing evidence from an investigation, putting his career in tatters, before Steve brings him onto his new team. Kim exceptionally captures Chin’s trauma as he suffers from being wrongly accused of crimes he did not commit, though he creates a newfound family with the task force, who look out for and support one another. Later, Chin reconciles with his estranged girlfriend, Malia Waincroft (Reiko Aylesworth), and they get married in the second season. Unfortunately, their wedded bliss is short-lived when Malia is held hostage as part of a plot to free the corrupt police officer Frank Delano (William Baldwin). Delano ultimately forces Chin to make the impossible choice of his wife’s life or that of his cousin, fellow task force member Kono Kalakaua (Park). Ultimately, Kono is saved from a watery grave thanks to the help of her boyfriend, Adam Noshimuri (Ian Anthony Dale). Unfortunately, Delano’s accomplice still shoots Malia, and she tragically succumbs to her wounds in the Season 3 premiere. Later in the episode, Chin tracks down Delano and corners him in an alley before shooting him in cold blood with a shotgun. Chin’s execution of Delano is easily the darkest and most intense moment in the entire series. Although Chin avenged his murdered wife by killing Delano, his revenge gave him no solace or peace. Seeing Chin suffer through this ordeal was difficult because he stood out as such a strong beacon of good throughout the series, a pillar of his community, and always sought to help the less fortunate. Kim Departed the Series After Seven Seasons Sadly, Kim and Park both departed from Hawaii Five-0 after seven seasons following a well-documented pay dispute with CBS, as both actors sought to receive equal pay to the show’s stars, O’Loughlin and Scott Caan, who portrayed Danny “Danno” Williams. Unfortunately, new deals with the actors could not be reached, and they were written out of the show after the seventh season finale. Fortunately, even though Chin was written out of the series, the character receives a well-deserved happy ending. Early in Season 8, it’s revealed that Chin accepted an offer to head up a new Five-0 task force in San Francisco, and he moved there with his new girlfriend, Detective Abby Dunn (Julie Benz), and his niece, Sara Waincroft (Londyn Silzer), whom he adopted earlier in the show. At the very least, Chin received a graceful exit and a nice ending for his character.
https://collider.com/daniel-dae-kim-butterfly-hawaii-five-0-paramount/
Tag Archives: investigations
Brooks: The Epstein story? Count me out.
Never before have I been so uncertain about the future. Think of all the giant issues that confront us: artificial intelligence, potential financial bubbles, the decline of democracy, the rise of global authoritarianism, the collapse of reading scores and general literacy, China’s sudden scientific and technological dominance, Russian advances in Ukraine. I could go on and on. So what has America’s political class decided to obsess about over the last several months? Jeffrey Epstein. This is a guy who has been dead for six years and who last was in touch with Donald Trump 21 years ago, Trump has said. Why is Epstein the top issue in American life right now? Well, in an age in which more and more people get their news from short videos, if you’re in politics, the media or online, it pays to focus on topics that are salacious, are easy to understand and allow you to offer self-confident opinions with no actual knowledge. QAnon mentality But the most important reason the Epstein story tops our national agenda is that the QAnon mentality has taken over America. The QAnon mentality is based on the assumption that the American elite is totally evil and that American institutions are totally corrupt. If there is a pizzeria on Connecticut Avenue in Northwest D. C., it must be because Hillary Clinton is running a child abuse sex ring in the basement. The Epstein case is precious to the QAnon types because here, in fact, was a part of the American elite that really was running a sex abuse ring. So, of course, they leap to the conclusion that Epstein was a typical member of the American establishment, not an outlier. It’s grooming and sex trafficking all the way down. (A previous generation of John Birch Society conspiracists were not content to claim Alger Hiss was a communist spy, which he was. They also had to insist that President Dwight Eisenhower was a paid Soviet agent.) Another feature of the QAnon mentality is the conviction that if investigators fail to find evidence to support their febrile imagining, then that is proof that they, too, are part of the cover-up. If the FBI and Justice Department conclude that there was no Epstein client list and there is no evidence that Epstein blackmailed people (as they did conclude), then let’s throw out the rule of law and throw investigations’ raw information onto the internet and let a social media mob sort things out. What could go wrong? Conspiracy thinking is always present at the fringes of society. It goes mainstream only when politicians and other leaders make it so. That’s what Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nancy Mace, Robert Kennedy Jr. and others have been doing. Who stole the 2020 election? A vast conspiracy! Who runs America? The deep state! We don’t actually have to practice the art of democracy; if we can just reveal the hidden conspiracy, our enemies will be destroyed. I can kind of understand why Machiavellian Republicans would spew conspiracy theories. Those theories stoke cynicism, which serves Republican ends: The government can never be trusted; politicians are all liars. Cynicism causes people to check out of politics. Or, to be more precise, it causes them to care only about politics when they can destroy something. As The Economist noted in an editorial in 2019, “Cynical politicians denigrate institutions, then vandalize them.” It’s a straight line from Candace Owens to Russell Vought. What I don’t understand is why some Democrats are hopping on this bandwagon. They may believe that the Epstein file release will somehow hurt Trump. But they are undermining public trust and sowing public cynicism in ways that make the entire progressive project impossible. They are contributing to a public atmosphere in which right-wing populism naturally thrives. What ‘Epstein class’? I have been especially startled to see Ro Khanna, a House Democrat and one of the most impressive politicians in America, use the phrase “the Epstein class” in his public statements. In an interview with my colleague David Leonhardt this week, Khanna explained that he had gotten the phrase from voters who asked him if he was on the side of “forgotten Americans” or “the Epstein class.” Khanna tried to describe the mentality of the people he encountered: “I realized how much the abuse by rich and powerful men of young girls and the sense of a rape island that Epstein had set up for people embodied the corruption of government. And then many of them saw Donald Trump as fighting this corrupt government.” I know a thing or two about the American elite, ahem, and if you’ve read my work, you may be sick of my assaults on the educated elites for being insular, self-indulgent and smug. But the phrase “the Epstein class” is inaccurate, unfair and irresponsible. Say what you will about our financial, educational, nonprofit and political elites, but they are not mass rapists. That said, I completely understand the challenges Democratic leaders like Khanna are now facing. First, how can you get working-class voters to even listen to your policy ideas unless you first recognize the anger they feel by expressing that same anger? Second, if Trump’s core story is that “the elites betrayed you,” what core story can Democrats tell to register what has happened over the past few decades? These are genuine challenges. If I were a Democratic politician, I might try telling the truth, which in my version would go something like this: The elites didn’t betray you, but they did ignore you. They didn’t mean to harm you. But they didn’t see you in the 1970s as deindustrialization took your jobs; in the ensuing decades as your families and communities broke apart; during all those decades when high immigration levels made you feel like a stranger in your own land. But over the last decade you have made yourself seen. Now the question is: Who is actually going to work with you on your problems? Which party is actually going to help you improve your health outcomes or your kids’ educational outcomes? Which party is actually going to help you achieve the American dream? Will Trump’s war on scientific research or any of the other stuff he’s doing actually do anything to help American workers? If I were a Democratic politician (this role-playing is kind of fun) I’d add that America can’t get itself back on track if the culture is awash in distrust, cynicism, catastrophizing lies and conspiracymongering. No governing majority will ever form if we’re locked in a permanent class war. I’d try to recognize that no political moment is forever. Right now, the dark passions are ascendant. But after one cultural moment, voters tend to hunger for its opposite, which in this case means leaders who project integrity, unity, honesty and hope. The smart play, I’d say, is to rebut conspiracymongering, not abet it. When the giant issues like AI and Chinese dominance come crashing down on us, we will look back on the Epstein moment and ask: “What the hell were we thinking?” David Brooks is a New York Times columnist.
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2025/11/22/brooks-the-epstein-story-count-me-out/
Trump Allies Branded ‘Corrupt’ For ‘Investigating Themselves’ In Mortgage Fraud Scandal
A growing federal investigation is accusing top Trump-appointed officials of attempting to weaponise mortgage fraud probes, and a grand jury in Maryland is now examining whether they violated the law by investigating their own political allies. In a stunning reversal, the very individuals who referred high-profile Democrats for alleged mortgage fraud are now under scrutiny themselves. Sources say a Maryland grand jury has opened a probe into whether Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte and Justice Department special attorney Ed Martin, both staunch Trump allies, improperly recruited unauthorised personnel to aid in investigations of Trump political opponents. Political Retaliation or Investigative Misconduct? The grand jury’s aim, according to people familiar with the matter, is to assess whether Pulte and Martin used their authority to assign outsiders to the probes of Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney-General Letitia James, undermining standard Justice Department procedures. One key witness, Christine Bish, a realtor and former Republican congressional candidate in California, appeared before the grand jury. She told investigators she was puzzled by the line of questioning; rather than focusing on her original mortgage fraud allegations against Schiff, prosecutors seemed obsessed with whether she had links to Pulte or Martin. Bish said, ‘They assured me . that the focus of the investigation was Adam Schiff . but it seemed like they were looking for more stuff that does not exist’. Her testimony raises serious questions about the integrity of the earlier investigations. Weaponising the Justice System? Critics argue the mortgage fraud referrals were less about law enforcement and more about political retaliation. Letitia James, a longtime Trump critic, was indicted in October 2025 after Pulte referred her to the DOJ for allegedly falsifying her address on mortgage applications. James’s legal team fired back, branding the lawsuit a politically motivated ‘weaponisation’ of justice, citing what they describe as ‘illegal and unethical behaviour’ by Trump-aligned officials. They argue that career prosecutors resisted the case, that internal misconduct shielded evidence, and that ethics officials were purged to clear the way. According to court filings, James’s lawyers are demanding access to the grand jury materials, suspecting that exculpatory evidence was withheld. In one dramatic line, they wrote, ‘If this brazen, continuous disregard for the law and the Constitution is not outrageous government conduct, nothing is’. DOJ Protocols Under Fire At the centre of the grand jury inquiry is whether Martín and Pulte overstepped legal boundaries by delegating sensitive investigative work to individuals not formally authorised by the DOJ. Sources claim Martin shared grand jury material with non-federal agents, a possible violation of strict DOJ rules. FBI agents reported confusion when investigating Christine Bish. When they first tried to question her, she allegedly told them she had already spoken with someone she believed was working for Martin, but who was not officially with the DOJ. Internal Justice Department officials are reportedly alarmed, fearing that the misconduct may taint prosecutions against Schiff and James, possibly jeopardising any future trials. If the grand jury concludes that Pulte and Martin acted outside the bounds of their authority, it could unravel major parts of the mortgage fraud cases they initiated. Legal experts suggest that such findings may force prosecutors to disclose withheld evidence or even dismiss parts of the cases. Meanwhile, for critics of the administration’s hardline justice agenda, the inquiry offers a rare moment of accountability. For Trump and his allies, it represents a dramatic new threat, not from their political opponents, but from the very institutions they sought to control. Trump’s allies are now being accused of corruption not for what they investigated, but for how they conducted those investigations.
https://www.ibtimes.com/trump-allies-branded-corrupt-investigating-themselves-mortgage-fraud-scandal-3790941
Epstein Records Set for Unsealing as Democrats Push Last-Minute Conspiracy Claims [WATCH]
Both chambers of Congress have approved legislation to release all files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender and New York financier who died in federal custody. The House passed the measure 427-1, and the Senate approved it unanimously. President Donald Trump said over the weekend that he supports full disclosure. The bill grants Attorney General Pam Bondi authority to redact or withhold information that could endanger national security or interfere with ongoing federal investigations. The scope of the files and the high-profile individuals associated with Epstein have been central to the debate surrounding the release. This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year Lawmakers have noted that a process is required to prevent defamation, and that being named in the files does not indicate involvement in criminal activity. The issue has been a point of political focus since the investigation into Epstein gained renewed attention. Some Democrats have circulated allegations that federal agents removed Trump’s name from the documents prior to their release. The claims were made as debate continued over the expected scope of disclosure and the individuals likely to be referenced in the material. The release of the files is expected to include information involving multiple public figures. Lawmakers have pointed to previous incidents involving communications connected to Epstein. Del. Stacey Plaskett of the Virgin Islands exchanged text messages with Epstein in 2019 during a hearing with former Trump attorney Michael Cohen. During that hearing, Epstein sent her suggested questions. Plaskett had previously supported tax benefits that affected Epstein’s operations in the Virgin Islands. The order to release the files follows years of congressional interest in records associated with Epstein, whose criminal case involved charges of sex trafficking. The newly approved legislation sets out the process for handling the documents and outlines the attorney general’s authority regarding redactions and national security concerns.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/11/epstein-records-set-for-unsealing-as-democrats-push-last-minute-conspiracy-claims-watch/
Pam Bondi and Kash Patel Unveil ‘Clinton Corruption Files’ Detailing Damning Foundation Donations
Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel have delivered to Congress a newly compiled set of documents, described by officials as the “Clinton Corruption Files.” This compilation contains evidence suggesting that foreign and domestic donors sought influence through contributions to the Clinton Foundation, according to a report by Just the News.
The material was recently transmitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee and raises renewed concerns that federal investigators were blocked from pursuing key corruption evidence during prior probes. Officials speaking with Just the News revealed that the files include records showing that foreign nationals and at least one U.S. defense contractor made donations to the Clinton Foundation while they had interests pending before the U.S. government. Some of these contributions occurred during Hillary Clinton’s tenure as Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013.
During this same period, Bill Clinton, who served as President of the United States from 1993 to 2001, continued engaging in global speaking engagements and philanthropic activities. Officials suggest that the newly surfaced evidence could provide additional insight into whether donors attempted to use the foundation as a channel to secure access or favors with government officials.
Sources familiar with the files noted that some of the records originated from whistleblowers alleging that critical evidence was withheld from prosecutors during a 2015 corruption investigation conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Little Rock, Arkansas. This investigation aimed to determine whether the Clinton Foundation engaged in pay-to-play activities but was reportedly shut down under the direction of the Obama Justice Department.
An official directly familiar with the documents told Just the News, “The documents will make clear that there was an effort to obstruct legitimate inquiries into the Foundation by blocking real investigation by line-level FBI agents and DOJ field prosecutors and keeping them from following the money.”
Bondi and Patel have reportedly been collecting these records for several weeks and plan to make them public as early as the end of this week, once whistleblower identities have been redacted. The documents are being organized for public release in stages.
In addition, officials expect related evidence to surface in the ongoing Arctic Frost investigation conducted by Special Counsel Jack Smith. These expected disclosures could include new records detailing communications between Smith and senior FBI officials, including former Director Christopher Wray, as well as efforts to obtain phone records of members of Congress.
Earlier reports indicated that the FBI opened three separate investigations into potential pay-to-play schemes involving the Clinton Foundation between 2014 and 2016. All were ordered closed by then-Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, who directed agents to “shut it down,” according to internal accounts.
Officials have stated that lower-level FBI agents and field prosecutors had collected information pointing to possible financial misconduct and influence operations, but that key findings never reached higher levels of the Department of Justice.
The handover of the “Clinton Corruption Files” by Bondi and Patel marks the most substantial new development in the years-long effort to uncover whether the former first family’s charitable foundation served as a vehicle for political and financial influence.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/11/pam-bondi-and-kash-patel-unveil-clinton-corruption-files-detailing-damning-foundation-donations/
‘Meth Busters’: CBP officers in Eagle Pass halt massive drug shipment bound for United States
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Eagle Pass, Texas, intercepted nearly 90 pounds of liquid methamphetamine this week, uncovering the narcotics hidden inside plastic bottles during a vehicle inspection, officials said.
The discovery was made on October 29 at the Camino Real International Bridge when officers referred a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban for secondary inspection. A closer search revealed five plastic bottles containing 88.8 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $816,556, CBP said in a statement.
“This significant seizure was possible because of the continued vigilance and alertness our CBP officers put forth on a daily basis,” said Port Director Pete Beattie of the Eagle Pass Port of Entry.
CBP officers seized the narcotics, and Homeland Security Investigations special agents have opened a federal inquiry.
On social media, the agency struck a lighter note by posting photos of the evidence with the caption:
“When there’s something strange, in a vehicle, who you gonna call? Meth Busters!”
The pun-filled post quickly drew attention online, but officials emphasized the serious stakes behind the operation. They called the seizure part of an intensified effort to block synthetic drugs at South Texas ports of entry.
Liquid-form meth shipments have become increasingly common along the border, according to CBP data. The agency has reported several similar interdictions in recent months, including seizures at Laredo, Brownsville, and Pharr, involving narcotics concealed in vehicle compartments and household containers.
CBP said it will continue heightened inspections along the Eagle Pass corridor, where officers process thousands of commercial and passenger vehicles daily.
Stay tuned for more updates on CBP’s ongoing efforts to secure the border and prevent drug trafficking.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/meth-busters-cbp-officers-eagle-pass-halt-massive-drug-shipment-bound-united-states
Man held in death of 8-year-old Sophia Mason released from jail after plea deal
A man charged with murdering Sophia Mason, the 8-year-old Hayward girl whose gruesome death nearly four years ago highlighted numerous failings in Alameda County’s child safety net, accepted a plea deal earlier this month and was released from jail.
Dhante Jackson was released from Merced County jail on Oct. 6 after pleading guilty to an accessory charge in Sophia’s death, his attorney and the Merced County District Attorney’s Office confirmed this week. His release was a result of having spent nearly three years in jail—nearly two years longer than the maximum sentence to which he pleaded guilty, according to his attorney.
The resolution of Jackson’s case leaves Sophia’s mother, Samantha Johnson, as the lone person still facing murder and child abuse charges in the girl’s death.
On Tuesday, Jackson’s attorney criticized Merced County prosecutors and Merced’s police force for their investigation and their alleged reliance on Johnson’s statements, suggesting “they just took her word for it.”
Todd Melnik, Jackson’s attorney, said he undertook a “painstaking” investigation to prove Jackson’s innocence on the murder charge. His efforts included pulling license plate reader data, reviewing Bay Area toll records, and administering a polygraph test to Jackson.
“Justice was clearly done, but it was justice delayed,” said Melnik, whose previous work to exonerate a murder suspect was highlighted in the 2017 Netflix documentary *Long Shot*. “Dhante never should have been arrested.”
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In March 2022, Sophia’s body was found decomposing in the bathtub of a Merced house after her relatives in Hayward—where she had spent much of her life—grew concerned about her well-being. The girl had been dead for at least a month before her body was discovered. She appeared extremely malnourished at the time of her death, which the Merced County coroner’s office ruled a homicide.
Police records show that Johnson, Sophia’s mother, had previously told authorities that Sophia was punished by being made to stay in a metal shed in their backyard. She also admitted to burning Sophia’s leg with a hot spoon as discipline and choking her on at least one occasion.
Johnson told investigators that she had removed Sophia from the shed after noticing the girl had “feces on her” and needed a shower. At one point, there was a “thud” in the bathroom, but Johnson did not investigate because Jackson said the girl wanted to be left alone, according to a police report.
The next day, Johnson assumed that Sophia had run away because the back sliding door was open. She did not notify authorities or ask for help looking for her daughter.
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Subsequent investigations by the Bay Area News Group uncovered deep deficiencies in the response by the Alameda County Department of Children and Family Services to repeated concerns about Sophia’s well-being during the last 18 months of her life. County social workers appeared to repeatedly ignore evidence of danger under the mother’s care and failed to promptly report allegations of abuse to law enforcement.
Alameda County had jurisdiction over the case because Sophia lived most of her life in Hayward. The revelations underscored systemic issues within Alameda County’s child welfare agency regarding how quickly employees responded to reports of child abuse and neglect.
These concerns remain unresolved. Just last month, California State Auditor Grant Parks issued a report claiming the county agency failed to meet state deadlines to investigate alleged child abuse and provide necessary physical and mental health care.
In May 2023, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors commissioned an inquiry into the handling of Sophia’s case. However, nearly two and a half years later, the outcome of that investigation and any formal findings have not been announced.
Sophia’s grandmother filed a lawsuit against the county and multiple social workers involved in Sophia’s case, alleging violations of more than a dozen state child welfare regulations during the last 14 months of the girl’s life, along with falsification of records to cover up their failures.
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In an interview Tuesday, Sophia’s aunt, Emerald Johnson, criticized the outcome of Jackson’s case, expressing she was “disappointed and disgusted,” and likened the resolution to “a slap in the face.” Emerald had called Alameda County’s child welfare agency multiple times while Sophia was still alive to raise concerns about the girl’s wellbeing under Jackson and Samantha Johnson’s care.
Jackson’s plea deal this month has reopened painful wounds regarding how Sophia’s case was handled.
“I feel like she was failed while she was alive, and now she’s being failed again in her death,” Emerald Johnson said.
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Merced police quickly named Jackson as a suspect alongside Samantha Johnson—his girlfriend—after discovering Sophia’s body in their home. Authorities arrested Samantha Johnson swiftly; however, a manhunt for Jackson stretched across the Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley, and Southern California.
Jackson was arrested in September 2022 following an extensive investigation, which included executing over 20 search warrants—often focusing on cell phone data—and spending hundreds of hours analyzing forensic information.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta personally announced Jackson’s capture at a press conference, expressing his outrage.
“This case left me damn angry that a girl had been subjected to so much abuse,” Bonta said.
“We shouldn’t be here; little Sophia should still be alive today. She should be playing. She should be learning. She should be growing up. She should be pursuing and chasing her dreams,” he added.
“Those accused of her murder must pay a steep price for their abhorrent crimes,” Bonta concluded.
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The criminal proceedings against Jackson and Samantha Johnson have dragged on for years, with Jackson cycling through multiple attorneys and questions arising regarding Samantha Johnson’s mental wellbeing. Neither defendant has faced a preliminary hearing, where a judge determines if sufficient evidence exists to send the case to trial.
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*Jakob Rodgers is a senior breaking news reporter.*
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/10/29/man-held-in-death-of-8-year-old-sophia-mason-released-from-jail-after-plea-deal/
US Navy Helicopter and Jet Crash in South China Sea: Crews Rescued, Investigations Underway
The United States Navy faced a dramatic series of events this past Sunday when both a helicopter and a fighter jet crashed in the South China Sea during routine operations. Thankfully, all service members involved survived and are now reported to be in stable condition.
These incidents occurred within less than an hour of each other, highlighting both the inherent risks of military operations and the effectiveness of the Navy’s emergency response protocols. According to a statement from the U.S. Pacific Fleet, “All personnel involved are safe and in stable condition.” This immediate reassurance is significant, especially considering the complexities and dangers present when operating advanced aircraft in a strategic region such as the South China Sea.
The safety of the crew was achieved thanks to the professionalism and preparedness of both the aircrews and the support teams stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.
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### The First Incident: MH-60R Sea Hawk Helicopter Crash
The first of the two incidents took place at approximately 2:45 p.m. local time. During routine operations, an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Nimitz experienced a mishap and went down in the waters of the South China Sea.
The helicopter belonged to the “Battle Cats” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73, a unit known for its vital role in maritime security and anti-submarine warfare. Because the carrier’s strike group was well prepared and responded swiftly, all three crew members aboard the helicopter were rescued without further incident.
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### The Second Incident: F/A-18F Super Hornet Fighter Jet Crash
Just half an hour later, at about 3:15 p.m., a second incident unfolded when an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet, part of Strike Fighter Squadron 22—also known as the “Fighting Redcocks”—crashed in the same general area. Like the earlier helicopter incident, this crash occurred during routine flight operations.
Both crew members on board the Super Hornet managed to safely eject from the jet and were quickly rescued by personnel assigned to the carrier’s strike group. The efficient recovery once again underscored the Navy’s strong emphasis on training and safety procedures.
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### The Challenges of Routine Military Operations
Routine operations often involve complex maneuvers, coordination among multiple assets, and changing environmental conditions. At the same time, the fact that all individuals involved were brought to safety reflects the U.S. Navy’s commitment to its personnel and to operational readiness.
As the Navy moves forward, investigations into both incidents have already begun. The U.S. Pacific Fleet stated, “The cause of both incidents are under investigation.” Given the Navy’s thorough approach, the investigations will likely cover mechanical, environmental, and human factors to determine what went wrong and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future.
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### Context and Strategic Importance
Some observers may raise concerns about the proximity of these events, and it is understandable that the public would want answers. However, it is worth noting that incidents like these, while rare, do occur in the context of high-tempo training and operations.
The U.S. military operates around the clock, often in challenging international environments, to maintain peace and stability. Therefore, preparedness and rapid response are absolutely critical.
Additionally, the region where these accidents took place—the South China Sea—remains an area of considerable strategic interest to the United States and its allies. Due to ongoing territorial disputes and increased activity by other regional powers, the presence of the U.S. Navy serves as a stabilizing factor and helps safeguard freedom of navigation.
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### A Testament to Professionalism and Dedication
The Navy’s ability to recover from accidents and continue its mission speaks to the professionalism of the men and women who serve. It is also important for Americans to support the service members who put themselves at risk every day.
While it is natural to focus on the technical causes of accidents, one should not lose sight of the courage and dedication demonstrated by these crews. The successful rescue efforts in both incidents are a testament to the skill and training of our military, as well as the leadership of those commanding operations at sea.
As the investigations continue, more information will become available regarding what caused the crashes and what measures will be taken to address any issues. For now, the most important takeaway is that all personnel are safe and that the U.S. Navy remains vigilant in its mission.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/10/us-navy-helicopter-and-jet-crash-in-south-china-sea-crews-rescued-investigations-underway/
Kyrgyzstan Launches National Stablecoin on Binance’s BNB Chain
Kyrgyzstan Launches National Stablecoin on BNB Chain, Marks Major Step in Central Asia’s Digital Finance
In a major development for Central Asia’s digital finance landscape, Kyrgyzstan has launched a national stablecoin built on BNB Chain, the blockchain ecosystem supported by Binance. The stablecoin, reportedly pegged to the Kyrgyz som (KGS), is designed to support domestic payments, cross-border settlements, and the country’s growing digital asset ecosystem.
Kyrgyzstan’s Central Bank has confirmed plans to pilot a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), dubbed the digital som, in multiple stages. The rollout will begin with government transactions and social payments before expanding to public use.
CZ’s Visit: Strengthening Binance-Kyrgyzstan Ties
During a two-day visit to Bishkek, Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) met with President Sadyr Japarov to discuss how blockchain technology could modernize Kyrgyzstan’s financial infrastructure and improve transparency in public finance.
Announcing key milestones on X (formerly Twitter), CZ revealed:
- Kyrgyzstan has launched its national stablecoin on BNB Chain.
- The country has initiated a CBDC rollout for government payments.
- A National Cryptocurrency Reserve has been created, including BNB.
- Partnerships have been established with ten universities to expand Binance Academy.
- Law enforcement agencies have received training in crypto investigations.
- The Binance app has been fully localized for Kyrgyz users.
“It’s inspiring to see Kyrgyzstan embrace blockchain at a national level,” CZ posted. “Education, innovation, and regulatory clarity are key pillars for sustainable adoption.”
Regulatory Roadmap: A Sandbox for Blockchain Innovation
President Japarov’s administration is prioritizing digital asset regulation to attract foreign investment and enhance transparency. The National Council for Blockchain and Virtual Assets, of which CZ is now a member, is drafting laws to:
- Define stablecoins and asset-backed tokens.
- Establish reserve and auditing requirements.
- Launch a “regulatory sandbox” allowing startups to test blockchain projects under supervision.
According to CoinDesk, the Council will submit the initial legal framework within two months, which may include potential tax incentives for fintech firms and licensing standards for crypto operators.
The National Cryptocurrency Reserve: A First of Its Kind
Kyrgyzstan’s newly announced National Cryptocurrency Reserve will include Binance Coin (BNB), Bitcoin (BTC), and other major digital assets. The reserve aims to:
- Diversify the country’s financial reserves.
- Hedge against fiat volatility.
- Support liquidity for the upcoming CBDC.
Analysts say including BNB in a sovereign crypto reserve is an unprecedented show of confidence in Binance’s ecosystem.
Reactions from the Crypto Community
The global crypto community has responded positively to Kyrgyzstan’s bold move. Many praised the initiative, noting that smaller nations are now leading the way in blockchain adoption.
BNB’s price rose approximately 2.5% following the announcement, with trading volume spiking across major exchanges. Market observers view this as renewed confidence in Binance after months of regulatory scrutiny.
“Choosing BNB Chain over Ethereum or Tron is a major endorsement,” said one analyst on X. “It could pave the way for other nations to build on Binance’s infrastructure.”
Why It Matters
Kyrgyzstan’s initiative could inspire other emerging economies to explore national stablecoins and CBDCs built on public blockchains. It represents:
- A new model of public-private blockchain collaboration.
- A real-world validation of the BNB Chain’s scalability.
- A strategic move by Binance to strengthen ties with governments following recent legal challenges.
For Changpeng Zhao, recently pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump, this marks a symbolic return to global leadership, positioning Binance at the center of the next phase of digital finance.
What’s Next
The Kyrgyz government expects to:
- Begin CBDC pilot tests by early 2026.
- Finalize digital asset regulations within the next quarter.
- Expand blockchain education programs across universities nationwide.
Binance plans to support developer grants and local incubators through the BNB Chain Innovation Fund to accelerate Web3 adoption in Central Asia.
FAQs
Also Read: Crypto Market Today (Live) Updates
https://coinpedia.org/news/kyrgyzstan-launches-national-stablecoin-on-binances-bnb-chain/
Jack Smith And Allies Are Making New Moves As Republicans Mount Pressure
Former special counsel Jack Smith and his allies are leveraging their experience prosecuting President Donald Trump to criticize his administration and launch new legal campaigns.
Two top prosecutors for former special counsel Jack Smith, Molly Gaston and J. P. Cooney, have launched their own law firm, Gaston & Cooney. According to their website, the firm will focus on helping state and local governments enforce “public corruption” laws, criminal defense, and supporting clients subject to congressional investigations.
Gaston and Cooney worked on Smith’s election interference case against Trump, which was dropped when Trump won the 2024 election. They were subsequently fired from the Department of Justice amid suggestions that they should face disbarment.
Meanwhile, Smith himself is already facing an ethics investigation by the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), an independent federal investigative and prosecutorial agency. Trump’s nominee to lead OSC, Paul Ingrassia, withdrew from consideration on Tuesday after failing to secure “enough Republican votes.” This occurred in the wake of leaked messages published by Politico.
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https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/23/jack-smith-and-allies-are-making-new-moves-as-republicans-mount-pressure/