Newly released documents from Epstein’s estate and congressional records reveal extensive communications between bestselling author and wellness advocate Deepak Chopra and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, showing a friendship that continued for years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

The files, part of more than 3 million pages unsealed in late January 2026 under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, include hundreds of emails and text messages between Chopra and Epstein from 2016 through 2019. A CNN review published Feb. 23 highlighted the depth of their relationship, describing frequent contact via email, text and in-person meetings, even as Epstein faced renewed scrutiny for sex-trafficking allegations.

Chopra, an Indian-American author of more than 90 books on spirituality, alternative medicine and mindfulness, initially distanced himself from Epstein following the financier’s 2019 arrest and death. In a February statement on social media, Chopra described any contact as “limited” and said he was “deeply saddened by the suffering of the victims in this case.” He added that some exchanges reflected “poor judgment in tone” but denied any involvement in criminal or exploitative activities.

The correspondence paints a picture of a casual yet intimate rapport. In one February 2017 email, Chopra invited Epstein to join him on a trip to Israel, writing, “Come to Israel with us. Relax and have fun with interesting people. [If] you want use a fake name. Bring your girls. It will be fun to have you. Love.” The invitation came nearly a decade after Epstein’s guilty plea in Florida.

Other messages show discussions on philosophical topics like consciousness, God and human biology — with Chopra once declaring “God is a construct” and “cute girls are real” — interspersed with more mundane exchanges about finances, social events and travel. Epstein sought Chopra’s input on various matters, and Chopra reportedly followed Epstein’s legal developments closely, responding positively when charges were dropped in some cases.

In additional exchanges detailed in reports from Voice of San Diego and other outlets, Epstein offered to send “two girls” to one of Chopra’s events, an offer Chopra accepted. Another message from Epstein reportedly praised Chopra for “zero[ing] in on your prey.” The documents also link Chopra to Epstein’s funding of research at the University of California, San Diego’s Center for Brain and Cognition, where Epstein routed $25,000 through his Gratitude America foundation following an introduction from Chopra.

The revelations have drawn renewed attention to Epstein’s ability to maintain connections with prominent figures in entertainment, academia and wellness circles long after his initial conviction. Epstein cultivated relationships with intellectuals, scientists and celebrities, often using his wealth and access to broker introductions and opportunities.

Chopra, who has positioned himself as a leading voice in holistic health and meditation, has faced backlash from some followers and critics. Social media posts and articles have expressed disappointment, with one Instagram user describing feeling “betrayed” by the associations. Chopra has not issued further public comments beyond his initial statement as of Feb. 23.

The Justice Department’s massive document release, which began in late January, has exposed links involving dozens of high-profile individuals across politics, business and culture. While many names appear in passing or in non-incriminating contexts, the volume of material has fueled ongoing public interest and calls for accountability. No new criminal charges have stemmed directly from the files for most mentioned figures, including Chopra, whose communications do not allege participation in Epstein’s crimes.

Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. His associate Ghislaine Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of related offenses and is serving a 20-year sentence.

Analysts say the files underscore how Epstein rebuilt his social network post-conviction, leveraging personal relationships to sustain influence. For Chopra, the disclosures complicate his public image as a spiritual guide promoting transcendence and well-being. The wellness industry, including brands associated with Chopra such as Augustinus Bader cosmetics, has seen some reputational fallout, with reports noting potential impacts on partnerships.

As scrutiny continues, experts emphasize that appearing in the Epstein files does not equate to wrongdoing. Many contacts were professional or social, and redactions in the documents protect sensitive information. Chopra has expressed willingness to cooperate with authorities if needed, stating he hopes “all of the truth comes out after ongoing and proper investigations.”

The release continues to ripple through public discourse, with media outlets combing through the trove for additional insights into Epstein’s network. For now, the detailed portrait of Chopra’s interactions stands as one of the more prominent examples from the latest batch of unsealed records.

Most of the people who become building inspectors don’t do it for the applause. The job is, for the most part, quiet, technical, and even thankless. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put in the work to stand out, since the consequences of doing it well, or even badly, ripple outwards for decades.

And while you want every job you do to be based on safety, trust, and long-term value, you also want to understand what it takes to grow in this field. Here’s what you should know about that.

What Does the Career Progression Look Like?

One of the most vital pieces of information you will need to help you grow in this career is what the journey looks like. This way, you can trace where you are on the map and forge the best path to where you want to be. In most cases, growing in this career requires you to balance between taking your building inspector Continuing Education (CE) course and gaining hands-on experience.

Here’s a closer look at what the journey looks like.

• Junior Building Inspector (0-2 yrs): At this level, you should aim to learn as much as you can about site safety, code enforcement, and blueprint reading. It’s best to work under supervision so that you can get guidance and assistance when needed.
• Building Inspector (2-5 yrs): Working as a building inspector means you are coordinating with contractors and architects, ensuring compliance with regulations, taking responsibility for project inspections, and also working on your communication and problem-solving skills.
• Senior Building Inspector (5-8 yrs): When you get to this level, you will be responsible for leading complex inspections, handling quality assurance and risk management tasks, and mentoring junior inspectors. Expect to manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Lead or Principal Building Inspector (8+ years): Rising to this level is a great achievement in your career. It, however, comes with more challenging responsibilities, such as shaping inspection program strategies, promoting organisational adherence to updated safety codes, and creating policies. With this title, you can easily pivot into different roles, such as Quality Control or Construction Manager.

Depending on your interests and external factors like demand, you can also focus a lot more on specialisations and lateral moves. A good example of this is pursuing inspections focused on plumbing, electrical, structural, or environmental fields. This way, you can always transition into fields like code enforcement, plan review, or consulting roles.

Quick Tips for Continuous Growth

It’s quite easy to progress in the building inspection field, as long as you apply deliberate effort. Here are some tips to help you with that.

1. Invest in Continuing Education (CE)

Even though continuing education isn’t always enjoyable or easy to complete, especially with a busy schedule, it goes a long way in helping you learn more about the latest building codes and inspection techniques. In addition to state-mandated CE courses, you should also take certifications from reputable organisations like the International Code Council (ICC) to boost your chances of qualifying for advanced positions.

2. Seek Mentorship

Your textbooks and courses will certainly provide valuable knowledge and best practices, but none of it will ever get close to the practical skills and career advice that you can get from established building inspectors. So, make sure that you have mentors who help you navigate challenges and open doors within the industry.

3. Network As Much As You Can

This is one of the industries where your network really determines your worth. So, make sure to connect with industry professionals by attending conferences and joining associations like the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors or the ICC. Such groups will give you even greater access to top conferences, specialised workforces, and high-value job leads that will significantly optimise your career trajectory.

4. Specialise

This tip isn’t mentioned enough, but it works great if you want to advance in this industry. Focusing on niche areas like code enforcement or commercial property inspections gives you the power you need to differentiate yourself. When you specialise, you can easily handle more complex assignments and position yourself as an expert in the highly sought-after areas.

Join the Winning Team Today

Becoming a building inspector offers you amazing job stability in an industry that’s constantly in demand. You, however, are the one to choose what your trajectory will be like. By investing in inputs that help you grow, you can take advantage of an even greater demand and a more rewarding market.

So, what is it going to be? Will you head over to rocketcert.com today to boost your knowledge as the first step, or will you keep procrastinating until the competition is uncomfortably high?

A ferocious nor’easter pounded Massachusetts on Monday, February 23, 2026, dumping heavy, wet snow and unleashing damaging winds that toppled trees, snapped power lines and plunged more than 210,000 customers into darkness across the state.

The storm, which intensified overnight and peaked during the morning hours, triggered widespread power outages, blizzard conditions in many areas and treacherous travel that officials described as nearly impossible. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reported escalating outages throughout the day, with figures climbing rapidly as wind gusts exceeded 70 mph in southeastern regions and snow accumulated at rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour in parts of the state.

By mid-afternoon, PowerOutage.us and utility reports showed Massachusetts leading the Northeast with around 181,000 to over 210,000 affected customers, part of a regional total exceeding 511,000 outages stretching from New Jersey to New England. Eversource Energy, the state’s largest utility, reported more than 135,000 of its customers without power at one point, while National Grid cited tens of thousands more in its service areas. Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts bore the brunt, with Barnstable County seeing over a quarter of customers impacted and towns like Plymouth reporting nearly 10,000 outages.

The nor’easter arrived Sunday night after days of forecasts warning of its potential historic impacts. A blizzard warning remained in effect for eastern, central and southern Massachusetts until 7 a.m. Tuesday, covering areas from Greater Boston to the Cape and Islands. The National Weather Service in Boston highlighted the dangerous combination of heavy, wet snow — up to 18 to 24 inches in many spots — and sustained winds that created whiteout conditions, reduced visibility to a quarter-mile or less and posed life-threatening risks for anyone venturing out.

Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency effective Sunday evening through early Tuesday, urging residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel. “This is a high-impact storm with blizzard conditions, and power outages will be likely,” Healey said in pre-storm briefings. Officials mobilized resources early, staging hundreds of utility crews and emergency personnel, but restoration efforts faced severe constraints: bucket trucks and line workers can only operate safely when winds drop below 35 mph, delaying repairs in the hardest-hit zones.

Utility spokespeople warned that some outages could persist for days. Eversource estimated potential restoration times of three to five days in severely affected areas, while National Grid emphasized the challenges posed by fallen trees entangling lines amid ongoing snowfall and gusts. Customers were advised to report outages directly to their providers — Eversource at 1-800-592-2000 or online, National Grid at 1-800-322-3223 — and to sign up for alerts. Both companies urged residents to charge devices, prepare emergency kits and never approach downed wires.

The storm’s ferocity stemmed from its rapid intensification, with barometric pressure dropping sharply to create bomb cyclone characteristics. Wind gusts reached 70 mph or higher along the coast, contributing to coastal flooding risks in low-lying areas. Snow fell heaviest in southeastern Massachusetts, where blizzard conditions were most pronounced, while inland areas saw accumulations closer to 12 to 18 inches.

Travel ground to a halt across the region. State police and transportation officials restricted non-essential driving, with similar measures in neighboring states like Rhode Island and New Jersey. Airports faced widespread cancellations, and public transit services suspended or limited operations. Schools and non-essential businesses remained closed, with many communities activating warming centers for those without power.

The outages compounded safety concerns, as residents relied on generators — with warnings to operate them outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning — or sought shelter elsewhere. MEMA directed those without electricity to call 211 for warming center locations.

Meteorologists noted the storm’s wet, heavy snow as a key factor in the outages. Accumulating on trees and power lines already stressed by wind, it created widespread structural failures. Forecasters predicted the worst conditions through midday Monday, with winds easing and snow tapering by evening, leading to partial clearing Tuesday with temperatures near freezing.

This nor’easter follows an active winter pattern for Massachusetts, which had already seen significant snowfall earlier in the season. The state recorded 43.3 inches seasonally before this event, and totals from the storm could push many areas well above average.

As crews worked amid hazardous conditions, officials reiterated calls for patience and safety. “Our focus is public safety and stabilizing the system as conditions allow,” said Eversource spokesperson Olessa Stepanova. Restoration priorities target critical infrastructure like hospitals and emergency services first.

The storm’s regional scope left neighboring states similarly battered: New Jersey reported over 129,000 outages, Delaware nearly 72,000 and others in the tens of thousands. The Northeast’s power grid faced one of its most severe tests of the season, underscoring vulnerabilities to extreme winter weather amplified by heavy precipitation and wind.

Residents were urged to monitor updates from MEMA, local authorities and utilities as the storm slowly moved offshore. With sunshine forecast for Tuesday, melting could begin, but lingering outages and potential refreezing posed ongoing risks.

Fans eagerly awaiting a follow-up to the blockbuster animated musical KPop Demon Hunters will likely need patience, as co-director Maggie Kang has confirmed a “long wait” for any potential sequel due to the extended production demands of high-quality animation.

In a recent Bloomberg interview published Feb. 19, 2026, Kang addressed the future of the Netflix hit, which shattered streaming records upon its June 2025 release and became the platform’s most-watched animated film ever. While she stopped short of official confirmation, Kang acknowledged the strong demand for more stories featuring the demon-slaying K-pop girl group HUNTR/X — Rumi, Mira and Zoey.

“I can’t really say that officially, but in a world that loves sequels, I don’t think it’s a surprise that something else could be coming,” Kang told interviewer Mishal Husain. “But it’s going to be a long wait unfortunately, because animation takes a long time.”

The comment tempers earlier optimism around a quicker turnaround. Reports from late 2025 indicated Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix had agreed to develop a sequel targeting a 2029 release, roughly four years after the original’s debut. However, recent statements from Sony executives, including Animation President Kristine Belson, have downplayed that timeline as overly ambitious.

In interviews with outlets like IGN and The Hollywood Reporter, Belson emphasized the intense workload facing animation studios, including commitments to other projects and the meticulous process required for feature-length animated films. “There’s been a lot to tend to,” Belson noted, suggesting 2029 might prove unrealistic given current priorities and the labor-intensive nature of the medium.

Kang’s update arrives as KPop Demon Hunters continues its award-season momentum. The film, co-directed by Kang and Chris Appelhans, earned nominations and wins at events like the 2026 Annie Awards, where it dominated categories for character animation, music and direction. Its blend of K-pop energy, supernatural action and cultural representation resonated globally, spawning fan communities, viral edits and live performances by the voice cast portraying HUNTR/X.

The original story followed the trio balancing idol fame with secret battles against demons threatening the world, voiced by talents including Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami and others, with Lee Byung-hun as the villainous Gwi-ma. Kang has previously teased untapped potential in character backstories and expanded lore, including side stories cut from the first film and possibilities for global demon-hunting adventures beyond Korea.

In a Collider interview following an FYC screening, Kang and Appelhans described their vision for a sequel as “bolder and bigger,” promising heightened stakes, deeper emotional layers and boundary-pushing elements. “We’re up for the challenge,” Kang said, hinting at darker, more ambitious storytelling while maintaining the humor, heart and musical spectacle that defined the original.

Despite the enthusiasm, the animation pipeline remains a significant hurdle. Feature animation often spans four to six years from concept to completion, involving storyboarding, voice recording, intricate character design, complex effects for demon battles and music production. The success of KPop Demon Hunters has only intensified expectations, but Kang stressed the importance of quality over speed.

“Animation just takes a long time,” she reiterated in the Bloomberg piece, echoing industry-wide realities amid staffing shortages and rising production costs. Sony Pictures Animation, which developed the film before its Netflix deal, continues negotiations for the follow-up, with Kang and Appelhans expected to return if talks progress.

Fan reactions have been mixed. Social media buzz reflects excitement tempered by disappointment over the delay, with some expressing concern that a prolonged wait could diminish momentum for the franchise. Others praised Kang’s candor and commitment to delivering a worthy successor rather than rushing production.

The film’s cultural impact extends beyond streaming metrics. It introduced broader audiences to K-pop elements while celebrating Korean heritage through storytelling, music and visuals. Kang, a Korean-Canadian filmmaker, has spoken about creating the project for her younger self, emphasizing representation and empowerment for young viewers.

As award season continues — with potential Oscar buzz lingering — attention shifts to how Sony and Netflix navigate the sequel’s development. No official greenlight or detailed timeline has been announced beyond Kang’s tempered outlook.

For now, fans can revisit the original on Netflix, stream the soundtrack topping charts or engage with fan creations. Kang expressed gratitude for the support, noting the “whirlwind” response has been overwhelming yet grounding.

While a sequel appears inevitable given the film’s unprecedented success, the road ahead underscores the patience required in animation. As Kang put it, the wait may be long, but the promise of bolder adventures could make it worthwhile.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tdLYsc-KBY

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up a climate lawsuit that pits local governments in Colorado against global energy giants ExxonMobil and Suncor.

The high court on Monday officially decided to put the case on its calendar after the energy companies filed a petition to determine whether federal law prevents state-law claims for interstate emissions.

The petition was filed after a May 2025 Colorado Supreme Court decision in the case affirmed the power of local jurisdictions to seek compensatory relief for climate-related damages within state courts.

In this case, the local governments of the City of Boulder and Boulder County are seeking monetary damages for environmental harm such as wildfires and floods, alleging the defendants misled the public about the climate risks associated with fossil fuels.

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The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to take up a climate lawsuit that pits local governments in Colorado against global energy giants ExxonMobil and Suncor. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images, File)

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that the case could proceed in state court after the energy companies argued unsuccessfully that the claims were preempted by federal law, specifically the Clean Air Act, or should be governed exclusively by federal common law.

The U.S. Supreme Court building is seen at night in this undated photo. (iStock)

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While the Colorado Supreme Court allowed most claims, including public nuisance, trespass and unjust enrichment, to move forward, it dismissed a specific consumer protection claim as time-barred.

The facade of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 3, 2024. (Valerie Plesch/picture alliance/Getty Images)

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A dissenting justice, however, warned that the ruling could create a chaotic patchwork of local regulations on an issue that is inherently international in scope.

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case during its next term, which begins in the fall.

It has secured a new funding facility from HSBC and the Development Bank of Wales

Leading importer and distributor of industrial tools, nails and fasteners for the UK construction sector, Spotnails, has secured a near £3m new debt facility to supports its expansion. The Caerphilly-based company, which has operated for more than 70 years, has received a £1.7m loan from HSBC UK and a £1.2m loan from the Development Bank of Wales.

The refinance allows Spotnails to restructure existing facilities, including the buyout of earlier development bank equity, while sustaining its long-term relationship with both lenders.

This latest investment marks the continuation of a partnership with the development bank which began in 2019, when it provided £1.7m to support a management buyout enabling managing director Craig Bates to acquire the company from its previous owners. A £500,000 equity warrant followed in 2023 to help accelerate the company’s expansion plans.

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The development bank has provided patient capital and strategic support that has underpinned Spotnails’ evolution – from the management buyout through to its current growth phase.

The new capital provides Spotnails with fresh scope to grow, following a recent move to a larger warehouse, the recruitment of two additional staff, and the launch of a new e‑shop.

Managing director Mr Bates, said: “The development bank has been really good to us over the last six years. This new joint investment with HSBC UK gives us the headroom we need to continue expanding and to pursue sustainable growth.

“We needed to restructure our funding, and were keen to maintain our link with the development bank given the strength of our relationship with them to date, and the value that relationship has added to our business. It’s a win‑win all round.”

Kabitah Begum, senior portfolio executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said: “We’re pleased that our long-term relationship with Spotnails has helped put the business in a strong position for further growth. This joint funding package with HSBC UK enables us to continue our partnership following what would otherwise have concluded a successful cycle of investment.

“Our £1.2m loan, delivered alongside HSBC UK’s support, gives Spotnails the platform to keep expanding, and we look forward to continuing our work with them as a long-term partner, providing value over and above our investment.”

Donagh Kenny, relationship manager at HSBC UK, said: “Spotnails has spent more than seven decades building a strong heritage in the Welsh construction sector, so it’s great to be able to back a business whose longstanding history continues to shape its ambition for the future. This joint funding package gives the company the headroom to keep evolving and investing with confidence. We’re proud to work alongside the Development Bank of Wales to help drive the next chapter of Spotnails’ growth.”