International Women's Day celebrates empowerment, independence and resilience. However, people rarely talk about a difficult reality. Women navigating major life transitions, especially widows and divorced women, have become prime targets for sophisticated financial scams. In fact, scammers often look for people going through emotional or financial change. That is exactly what happened to one woman interviewed by ICE after she lost her husband and turned to online dating.

"Somebody suggested going online through a dating service ... and this guy's pictures showed up. He was no George Clooney, nothing gorgeous, but he did resemble my husband."

Stories like this highlight an uncomfortable truth. Romance scams do not succeed because victims are careless. Instead, scammers carefully identify potential targets and craft messages that feel personal and believable. Increasingly, that targeting begins with data.

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When someone loses a spouse or goes through a divorce, certain information often becomes public or commercially available:

Data brokers collect and package this information. They build profiles that may include:

While this data is often marketed for advertising purposes, it can also be misused. Scammers don't randomly search for victims. They build targeting lists. And "recently widowed" and "newly single homeowner" are categories that can be inferred from publicly available and commercially aggregated data.

Obituaries are meant to honor loved ones. But they can also unintentionally expose personal details:

Scammers scrape obituary websites and cross-reference them with people-search databases. Within days, they can identify surviving spouses, locate their addresses, and find phone numbers. This is often the starting point for:

The scammer's advantage? They already know what just happened in your life. That makes their message feel personal and believable.

One of the fastest-growing threats today is the so-called "pig butchering" scam – a long-term romance scheme that transitions into an investment pitch.

Here's how it works:

Widows and divorced women are disproportionately targeted because scammers assume:

SCAMS THAT AREN'T ILLEGAL (BUT SHOULD BE)

These scams can cost victims hundreds of thousands of dollars. And the targeting often begins with data broker profiles.

Another growing tactic involves scammers posing as:

They may reference accurate details such as:

Because the information is correct, the outreach feels legitimate. Some even create fake websites, LinkedIn profiles, and credentials to reinforce credibility. Women managing retirement assets alone, especially after the death of a spouse, are often approached with "exclusive" investment opportunities or urgent financial warnings. These predators rely on one thing: access to detailed personal information.

The more publicly accessible your information is, the easier it becomes for scammers to craft convincing stories.

Data broker profiles can include:

When scammers combine this with obituary data or court filings, they can infer life changes. They don't need illegal hacking. They just need searchable data. Reducing that exposure significantly lowers the likelihood of becoming a target.

International Women's Day is about empowerment, and financial independence is a critical part of that. Protecting yourself means:

One of the most effective proactive steps is removing your personal data from people-search sites and other data brokers.

There are hundreds of these sites, each with its own opt-out process, and many relist your data later. However, reducing how much of your personal information appears online can make it much harder for scammers to build convincing profiles about you.

WHY JANUARY IS THE BEST TIME TO REMOVE PERSONAL DATA ONLINE

Start by searching for your name on major people-search websites and reviewing what information appears publicly. If you find personal details listed, most sites provide instructions for requesting removal.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren't cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It's what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. 

By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

MAKE 2026 YOUR MOST PRIVATE YEAR YET BY REMOVING BROKER DATA

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com

International Women's Day celebrates strength, independence and resilience. However, empowerment also means understanding how scammers operate in the real world. Criminals do not rely on luck. Instead, they rely on data. Obituaries, property records and data broker profiles can quietly reveal life changes that make someone appear financially stable yet emotionally vulnerable. Fortunately, awareness can change the equation. For example, you can verify financial advisors independently, question unsolicited investment offers and limit how easily people can find your personal information online. As a result, these steps can dramatically reduce your risk. Ultimately, protecting your financial future is part of protecting your independence. That goal sits at the heart of International Women's Day.

Have you ever been contacted by someone online offering investment advice or a financial opportunity that felt suspicious?  Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

Some of the documents that helped shape the United States are temporarily leaving Washington, D.C., ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, giving many Americans a rare chance to see them in person.

The "Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation" – launched by The National Archives – is bringing founding-era records out of the nation’s capital and into communities across the country.

The nationwide tour kicked off Friday at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, where visitors can walk through a specially prepared exhibit room to see several historic documents up close.

The historical records are traveling around the country on what organizers call the Freedom Plane, a specially marked aircraft for the tour.

RARE AND ORIGINAL AMERICAN FOUNDING DOCUMENTS TO FLY ON FREEDOM PLANE ACROSS NATION

Boeing pilot Joe Seymour, who helped fly the Freedom Plane, said the mission carried special meaning. 

"These are the Founding Fathers of the United States, and there’s a great pride that comes with that. To say it’s a privilege or an honor would really be an understatement," Seymour said.

Jesse Kratzer, a historian with the National Archives, said many of the records rarely leave the National Archives building, giving the public an unusual opportunity to view history closer to home.

Among the documents featured in the exhibit are the Articles of Association from 1774; George Washington’s oath of allegiance from 1778; oaths of allegiance signed by Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in 1778; the Treaty of Paris from 1783; a tally of votes approving the Constitution from 1787; a secret printing of the Constitution in draft form from 1787; and an 1823 engraving of the Declaration of Independence.

Kratzer said some of the documents allow visitors to see the founders’ handwriting up close.

"When I touch this piece of paper, I’m touching the same piece of paper that Alexander Hamilton touched," Kratzer said. "He signed it Alex Hamilton."

AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY SPARKS TRAVEL RUSH AS EXPERTS ISSUE URGENT BOOKING WARNING

The documents are displayed under carefully controlled conditions in a dimly lit room designed to protect the centuries-old paper.

"We have them wrapped in mylar and then they are also encapsulated with plexiglass," Kratzer said. "So basically they’re in their own microclimates."

The exhibit tells the story of the nation’s founding, tracing the events that led to the creation of the United States government.

"This exhibit itself is really a history of the American Revolution, the creation of our government and then the creation of the Bill of Rights within one small space," Kratzer said.

READ: THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Museum leaders say the exhibit brings together pieces of American history that many people have only read about in textbooks.

"These fundamental documents record all those happenings as our forebears sought to define who we were and who we wanted to be as Americans," said Matthew Naylor, president and CEO of the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

Kansas City was chosen as the starting point for the national tour, a decision Naylor said highlights the importance of bringing the exhibit to communities beyond the East Coast.

"Why not for them to be in the heartland, in the Midwest as the beginning of this tour," Naylor said.

The exhibit will remain in Kansas City through March 22 before the tour moves to Atlanta and other cities across the country. It will end in Seattle in August.

A full schedule of tour stops and dates is available on the National Archives website.

Debate on Capitol Hill continues to rage over whether President Donald Trump started a "war" with the strikes he carried out against Iran last weekend, a key consideration for whether the president must look to Congress for authority to continue Operation Epic Fury.

Where Republicans see a narrowly-tailored attack designed to prevent a U.S. adversary from securing nuclear capabilities, Democrats see a conflict that could easily spill into a broader conflict.

"Congress is not supposed to be an after-the-fact spectator, the Constitution makes plain," Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., told Fox News Digital.

"President Trump has not said, like in Venezuela, ‘this is a police operation,' that it’s ‘an arrest,’" Kaine said, comparing the strikes to the January capture of Nicolás Maduro.

OPERATION EPIC FURY SURVIVES SENATE CHALLENGE AS REPUBLICANS CLOSE RANKS BEHIND TRUMP

Democrats like Kaine have blasted Trump for dragging the U.S. into a conflict that, in their view, looks a lot like a war — something only Congress has the power to declare. It is that determination that makes them believe lawmakers should use the War Powers Act of 1973 to curb Trump's powers in Iran.

That law prevents the president from continuing hostilities against a foreign power that extends past 60 days.

Republicans like Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., see no reason to invoke the War Powers Act, given the scope of the current conflict.

A measure to kill a Democrat-led war powers resolution aimed at handcuffing Trump’s military operations in Iran passed on Wednesday in a 53-47 Senate vote.

"I mean, even if you disagree with this, I just don’t think you can dispute [that] they’re complying with the statute. The president has the authority under Article II to do what he has done so far," Hawley said, referring to the Constitution's military power granted to the country's commander in chief.

Last Saturday, the U.S. conducted a series of strikes in collaboration with Israel, targeting the country’s military leadership and killing the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Trump administration has framed the attack as a necessary campaign to halt Iran’s work towards obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Although Hawley supports the administration’s work so far, he has a firm red line in mind for where the conflict would require Congressional say-so.

"Ground troops would be a different deal," Hawley said. "But [Trump] just said, ‘We’re not going to do ground troops,’ so, I just say to my Democrat friends — I think they’re just looking for something to vote against the president on."

REPUBLICANS HAND TRUMP THE WHEEL ON IRAN — BUT ONE RED LINE EMERGES

Democrats remain unconvinced.

Some Democrats noted that the language the administration has used suggests it views the conflict as something more than isolated strikes.

"The president and the secretary of state have called it a war. So have the generals. If we’re at war, Congress has to provide authorization," Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said.

Other Democrats, like Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., attacked the administration’s stated reason for the attack.

"There was no imminent threat to the United States. There were threats to Israel, but in terms of an imminent threat, there was not one.  Consequently, this is the president’s war of choice," Warner said.

NIKKI HALEY SLAMS DEMOCRATS WHO SAY IRANIAN REGIME 'WAS NO THREAT TO AMERICA': 'ABSURD'

"You have to come before Congress," Warner added.

To Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the consideration should deal less with technicalities and more with consideration of the cost that could come with Trump’s attacks.

"The American people make the decision on going to war because it's their sons and daughters that will lose their lives. I still think that’s the case, regardless of who the president might be," Durbin said.

Amazon kicked off the weekend with deep discounts on spring cleaning gear, home essentials, tech and beauty favorites. A cordless Shark vacuum is down to $200 (from $350), a five-outlet surge protector is just $10 and a top-selling portable tire inflator is more than 75% off — but these prices may not last.

These are the top-selling products FOX readers can’t stop buying — now marked down for the weekend.

Original price: $399

Cold weather can lower tire pressure fast. This portable air inflator tops off car, bike and motorcycle tires in minutes, with a digital display and automatic shutoff to prevent overfilling. It’s now 78% off — one of its biggest discounts to date.

Original price: $349.99

After a long winter indoors, this Shark cordless stick vacuum makes it easy to refresh carpets, upholstery and stairs — and it’s now $150 off. The lightweight design moves easily from room to room, a self-cleaning brushroll tackles pet hair and a HEPA filter traps dust. It also converts to a handheld for quick cleanups and tight corners.

Original price: $24.47 

Be ready for scrapes and minor injuries with this 160-piece first aid kit. Down to $18, this set includes wound care supplies, topical treatments and pain relievers, all packed in a durable, organized case. Toss it in your car, travel bag or keep it at home as outdoor activities pick up this spring.

READ MORE: The best sales to shop this week from Carhartt, Dyson, Apple and more

Original price: $13.98 

Keep your nails trimmed and tidy with this stainless-steel grooming kit that's down to just $10. The set includes clippers, scissors, tweezers and other essentials in a compact travel case. Use it at home or pack it for easy upkeep on the go.

Get ready for spring with deals on outdoor tools, cleaning gear and home refresh essentials.

Original price: $899.99

This robot vacuum and mop does more than clean — it empties itself and even washes and dries its own mop pads. With powerful suction for pet hair, smart mapping and app controls for scheduling and setting no-go zones, it’s a low-maintenance upgrade that cuts down on daily chores.

Original price: $199

The Westinghouse power washer uses water pressure to blast dirt, mildew and rust from driveways, patios, decks and fences. It includes a pro-style steel wand, five quick-connect nozzles and a soap tank to refresh siding, outdoor furniture and other exterior surfaces for spring.

Original price: $129.99

Tackle carpet and upholstery stains with Bissell’s Little Green Multi-Purpose Cleaner. This compact deep cleaner uses a scrubbing brush and powerful suction to lift pet messes and stubborn winter salt stains — without dragging out a full-size machine.

Original price: $59.99

Skip the risk of loose bristles with this bristle-free grill brush. Its heat-resistant fiber heads clear away food debris, and the built-in scraper handles stubborn residue. Three extra cleaning heads are included, making it a smart pick for grilling season.

READ MORE: 12 home upgrades under $25 on Amazon that feel far more expensive

Refresh your bedroom and bathroom for spring with easy upgrades, from new pillows to fresh towels.

Original price: $79.99

You don’t need a new mattress to upgrade your sleep setup. Start with this two-pack of Beckham Hotel Collection pillows. Each one features a plush yet supportive fill that delivers a hotel-like feel and holds its shape, offering balanced comfort for back, side and stomach sleepers.

READ MORE: Best mattress sales right now — up to 66% off Nectar, Saatva, DreamCloud and more

Original price: $79.99

Clear winter dust, pet dander and debris from mattresses, upholstery and rugs with this compact and affordable vacuum. Its powerful suction and ultrasonic vibration lift embedded particles for a quick refresh — no big-ticket replacements needed.

Original price: $57.40

Swap worn towels for this soft, absorbent cotton set from American Soft Linen. The six-piece collection includes two full-size bath towels, two hand towels and two washcloths for a plush, hotel-inspired refresh at home. 

Original price: $19.99

Give your bedroom a seasonal reset with this soft, breathable microfiber sheet set. It includes a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and two pillowcases, and comes in a range of neutral tones and bold colors to instantly brighten your space.

Save on everyday tech essentials and smart upgrades that keep you connected, powered up and organized.

Original price: $99 

Keep track of your keys, luggage, wallet or even your pet with Apple AirTags. Attach one and use Apple’s Find My network to locate lost items from your iPhone with a quick ping or map view. This discounted four-pack delivers better value than buying a single AirTag for $29.

READ MORE: Best Buy's top deals right now: Save up to 49% on vacuums, appliances and more

Original price: $12.96

Turn one outlet into a full charging station with this surge-protecting wall extender, complete with multiple AC plugs and USB ports. It keeps phones, laptops and everyday devices powered up without the cord clutter. This may be the best $10 you'll spend this weekend.

Original price: $349

Bose QuietComfort headphones combine rich, balanced sound with an extremely comfortable fit. They’re a smart pick for frequent travelers or anyone looking to tune out distractions without compromising audio quality. A quick charge delivers up to 24 hours of battery life.

Original price: $69.98

This Wi-Fi digital frame lets you send and display photos straight from your phone, turning quick snaps into an instant slideshow. It auto-rotates for portrait or landscape viewing and adds life to your space, no printer required.

Upgrade your kitchen with deals on everyday cookware, small appliances and countertop favorites.

Original price $209.95

This Cuisinart 11-piece stainless steel cookware set includes the essential pots, pans and lids you need for everything from quick weeknight dinners to weekend entertaining. Built for durability and even heating, it’s a reliable kitchen staple that helps you cook with confidence.

Original price: $460

This 6.5-quart Le Creuset Signature Dutch Oven is an heirloom-quality staple for tender braises, juicy roasts and even homemade sourdough bread. The sea salt shade is $170 off right now — a rare discount on a kitchen classic.

Original price $249.99

Make dessert a hands-on family activity with the Chefman ice cream maker, now $100 off. Whip up homemade ice cream, sorbet and other frozen treats in minutes. Its generous capacity makes it a smart pick for spring and summer entertaining.

Original price: $139.99

This Chefman digital air fryer handles both quick snacks and full dinners with ease. With 17 preset cooking functions, it takes guesswork out of meals, while the drip tray helps simplify cleanup and the wide glass window lets you monitor food as it crisps.

READ MORE: Lowe’s weekly deals are live: KitchenAid, LG, DeWalt and more, starting at $31

Save on everyday staples for men and women to wear now and into spring.

Original price: $48

These Chooka waterproof Chelsea booties combine classic style with practicality. The waterproof design keeps feet dry during rainy spring days, and the slip-on silhouette and elastic side panels make them convenient for daily wear.

Original price: $25

Lightweight and on sale now, these Hanes joggers are perfect for chilly spring mornings, weekend errands and laid-back days outside. The soft cotton-blend fabric and adjustable drawstring waist keep you comfortable, while side pockets add practicality.

Original price: $54.98 

Wind-resistant fabric and a relaxed fit make this bomber jacket a go-to layer for transitional weather. It features four pockets – including a zippered sleeve pocket for quick access to essentials. It’s now at its lowest price in the past 30 days. 

Original price: $26.99

Black leggings are a wardrobe staple, and now’s a smart time to replace worn-out pairs. This high-waist style feels supportive yet flexible, and features convenient side pockets to stash your phone and keys.

READ MORE: Shop the best clothing deals this week: Up to 70% off Spanx, Levi’s and more

Stock up on beauty and oral care must-haves at limited-time prices.

Original price: $69.99

The Waterpik portable water flosser makes it easy to upgrade your oral care routine. Its cordless design uses targeted water pressure to clean between teeth and along the gum line. Since it's rechargeable and compact, it’s ideal for small bathrooms or tossing in a travel bag.

Original price: $31

Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads are pre-soaked toner pads formulated with exfoliating acids to sweep away dead skin and excess oil. The dual-textured pads tone and lightly exfoliate in one step after cleansing.

Original price: $9.99

This lightweight rosemary-infused hair oil can help nourish your scalp and add shine without weighing your hair down. Use it as a scalp treatment or smoothing finish after air drying or heat styling.

For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals

Original price $12.99

Help strengthen brittle nails and soften cuticles with Onyx Hard as Hoof nail cream. Massage it into your nail beds daily to help achieve smoother, healthier-looking nails.

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.

A federal appeals court on Thursday lifted a lower court’s injunction that had restricted immigration agents’ use of force during Operation Midway Blitz, the Trump administration’s major enforcement operation in Chicago.

A three-judge panel of the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 to vacate the district court’s preliminary injunction and dismiss the appeal, saying the lower court had "granted an overbroad, constitutionally suspect injunction."

Attorney General Pam Bondi called the ruling a "huge legal win" for the Trump administration.

"Tonight the @thejusticedept delivered a huge legal win in the 7th Circuit for President Trump in support of Operation Midway Blitz — @POTUS's crucial law enforcement surge into Chicago," she posted on X. "President Trump is trying to protect American citizens while local elected officials REFUSE to do so. @thejusticedept attorneys were proud to argue this case. We will continue fighting and WINNING for the President's law-and-order agenda."

BORDER PATROL COMMANDER VOWS CONTINUED TEAR GAS USE AFTER MINNESOTA JUDGE’S ORDER

Federal immigration authorities increased enforcement efforts as part of Operation Midway Blitz last fall in Chicago, leading to violent clashes between protesters and officers.

In October, protesters and journalists sued several federal agencies, arguing that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) violated their First and Fourth Amendment rights by using tear gas and other chemical agents to break up demonstrations.

The district court sided with the plaintiffs and issued a preliminary injunction regulating federal immigration enforcement efforts. The federal government appealed.

DHS: CHICAGO CRIME DROPS SHARPLY AFTER FEDERAL OPERATION TARGETING CRIMINAL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

The plaintiffs later asked the district court to dismiss the case, noting that Operation Midway Blitz had wound down. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis granted the motion in January.

The majority opinion criticized Ellis’ decision to dismiss the case "without prejudice," which allows it to potentially be refiled.

"Because the district court dismissed this case without prejudice—against the plaintiffs’ unopposed request for a dismissal with prejudice—any class members or the lead plaintiffs could refile these claims tomorrow," they wrote. "They could ask the district court to reinstate a near-identical preliminary injunction, adopting the facts and legal reasoning from the district court’s order."

The 7th Circuit also ordered "vacatur," effectively nullifying Ellis’ prior injunction.

The judges said vacatur is the "best way to wipe the slate clean" and is "proper to ensure the district court’s injunction order does not affect future litigation."

On May 26, 2026, the second half of President Donald Trump’s second term may be on the ballot.

Texas Senator John Cornyn held off Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to lead in the first round of the 2026 race for the Texas Senate seat, but since Congressman Wesley Hunt drew more than 13% of the primary vote, a run-off between Cornyn and Paxton will be held on May 26.

Senator Cornyn is a stalwart conservative, a former Texas State Supreme Court justice and a strong supporter of President Donald Trump. Attorney General Paxton is a fixture of the often black-and-blue brawling of the Lone Star State’s internal combinations.

RISING STAR TALARICO TOPPLES PROGRESSIVE FIREBRAND CROCKETT IN HIGH-STAKES TEXAS SENATE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

How black-and-blue?

Paxton was impeached by the overwhelmingly GOP-dominated state legislature on 16 counts of alleged wrongdoing in 2023. Paxton survived his trial in the Texas State Senate and was aquitted, but should he somehow catch and pass Cornyn in the run-off, the safe GOP seat in deep-red Texas suddenly becomes very winnable for the Democrats who have nominated boy-band-look alike James Talarico. Cornyn will roll over the young man. Paxton is likely to get rolled by him.

President Trump could come in on Cornyn’s side before May 26 and put an end to the sideshow that threatens to put the GOP’s Senate majority at risk if Paxton wins.

The Senate GOP enjoys a 53-47 advantage right now. While it is hard to see a path for Democrats to get to 51, it’s not impossible. It becomes much more likely, in fact, if Paxton wins the run-off and loses the general. Much. More. Likely.

What would a Democratic Senate majority mean for President Trump? Start with long, repeating Senate trials on bogus articles of impeachment which will roll over from a House Democratic majority on a conveyor belt. Count on a Democratic Senate majority to go to any lengths to recapture the White House in 2028 while crippling the ability of 45-47 to get much done in his last two years.

The courts would also be at risk. President Trump’s nominees for the federal bench, especially the Supreme Court should any occur, would not get a hearing as Democrats chant in unison the name of Merrick Garland.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION

In fact, it would not be surprising to see zero nominees for any advice-and-consent position proceed to a floor vote. The Democrats are deranged — "These people are crazy!" was the best line of the president’s State of the Union — and a "TDS" infected Democratic Senate majority would be a nightmare for the president and the Republic.

The good news is that Texas Republicans are a smart lot. They have rejected every attempt by national media over two decades to get them to desert the GOP to support the latest progressive poster child. Texas voters play politics like they play football — to win. Trading a veteran and accomplished legislator for (at best) the lowest ranked senator in an institution that runs on seniority would be foolish indeed. Switching Cronyn out for Paxton is inviting Talarico to "represent" Texas for six long years.

Texans shouldn't bench a long-time winner for an injured and injury-prone JV player. President Trump can assure that they won’t. The president played it smart by letting Texas Republicans pick their leader in the clubhouse. Now is the time for President Trump to seal his party’s majority in the Senate in 2027 and 2028 with a ringing endorsement of Senator John Cornyn.

Hugh Hewitt is a Fox News contributor and host of "The Hugh Hewitt Show" heard weekday afternoons from 3 PM to 6 PM ET on the Salem Radio Network, and simulcast on Salem News Channel. Hugh drives Americans home on the East Coast and to lunch on the West Coast on over 400 affiliates nationwide, and on all the streaming platforms where SNC can be seen. He is a frequent guest on the Fox News Channel’s news roundtable, hosted by Bret Baier weekdays at 6pm ET. A son of Ohio and a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Michigan Law School, Hewitt has been a Professor of Law at Chapman University’s Fowler School of Law since 1996 where he teaches Constitutional Law. Hewitt launched his eponymous radio show from Los Angeles in 1990. Hewitt has frequently appeared on every major national news television network, hosted television shows for PBS and MSNBC, written for every major American paper, has authored a dozen books and moderated a score of Republican candidate debates, most recently the November 2023 Republican presidential debate in Miami and four Republican presidential debates in the 2015-16 cycle. Hewitt focuses his radio show and his column on the Constitution, national security, American politics and the Cleveland Browns and Guardians. Hewitt has interviewed tens of thousands of guests from Democrats Hillary Clinton and John Kerry to Republican Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump over his 40 years in broadcasting. This column previews the lead story that will drive his radio/ TV show today.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM HUGH HEWITT

A trove of newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents has shed fresh light on the vast network of influential relationships that the late, disgraced financier carefully cultivated over decades — most prominently in South Florida, where Epstein’s ties allowed him to curry favor and win preferential treatment from the very individuals tasked with holding him accountable.

Documents published under the Epstein Transparency Act have detailed the lengths that Epstein went to in order to cultivate a coterie of powerful relationships, including in Florida and within the Justice Department — where Alex Acosta, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, would go on to negotiate and approve a highly unusual "sweetheart" deal on Epstein's behalf. 

The information highlights the extent to which powerful friendships and profound leadership failures overlapped and intersected for years, creating a web of inoculation that shielded Epstein and allowed him to seemingly operate above the law despite a growing list of victims' reports whose details were as bone-chilling as they were similar. 

Details of Acosta's behavior, in particular, have shocked outside observers and lawmakers alike, who pressed the former DOJ official in detail during his testimony to House Oversight Committee lawmakers last year.

 HILLARY CLINTON COMES OUT SWINGING AFTER GOP GRILLED HER DURING MARATHON EPSTEIN DEPOSITION

Though Acosta's role is not new, the transcript of his testimony, new reports of relationships between Epstein's defense lawyers and former prosecutors in the Southern District, and a "data gap" that wiped Acosta's computer from the nearly 12-month period between May 2007 to April 2008 — the same time frame that Epstein's lawyers were aggressively lobbying federal prosecutors to end the federal case — have sparked a litany of new questions.

The documents, reports, and alleged data gaps revived questions over how Alex Acosta, then the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, handled the Epstein case, and the infamous 2007 plea deal he negotiated granting Epstein and his co-conspirators federal immunity.

Most recently, the sweetheart deal has sparked renewed scrutiny from the House Oversight Committee as part of its Jeffrey Epstein probe. Democrats on the panel blasted Acosta's testimony as defiant and defensive.

"The transcripts of Alex Acosta’s interview confirm what we’ve known all along: he has no remorse for his mishandling of the Epstein case," Sara Guerrero, spokesperson for Oversight Democrats, said in a statement. 

Acosta "continues to deny he gave Jeffrey Epstein a sweetheart deal, despite cutting the investigation short and granting Epstein a non-prosecution agreement, even though 30 victims had been identified at the time," Guerrero said.  "Because of the deal Alex Acosta gave Epstein, he was able to continue assaulting and raping young women and girls for another decade."

To be sure, Acosta is far from the only prosecutor Epstein targeted in a charm offensive, as evidenced by new documents and a trove of recent reporting.

CLINTONS CAVE: COMER SAYS BILL AND HILLARY TO TESTIFY IN EPSTEIN PROBE

 Still, the Non-Prosecution Agreement (NPA) is the only such agreement granted by Acosta during his time in the Southern District of Florida — prompting questions and years of criticism. 

It effectively neutered a years-long federal investigation into Epstein that began in 2005 and allegedly included 30 identified victims — helping Epstein avoid far more serious federal charges of sex trafficking. Federal prosecutors, who readied a 60-count federal indictment, were caught off guard by the decision. It also allowed Epstein to continue his abuse for roughly a decade before he was arrested and died in prison. 

FBI Director Kash Patel recently pointed to Acosta's handling of the case as the "original sin" in what has proved to be a broader set of department-wide failures in the Epstein case, and the Justice Department has since acknowledged it was "poor judgment" from Acosta's office, and "undercut public confidence in the legitimacy of the resulting agreement." 

Criticism of the sweetheart deal is not new, and Acosta has for years staunchly defended securing the plea deal with Epstein, telling reporters his actions were "straightforward" and the best path forward for the government at the time. 

The Justice Department backed Acosta's accounting of the data gap on his computer in a 2020 memo, though it was relegated to little more than a footnote.  Paul Cassell, a former juge and lawyer representing some of the Epstein victims, criticized DOJ's handling of the data gap as superficial, noting that the gap "seems to have surgically struck on exactly the time period when most of the big decisions were being made" on Epstein's case.

Additional details of Epstein's settlement and communications surrounding them have come to light in recent years, as a result of the Epstein Transparency Act and in the course of civil litigation filed by Epstein's victims.

The documents, and recent reporting, have given the public more details as to the lengths Epstein went to in order to endear himself to local and federal law enforcement officials in attempts to insulate himself from being held accountable for his crimes.

This includes a former assistant U.S. attorney in Florida's Southern District who helped draft key provisions of Epstein's plea deal. 

The attorney briefly dated one of Epstein's defense lawyers, according to an investigation from the Miami Herald, though the timing did not overlap with his tenure working on Epstein's investigation, and was years removed from that person's involvement in the case, a person familiar with the timeline told Fox News Digital. 

The new document dumps have put new pressure on Congress nearly a decade later as lawmakers continue to probe the federal government's handling of the Epstein investigation. Acosta, who resigned as Trump's Labor Secretary in 2019 amid controversy, appeared before the House Oversight Committee for more than six hours of testimony last fall for his role in the case.

"We're trying to find out more," House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer told reporters later last year. "Who dropped the ball? Was it Acosta? Was it the FBI? Was it the local prosecutors? Was it the Department of Justice?" 

"Those are the questions I think we need to know, because that was part of what the victims asked us to do," Comer said.

Acosta didn't respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on the reports or the House Oversight Committee probe.