Bard College's board of trustees has retained the outside law firm of WilmerHale to conduct an independent investigation into communications between Jeffrey Epstein and the college's longtime president Leon Botstein. WilmerHale's will conduct an independent review of the full scope of these communications, financial contributions connected to Epstein, and any related matters, the board said in an announcement on Thursday evening.
A man in his 30s has died after he was hit by a police car on an emergency call in south London. The pedestrian was struck by a marked vehicle at just after 12.30am on Wednesday. London Ambulance Service paramedics treated him, but he died at the scene. His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, the force said.
About 50 gathered Sunday in Northridge for a candlelight vigil honoring Keith Porter Jr., shot by an off-duty ICE agent on New Year's Eve. The fatal shooting has conflicting accounts: ICE said Porter posed an "active threat," while a civil rights group said he was celebrating with gunfire. Black Lives Matter-LA, which Porter was a member of, organized the vigil and is demanding an independent investigation.
In order to avoid similar tragedies again, I will set up a judge-led independent committee to examine the reason behind the cause and rapid spreading (of the fire) and related issues, Lee told reporters. We must uncover the truth, ensure that justice is served, let the deceased rest in peace and provide comfort to the living, he said. Asked by a reporter why he should continue in his job after such a disaster had unfolded in the city, Lee said reform was needed.
