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In Nikki Haley's hometown, support is strong. But that doesn't mean she'll win

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In Nikki Haley's hometown, support is strong. But that doesn't mean she'll win

“It’s a great day in South Carolina when I can come home,” Nikki Haley delivered her signature line with a hometown twist to supporters. Republican presidential candidate and former UN Ambassador Haley steps off of her campaign bus ahead of an event on Feb. 13 in her hometown of Bamberg, S.C.

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“It’s a great day in South Carolina when I can come home,” Nikki Haley delivered her signature line with a hometown twist to supporters. Republican presidential candidate and former UN Ambassador Haley steps off of her campaign bus ahead of an event on Feb. 13 in her hometown of Bamberg, S.C.

Meg Kinnard/AP

Nikki Haley is struggling to find widespread support in her home state ahead of the Republican primary on Feb. 24.

But in her hometown of Bamberg, South Carolina, they’re a little more enthusiastic.

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“She always found this was her home,” said Paula Dyches, owner of Rusty & Paula’s Restaurant, on the main drag through Bamberg.

Paula Dyches stands in the construction site that her diner, Rusty & Paula’s Restaurant, has become after a tornado tore through the small town of Bamberg, S.C., which is also Nikki Haley’s hometown.

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Paula Dyches stands in the construction site that her diner, Rusty & Paula’s Restaurant, has become after a tornado tore through the small town of Bamberg, S.C., which is also Nikki Haley’s hometown.

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The diner is often a hub for local activity, hosting events for politicians including Haley in the past. Today though, it’s a construction zone, as the town recovers from a major tornado that tore through in January.

Dyches says the restaurant flooded and the roof blew off. But she was happy to host a few residents from the area, who gathered around a table to talk about Haley’s last push before the primary.

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Bamberg County Republican Party Chair Sharon Carter gathered local Republicans together at Rusty & Paula’s Restaurant in Bamberg, S.C., to talk about Nikki Haley’s candidacy for president.

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Bamberg County Republican Party Chair Sharon Carter gathered local Republicans together at Rusty & Paula’s Restaurant in Bamberg, S.C., to talk about Nikki Haley’s candidacy for president.

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Sharon Carter, who invited the group, is chairwoman of the Bamberg County Republican Party. As such, she can’t officially endorse any candidate in the state’s primary on Saturday.

But she has some thoughts about this weekend’s matchup between the former President and South Carolina’s former governor:

“It is astonishing to me that people are choosing Trump in her hometown,” Carter said. “Because people who do know her know that she’s an authentically real person.”

Jerome Boyce, who lives in the nearby town of Denmark, is among those local residents backing Trump.

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“Trump has got it. Trump has a track record. Nikki Haley does not,” Boyce said, sitting across the table from Carter.

Boyce says Haley – who’s also a former ambassador to the United Nations – was a good governor for South Carolina during the six years she led the state.

But Boyce opposed her work to remove the Confederate flag from the grounds of the South Carolina statehouse in 2015, in the aftermath of the racist shooting that left nine people dead at a historically Black church in Charleston.

“It’s my heritage,” Boyce explained. “It’s Southern.”

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Across town, Randy Maxwell saw that moment as an example of Haley’s strength in leadership.

“I’m as Southern as you get,” he said. “But that’s a thing of the past. And it stood for, whether you like to hear it or not, it stood for slavery. It stood for racism. It stood for division in our country.”

Of Haley, he said, “she did the right thing. She didn’t hesitate.”

Just a small town girl

Randy (left) and Mary Jane Maxwell stand outside their home in Bamberg, S.C. The Maxwells support Nikki Haley in her run for president and plan to write her in even if she doesn’t make it to the general election.

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Randy (left) and Mary Jane Maxwell stand outside their home in Bamberg, S.C. The Maxwells support Nikki Haley in her run for president and plan to write her in even if she doesn’t make it to the general election.

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He and his wife, Mary Jane Maxwell, live just a few blocks from Haley’s childhood home. They’re enthusiastically supporting her in the primary.

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Mary Jane remembers Haley as a “well-mannered” child who became an “amazing young lady” who’s made her home state proud. She contrasts Haley’s temperament with Trump’s.

“He did some good things for America, but he is just such a bully,” she says. “And well, he does not have any characteristics that we want any of our grandchildren to have.”

Mary Jane Maxwell says she has supported Trump in the past, but she doesn’t think she could vote for him again. Randy Maxwell says he’s never voted for Trump and never will.

But he admits that Haley is staring down a likely defeat here at home in South Carolina.

“It will not look good for her,” he says. “It will not look good for any candidate if you don’t win your home state. Trump just has so much base that they’re not going to change.”

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Facing another Trump-Biden matchup, the Maxwells say they’d probably write Haley in.

The main street in Bamberg, S.C., where tornado damage from a storm in January is still evident. Nikki Haley, who was born and raised in Bamberg, visited the town just days before the S.C. primary election.

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The main street in Bamberg, S.C., where tornado damage from a storm in January is still evident. Nikki Haley, who was born and raised in Bamberg, visited the town just days before the S.C. primary election.

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Bamberg’s mayor, Nancy Foster, says there’s excitement about Haley’s campaign here, even though the town leans Democratic.

“It puts Bamberg on the map, so we’re excited for her and we hope she makes it,” Foster said

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Stephanie Crosby-Lee grew up in Bamberg. She’s glad to see a woman in the race – even though she is a Democrat and supports President Biden.

Crosby-Lee was stopping by a local lunch spot on Thursday with her mother, who still lives nearby. She wishes Haley, with her high profile, would do more for the town’s struggling economy. But she sees value in Haley continuing her campaign, even if she can’t ultimately beat Trump.

“One thing I do know, she gave him a run for his money,” she said.

Haley is poised to keep raising – and spending – money of her own. Her campaign has announced a seven-figure ad buy ahead of Super Tuesday next month, and she’s vowed to continue campaigning regardless of what happens in her home state on Saturday.

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Bill Clinton to testify before House committee investigating Epstein links

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Bill Clinton to testify before House committee investigating Epstein links

Former president Bill Clinton is scheduled to give deposition Friday to a congressional committee investigating his links to Jeffrey Epstein, one day after Hillary Clinton testified before the committee and called the proceedings “partisan political theatre” and “an insult to the American people”.

During remarks before the House oversight committee, Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state, insisted on Thursday that she had never met Epstein.

The former Democratic president, however, flew on Epstein’s private jet several times in the early 2000s but said he never visited his island.

Clinton, who engaged in an extramarital affair while president and has been accused of sexual misconduct by three women, also appears in a photo from the recently released files, in a hot tub with Epstein and a woman whose identity is redacted.

Clinton has denied the sexual misconduct claims and was not charged with any crimes. He also has not been accused of any wrongdoing connected to Epstein.

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Epstein visited the White House at least 17 times during the early years of Clinton’s presidency, according to White House visitor records cited in news reports. Clinton said he cut ties with him around 2005, before the disgraced financier, who died from suicide in 2019, pleaded guilty to solicitation of a minor in Florida.

The House committee subpoenaed the Clintons in August. They initially refused to testify but agreed after Republicans threatened to hold them in contempt.

The Clintons asked for their depositions to be held publicly, with the former president stating that to do so behind closed doors would amount to a “kangaroo court”.

“Let’s stop the games + do this the right way: in a public hearing,” Clinton said on X earlier this month.

The committee’s chair, James Comer, did not grant their request, and the proceedings will be conducted behind closed doors with video to be released later.

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On Thursday, Hillary Clinton’s proceedings were briefly halted after representative Lauren Boebert leaked an image of Clinton testifying.

During the full day deposition, Clinton said she had no information about Epstein and did not recall ever meeting him.

Before the deposition, Comer said it would be a long interview and that one with Bill Clinton would be “even longer”.

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Read Judge Schiltz’s Order

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Read Judge Schiltz’s Order

CASE 0:26-cv-00107-PJS-DLM

Doc. 12-1 Filed 02/26/26

Page 5 of 17

and to file a status update by 11:00 am on January 20. ECF No. 5. Respondents never provided a bond hearing and did not release Petitioner until January 21, ECF Nos. 10, 12, after failing to file an update, ECF No. 9. Further, Respondents released Petitioner subject to conditions despite the Court’s release order not providing for conditions. ECF Nos. 5, 12–13.

Abdi W. v. Trump, et al., Case No. 26-CV-00208 (KMM/SGE)

On January 21, 2026, the Court ordered Respondents, within 3 days, to either (a) complete Petitioner’s inspection and examination and file a notice confirming completion, or (b) release Petitioner immediately in Minnesota and confirm the date, time, and location of release. ECF No. 7. No notice was ever filed. The Court emailed counsel on January 27, 2026, at 10:39 am. No response was provided.

Adriana M.Y.M. v. David Easterwood, et al., Case No. 26-CV-213 (JWB/JFD)

On January 24, 2026, the Court ordered immediate release in Minnesota and ordered Respondents to confirm the time, date, and location of release, or anticipated release, within 48 hours. ECF No. 12. Respondent was not released until January 30, and Respondents never disclosed the time of release, instead describing it as “early this morning.” ECF No. 16.

Estefany J.S. v. Bondi, Case No. 26-CV-216 (JWB/SGE)

On January 13, 2026, at 10:59 am, the Court ordered Respondents to file a letter by 4:00 pm confirming Petitioner’s current location. ECF No. 8. After receiving no response, the Court ordered Respondents, at 5:11 pm, to immediately confirm Petitioner’s location and, by noon on January 14, file a memorandum explaining their failure to comply with the initial order. ECF No. 9. Respondents did not file the memorandum, requiring the Court to issue another order. ECF No. 12. On January 15, the Court ordered immediate release in Minnesota and required Respondents to confirm the time, date, and location of release within 48 hours. ECF No. 18. On January 20, having received no confirmation, the Court ordered Respondents to comply immediately. ECF No. 21. Respondents informed the Court that Petitioner was released in Minnesota on January 17, but did not specify the time. ECF No. 22.

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Chicagoans pay respects to Jesse Jackson as cross-country memorial services begin

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Chicagoans pay respects to Jesse Jackson as cross-country memorial services begin

James Hickman holds a photo montage of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson before a public visitation at Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago on Thursday.

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CHICAGO — A line of mourners streamed through a Chicago auditorium Thursday to pay final respects to the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. as cross-country memorial services began in the city the late civil rights leader called home.

The protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate will lie in repose for two days at the headquarters of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition before events in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina, where he was born.

Family members wiped away tears as the casket was brought into the stately brick building. Flowers lined the sidewalks where people waiting to enter watched a large screen playing video excerpts of Jackson’s notable speeches. Some raised their fists in solidarity.

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The casket with the Rev. Jesse Jackson arrives before a public visitation at Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago on Thursday.

The casket with the Rev. Jesse Jackson arrives before a public visitation at Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago on Thursday.

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Inside, Jackson’s children, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Rev. Al Sharpton were among those who stood by the open casket to shake hands and hug those coming to view the body of Jackson, dressed in a suit and blue shirt and tie.

“The challenge for us is that we’ve got to make sure that all he lived for was not in vain,” Sharpton told reporters. “Dr. King’s dream and Jesse Jackson’s mission now falls on our shoulders. We’ve got to stand up and keep it going.”

The Rev. Al Sharpton speaks as Jesse Jackson Jr. listens after the public visitation for the Rev. Jesse Jackson at Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago on Thursday.

The Rev. Al Sharpton speaks as Jesse Jackson Jr. listens after the public visitation for the Rev. Jesse Jackson at Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago on Thursday.

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Jackson died last week at age 84 after battling a rare neurological disorder that affected his mobility and ability to speak in his later years.

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Remembrances have already poured in from around the globe, and several U.S. states, including Minnesota, Iowa and North Carolina, are flying flags at half-staff in his honor.

But perhaps nowhere has his death been felt as strongly as in the nation’s third-largest city, where Jackson lived for decades and raised his six children, including a son who is a congressman.

Bouquets have been left outside the family’s Tudor-style home on the city’s South Side for days. Public schools have offered condolences, and city trains have used digital screens to display Jackson’s portrait and his well-known mantra, “I am Somebody!”

People wait to enter the security checkpoint for the public visitation for the Rev. Jesse Jackson at Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago on Thursday.

People wait to enter the security checkpoint for the public visitation for the Rev. Jesse Jackson at Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago on Thursday.

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His causes, both in the United States and abroad, were countless: Advocating for the poor and underrepresented on issues including voting rights, job opportunities, education and health care. He scored diplomatic victories with world leaders, and through his Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he channeled cries for Black pride and self-determination into corporate boardrooms, pressuring executives to make America a more open and equitable society.

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“We honor him, and his hard-earned legacy as a freedom fighter, philosopher, and faithful shepherd of his family and community here in Chicago,” the mayor said in a statement.

Next week, Jackson will lie in honor at the South Carolina Statehouse, followed by public services. According to Rainbow PUSH’s agenda, Gov. Henry McMaster is expected to deliver remarks; however, the governor’s office said Thursday that his participation wasn’t yet confirmed. Jackson spent his childhood and started his activism in South Carolina.

Details on services in Washington have not yet been made public. However, he will not lie in honor at the United States Capitol rotunda after a request for the commemoration was denied by the House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office.

The two weeks of events will wrap up next week with a large celebration of life gathering at a Chicago megachurch and finally, homegoing services at the headquarters of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Family members said the services will be open to all.

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“Our family is overwhelmed and overjoyed by the amazing amount of support being offered by common, ordinary people who our father’s life has come into contact with,” his eldest son, Jesse Jackson Jr., said before the services began. “This is a unique opportunity to lay down some of the political rhetoric and to lay down some of the division that deeply divides our country and to reflect upon a man who brought people together.”

The family of the Rev. Jesse Jackson arrives as Yusep Jackson wipes his eyes before public visitation at Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago on Thursday.

The family of the Rev. Jesse Jackson arrives as Yusep Jackson wipes his eyes before public visitation at Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago on Thursday.

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The services included prayers from some of the city’s most well-known religious leaders, including Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich. Mourners of all ages — from toddlers in strollers to elderly people in wheelchairs — came to pay respects.

Video clips of his appearances at news conferences, the campaign trail and even “Sesame Street” also played inside the auditorium.

Claudette Redic, a retiree who lives in Chicago, said her family has respected Jackson, from backing his presidential ambitions to her son getting a scholarship from a program Jackson championed.

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“We have generations of support,” she said. “I’m hoping we continue.”

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