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An investment firm led by the billionaire Stephen Deckoff has bought two private islands in the U.S Virgin Islands previously owned by the late notorious sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein, Deckoff confirmed to CNBC on Wednesday. Forbes first reported that Deckoff, the founder of the private equity firm Black Diamond Capital Management, purchased the two islands for $60 million, less than half of their initial asking price. One of the islands was used by Epstein to sexually abuse young women for years, according to court filings. “Mr. Deckoff plans to develop a state-of-the-art, five-star, world-class luxury 25-room resort that will help...

The largest cut diamond in the world is about to go up for auction. The extraordinary jewel, nicknamed "The Enigma" is a billions-year-old Fancy Black diamond that is rumored to originate from space. According to the auction house, the stone is a carbonado black diamond, which are extremely rare, occur naturally, and usually date from 2.6 to 3.8 billion years old. It contains nitrogen and hydrogen but also a mineral called osbornite usually found in meteorites, which suggests an outer space connection. What that connection is exactly is unclear, however. Extraterrestrial diamonds from meteorites are tiny, usually nano-sized. This diamond...

Spring weather has delayed the Texas watermelon harvest, casting doubt on the supply ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Fields across the state are behind schedule due to weather, meaning peak sales for the summer holiday are in jeopardy statewide, growers say. Gary Collins first started growing watermelons 66 years ago. This season, he said, has been “pretty rough.” “Ground was cold, ground was real cold,” Collins said.

SALT LAKE COUNTY -- Deputies are looking for a man who robbed what he may have thought was a diamond company. Black Diamond Equipment actually manufactures climbing and skiing equipment. Salt Lake County sheriff's deputies say the robber entered the company on 3900 South near 2000 East early Saturday morning. The robber brandished an ice pick, threatened the shift manager and demanded precious metals and money. The Salt Lake Tribune reports the manager told the robber that the company does not deal in diamonds or precious metals. Lt. Don Hutson said, "Not sure if he was unfamiliar with what this...

It is an unfamiliar feeling for the woman they call Black Diamond. There is no gunfire. No armed teenagers are awaiting her command. She seems slightly bewildered. “I look around and I cannot see any guns.” She peers over each shoulder, and sweeps a strong, sleek arm cross 360 degrees of potholed roads and banana trees. Not a Kalashnikov in sight. “I cannot hear gunshots. I see change.” It has been four years since Black Diamond fired a rifle. Without her red beret, or a trigger resting underneath the long, bronze fingernails, there are few signs of the power –...