The U.S. Department of Justice has started releasing documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, following a new law. These files are not fully available yet, as some need more review to protect victims' privacy. This incomplete release has led to criticism from Congress, which expected all files to be released by a set deadline.
Key Facts
The Justice Department began releasing files on Jeffrey Epstein but did not release all of them.
A new law, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, requires these documents to be made public.
Some files were delayed to protect the privacy of Epstein's victims.
The law allows certain information to be hidden if it involves ongoing investigations or victim identities.
Congress set a 30-day deadline for the release of all unclassified Epstein files.
The release included a searchable database, but some materials were heavily blacked out.
Members of Congress criticized the incomplete release of documents.
Some parts and users of the search tool encountered issues accessing the files.
President Trump has paused the diversity visa program and other immigration processes following violent incidents involving those with certain visas. This move is part of a larger strategy to reduce legal immigration during his second term. The changes have affected various immigration programs and processes.
Key Facts
President Trump has paused the diversity visa program due to a recent incident involving a shooter who entered via this program.
The diversity visa program allows about 50,000 people to enter the U.S. each year.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) paused all asylum decisions after an incident involving an Afghan national.
Legal immigration processes paused due to new measures cover around 20% of people in the system following a travel ban.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalis was ended due to reported fraud.
The TPS decision impacts fewer than 1,000 people but has led to increased immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
DHS did not comment on the crackdown specifics but mentioned President Biden reinstating the diversity visa lottery after 2024.
The travel ban now affects nationals from 39 countries.
President Donald Trump announced agreements with major pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription drug prices in the United States. The deals aim to reduce costs by matching drug prices to those in the lowest-priced developed countries. Some drug prices will decrease significantly for Medicaid recipients and direct-to-consumer purchases.
Key Facts
President Trump announced deals to lower drug prices with major pharmaceutical companies.
The agreements aim to match U.S. drug prices with those of the cheapest developed countries.
U.S. patients currently pay much higher prices for drugs compared to other developed nations.
The deals will lower prices for some drugs sold to the Medicaid program and directly to consumers.
Participating companies include Bristol Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences, Merck, and others.
Companies involved can receive tariff exemptions for three years in exchange for the price cuts.
Merck will reduce prices for several drugs, including diabetes and cholesterol medications.
Some companies have pledged to invest over $150 billion in U.S. research and manufacturing.
President Donald Trump announced plans to lower fuel efficiency standards for cars, which he claims will make cars more affordable. Experts argue the changes might not save drivers money and could negatively impact the electric vehicle market in the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a plan to lower car fuel efficiency standards to 34.5 miles per gallon.
The previous standard, set by President Biden, was 50.4 miles per gallon.
Trump believes lowering standards could cut the cost of new cars by up to $1,000 each.
U.S. car manufacturers have already invested in meeting the old fuel efficiency standards.
Ford Motors expects a $19.5 billion impact due to reduced electric vehicle plans.
General Motors announced a $1.6 billion impact and laid off 3,400 employees at its EV sites.
Electric vehicles (EVs) make up less than 10% of the U.S. car market, below the global average of 25%.
The Trump administration has reduced grants for EV charging stations, drawing lawsuits from 16 states.
Erika Kirk, leader of the conservative group Turning Point USA, announced her support for Vice President JD Vance's potential run for president in 2028. She made the announcement during the group’s annual conference, suggesting that the organization aims to see Vance become the 48th president after President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Erika Kirk is the widow of Charlie Kirk and now leads Turning Point USA.
She expressed support for JD Vance's possible run for the presidency in 2028.
Vance is currently the Vice President of the United States.
Kirk made her statement at Turning Point USA's annual conference.
The group intends to keep Congress under Republican control next year.
If elected, Vance would become the 48th president, following President Donald Trump.
Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated in September.
Luigi Mangione's lawyer claims police and prosecutors incorrectly stated that Mangione's mother made a comment that she never actually said. Mangione is charged with the December 2024 fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and the case involves both federal and state charges.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione's lawyer says police and prosecutors wrongly claimed a statement from Mangione's mother.
The alleged false statement was about her suggesting her son could commit the crime.
Mangione faces charges for allegedly shooting the CEO of UnitedHealthcare in December 2024.
He was arrested in Pennsylvania five days after the shooting.
Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, and Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A fund has raised over $1.3 million for Mangione's legal defense.
Mangione's lawyers argue that his rights were violated, including not being read his Miranda rights.
A court hearing took place to discuss evidence and statements, with a ruling expected by May 18.
A Vanity Fair profile by Chris Whipple gives insight into White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and her role in President Trump's second term. The article shares candid opinions from Wiles about senior officials and President Trump.
Key Facts
Journalist Chris Whipple wrote a profile for Vanity Fair.
The profile is based on 11 interviews with Susie Wiles, the White House Chief of Staff.
The article provides details about President Trump's second term.
Wiles shares honest opinions about senior White House officials.
The profile includes a notable description of President Trump.
President Trump is trying to improve his low approval ratings related to the economy. The Department of Justice is starting to release documents about Jeffrey Epstein. The Kennedy Center is undergoing a name change.
Key Facts
President Trump is working to improve his approval ratings on economic issues.
The Department of Justice has begun releasing files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The Kennedy Center is being renamed.
New York Times columnist David Brooks and Jonathan Capehart participated in a political discussion.
The discussion took place on MS NOW with Geoff Bennett.
PBS News Hour is closing its Phoenix bureau, which has been operating for six years. This bureau provided news coverage and broadcasts for Pacific time zone stations.
Key Facts
PBS News Hour's Phoenix bureau is closing.
The bureau had been operating for six years.
It served the Pacific time zone with updated broadcasts.
The bureau provided news coverage from the Phoenix area.
The closure marks the end of a successful partnership.
The Department of Justice released a large number of records related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The release, required by a new law, includes photos of former President Bill Clinton, which have sparked reactions from supporters of President Donald Trump's MAGA movement. The bipartisan law mandated the release, despite opposition from President Trump and other Republican leaders.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice released files related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
A new bipartisan law called the Epstein Files Transparency Act required the release.
The law was passed by both the House and Senate with strong support.
The release includes thousands of documents, such as photos, call logs, and interviews.
Prominent Trump supporters reacted to photos of Bill Clinton included in the files.
The Trump administration initially opposed releasing the files, calling it a "hoax."
President Trump once had past social ties with Epstein but had a falling out later.
The released documents are available on the DOJ website under the specified act.
President Trump's name was recently added to the facade of the Kennedy Center. The change occurred after President Trump replaced the center's board members with his allies, who then voted to make him chairman. This decision is likely to cause debate, especially in Washington DC.
Key Facts
President Trump's name is now on the Kennedy Center's facade.
Crews worked on adding his name after a board vote.
President Trump replaced all previous board members with his allies.
The board voted to make Trump the chairman of the center.
The Kennedy Center is a famous landmark in Washington DC.
The center was originally named after President John F. Kennedy.
The decision to add Trump's name is expected to cause controversy, particularly in DC.
Former Utah Senator Mitt Romney, a Republican, supported the idea of raising taxes on wealthy individuals in a New York Times opinion piece. This move aligns him with a view often held by progressive Democrats, showing a shift in tax policy discussions. Romney argues this change is necessary due to concerns about national debt and wealth inequality.
Key Facts
Mitt Romney, a former Utah Senator and 2012 Republican presidential nominee, supports raising taxes on wealthy people.
Romney expressed this view in an opinion piece in the New York Times.
He has changed his stance on increasing the income cap for FICA payroll taxes.
Romney used a hypothetical example involving Elon Musk to argue against current tax policies for the rich.
He believes wealthy Americans should contribute more to address economic problems.
Romney’s stance differs from traditional Republican views on taxes and fiscal policy.
His comments come amid ongoing debates over tax policy in Washington, D.C.
Romney urges the Republican Party to consider his approach to support working- and middle-class Americans.
Erika Kirk endorsed JD Vance for the 2028 presidential election at the Turning Point USA event. The event highlighted internal tensions within the conservative movement, with disputes between prominent figures. President Trump is currently in office, and the event marks early moves to choose his successor for 2028.
Key Facts
Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, endorsed JD Vance for the 2028 presidential race.
JD Vance is currently the U.S. Vice President but has not announced his intention to run.
The endorsement happened at the Turning Point USA's America Fest conference in Arizona.
Turning Point USA is an organization founded by Charlie Kirk to support conservative initiatives.
Ben Shapiro criticized several conservative media figures at the event, leading to tense exchanges.
The event showcased internal conflicts within the Republican party and the broader conservative movement.
The conference featured guest speakers like JD Vance and Donald Trump Jr.
President Trump, the 47th U.S. President, won his second term in the 2024 election.
Rep. Elise Stefanik has decided to stop her campaign for governor of New York and will not run for Congress again. She plans to focus more on her family and has chosen to step away from a challenging primary race against Bruce Blakeman.
Key Facts
Rep. Elise Stefanik has halted her campaign for New York governor.
She will not seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Stefanik is an ally of President Donald Trump.
She planned to face Bruce Blakeman in the Republican primary.
Stefanik decided to prioritize spending time with her young son over political campaigns.
President Trump did not endorse either candidate, stating both are "great people."
Democrats in the House are considering legal actions because the Department of Justice (DOJ) has not released all documents related to Jeffrey Epstein by the set deadline. The DOJ plans to release a large number of documents soon but says it needs time to protect victims' privacy. Lawmakers are upset because they believe the DOJ is not following a law passed to make these documents public.
Key Facts
Democrats from House Judiciary and Oversight committees are looking into legal actions against the DOJ.
The DOJ has not met the legal deadline to release all documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
A top DOJ official said "several hundred thousand" documents will be released soon.
The DOJ is working to remove sensitive information to protect privacy.
The deadline for document release was set by a recent law passed by Congress.
Lawmakers argue that the DOJ is defying federal law by missing the deadline.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Rep. Thomas Massie warned about consequences for not complying with the law.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) released documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, but many were heavily redacted, causing public frustration. The release was part of a law signed by President Donald Trump requiring transparency on Epstein’s case. Some Democrats have criticized the DOJ for not fully complying with the deadline to release all documents.
Key Facts
The DOJ released the Epstein files with significant redactions shortly before a deadline set by law.
President Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act requiring these documents to be released by December 19.
Democrats accuse President Trump and the DOJ of not following federal law for not releasing all files.
The release includes photos, court documents, and other materials about Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Public and online reaction was largely negative due to the extensive redactions seen in many documents.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the importance of protecting victims’ privacy in the released documents.
An 18-year-old high school senior named Aundre Matthews has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing his 16-year-old classmate, Andrew Meismer, during a fight at their school in Baytown, Texas. The incident reportedly started over a disagreement about a stolen vape pen, and Matthews is being held with a bond set at $3 million. The prosecution has requested a hearing to argue for denying bond.
Key Facts
Aundre Matthews, 18, is charged with the murder of his classmate, Andrew Meismer, 16.
The incident took place at Ross S. Sterling High School in Baytown, Texas.
The argument reportedly started over a $21 THC vape pen.
Matthews' bond was set at $3 million; the defense wanted $500,000.
The judge scheduled a hearing to decide on the request to deny bond completely.
Witnesses reported seeing a fight and Meismer being stabbed with scissors.
Matthews claimed Meismer hit him first and that he found the scissors in Meismer's pocket.
The school district emphasized its commitment to student safety and due process.
On Friday, the Kennedy Center changed its name to include President Donald Trump alongside John F. Kennedy after the center's board, chosen by Trump, voted for the change. The center is now called The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.
Key Facts
The Kennedy Center's name now includes both Donald Trump and John F. Kennedy.
The change was made after a vote by the board of trustees.
The vote by the board of trustees was unanimous.
President Donald Trump selected the members of the board.
This decision was made to honor both Trump and Kennedy, former U.S. presidents.
Workers used blue tarps to hide the scaffolding as they put up the new name.
The name change was completed in Washington, D.C., on December 19, 2025.
The Trump administration reacted after the Department of Justice released a large number of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, following the bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act. President Trump had previously promised to release these files despite initial opposition. The files reveal connections with many high-profile individuals, although no evidence ties President Trump to Epstein's crimes.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice released many files about Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
The release happened because of a bipartisan law called the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The law was passed with strong support in both the House and Senate.
President Trump initially opposed the release but later called for more investigations.
Files show Epstein's connections with various famous people, but President Trump is not linked to any illegal activities.
Many of the documents and photos released were heavily edited to hide certain details.
Prior releases included photos involving well-known figures, though none were accused of crimes related to Epstein.
