President Donald Trump initially tried to stop a House vote on releasing files related to Jeffrey Epstein. He later changed his stance, and the measure is now likely to pass. Survivors and a U.S. Congresswoman criticized Trump for his initial opposition.
Key Facts
President Trump tried to block a House vote on releasing Epstein-related files.
He dropped his opposition on Sunday.
The measure related to the files is expected to pass with strong support.
Survivors of Epstein's abuse criticized President Trump for initially opposing the release.
U.S. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene also criticized Trump’s initial actions.
President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 38% in a recent poll. The survey shows low support for his handling of issues related to Jeffrey Epstein and the cost of living. This poll included responses from more than 1,000 adults in the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating is now at 38%, a decrease from 40% earlier this month.
The poll was conducted by Reuters/Ipsos from November 14 to 17, including 1,017 U.S. adults.
The margin of error for the poll is plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Only 20% of respondents approve of Trump's handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
59% disapprove of Trump's handling of the Epstein files, while 21% are unsure.
Less than half of Republicans (44%) approve of how Trump is handling the Epstein issue.
Only 26% of respondents believe Trump is managing the cost of living well.
Nearly two-thirds, or 65%, disapprove of Trump's performance in handling the cost of living.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has decided to support a petition requiring the Justice Department to release files about Jeffrey Epstein. This decision follows President Trump's public support for the release, reversing Johnson's previous stance against it. The vote to release these files is expected to have full Republican support.
Key Facts
House Speaker Mike Johnson originally opposed releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files but now supports it.
President Trump's endorsement influenced Johnson's change of course.
The Republican Party is expected to unanimously back the vote for releasing the files.
Initially, Johnson used tactics to delay and avoid the vote on the files.
Johnson argued the petition was unnecessary because of an ongoing House investigation.
Johnson mentioned concerns about protecting Epstein's victims with the release.
The bill allows the DOJ to remove sensitive details and materials that could harm victims.
The U.S. House of Representatives nearly unanimously approved a bill to release the Epstein files, with only one Republican, Clay Higgins, voting against it. The documents are linked to the late Jeffrey Epstein, who faced sex trafficking charges. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it may be amended to address privacy concerns.
Key Facts
The House of Representatives voted 427-1 to release the Epstein files.
Jeffrey Epstein died in jail in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges.
There have been persistent rumors about an unreleased Epstein "client list."
President Trump expressed support for releasing the documents.
Representative Clay Higgins voted against the bill due to concerns about privacy for innocent people.
The bill's release is part of an ongoing investigation by the Oversight Committee.
The bill now goes to the Senate, where possible amendments may address privacy issues.
House Speaker Mike Johnson believes the Senate will amend the bill to protect victims and whistleblowers.
A bill to require the release of Jeffrey Epstein's files passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is moving to the Senate. The bill seeks to make public potential information related to Epstein's activities. President Trump has indicated he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.
Key Facts
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 427-1 to pass the bill to release Epstein files.
The files relate to the late Jeffrey Epstein, who faced sex trafficking charges before his death in 2019.
Representative Thomas Massie introduced the petition for the files' release.
The bill must now pass the Senate before reaching President Trump.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) may use legal privileges to block the release.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said amendments may be needed to protect victims and whistleblowers.
The DOJ could argue using law enforcement or executive privilege to withhold the files.
Released emails reveal Epstein’s past comments and interactions involving President Trump.
President Donald Trump's recent comments about Nick Fuentes and Tucker Carlson have created tension within the Republican Party over issues of antisemitism. Trump did not criticize Fuentes, a white nationalist, and praised Carlson, leading to discontent among some conservative groups. This situation reflects ongoing challenges within the party about handling controversial figures and antisemitism.
Key Facts
President Trump did not criticize Nick Fuentes, a white nationalist, and praised Tucker Carlson.
Fuentes made comments about "organized Jewry in America" during an interview with Carlson.
President Trump has been criticized for not distancing himself from right-wing figures with controversial views.
The conservative Zionist Organization of America expressed disappointment in Trump's remarks.
The Heritage Foundation faced backlash for not distancing itself from Carlson, leading to a resignation from its board of trustees.
Trump has previously supported moves related to Israel, such as relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.
The ongoing controversy highlights divisions within the Republican Party about addressing antisemitism.
Senator Bernie Sanders is pushing Senate Democrats to support a broad health care plan in negotiations with Republicans. The plan includes extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, reducing drug prices, and expanding Medicare. Republicans suggest any extension should be temporary and come with changes.
Key Facts
Senator Bernie Sanders is urging Democrats to support an extensive health care proposal.
The proposal aims to extend ACA tax credits, repeal $1 trillion in GOP health care cuts, expand Medicare, and lower drug prices.
Republicans propose that any extension of the tax credits should be short term and include reforms.
If Congress does not renew subsidies, ACA premiums could more than double next year.
The government shutdown has increased health care's importance as a political issue.
Sanders’ committee will be part of talks with Republicans on extending the tax credits.
Sanders acknowledged his Medicare For All idea lacks majority support but suggests important reforms.
Sanders suggests Democrats should also focus on primary care services, ban certain financial practices, and reduce CEO pay in health care.
Kevin J. Lino, already serving time for two murders, faces new charges in Massachusetts for two additional homicides from 2010 and 2012. Authorities are labeling Lino a serial killer, which means someone who has killed two or more people in separate incidents. Lino pleaded not guilty, and investigations are ongoing to see if there are more victims.
Key Facts
Kevin J. Lino has been charged with two additional murders from 2010 and 2012 in Massachusetts.
He was previously convicted of murders in Boston (2012) and Montana (2014).
Lino pleaded not guilty to the recent charges.
The term "serial killer" is used when someone kills two or more people in separate events.
Authorities linked Lino to the 2010 murder of Gary Melanson through new evidence.
Police also suspect Lino poisoned Douglas Clarke in 2012, causing a fatal overdose.
Investigators suspect there might be more victims linked to Lino.
Both new victims were unhoused individuals living in Massachusetts at the time of their deaths.
Federal judges have blocked Texas from using a new congressional map that was designed to help Republicans gain more U.S. House seats. The judges decided the map was racially gerrymandered, violating voting rights. The decision came after groups argued the map reduced minority voting power, and the judges agreed it could have a legal chance to win.
Key Facts
A panel of three federal judges ruled against a new congressional map in Texas.
The new map aimed to give Republicans five more seats in the U.S. House.
The judges found evidence that the map was racially gerrymandered.
Gerrymandering is drawing political boundaries to favor one party over others.
The decision followed a trial focusing on violations of the Voting Rights Act.
The court ruling blocks the use of this map for upcoming elections in Texas.
The case is part of a larger national debate over redistricting by political parties.
The U.S. Supreme Court had previously allowed partisan gerrymandering in general.
President Donald Trump addressed the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and said that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "knew nothing about it." He also defended the Crown Prince and dismissed a reporter's question on the topic as "fake news."
Key Facts
President Donald Trump spoke about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a meeting in the Oval Office.
Trump said the Crown Prince did not know about the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Khashoggi was killed in 2018.
Trump described the criticism of the Crown Prince by saying "things happen."
The President criticized a reporter for asking about the incident, calling her "fake news."
Trump mentioned some people did not like Khashoggi.
Around 21,000 students in Charlotte, North Carolina, did not attend school due to fears stemming from a large immigration enforcement operation by ICE and Border Patrol. This operation, part of President Trump's administration's plans, has raised concerns among local officials and educators about its impact on families and the community. Local organizations are providing support as many families are concerned about safety and economic challenges.
Key Facts
About 21,000 students in Charlotte missed school on a Monday due to fears about ICE enforcement actions.
The operation, known as Operation Charlotte’s Web, is a large immigration crackdown.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District has around 141,000 students enrolled.
Local officials and educators are worried about how this affects students and families.
Parents are missing work to keep their children at home, leading to financial strain.
ICE says the operations are part of broader plans under the current administration.
Local organizations are helping with resources and support for affected families.
The U.S. Education Department is moving some of its large grant programs to other federal agencies as part of President Donald Trump's plan to shut down the department. Key programs, including those for K-12 schools, will now be managed by the Department of Labor, while oversight of student loans will remain with the Education Department.
Key Facts
The Trump administration plans to close the U.S. Education Department.
The department is transferring major grant programs to other agencies.
The Department of Labor will oversee funding for K-12 schools, including Title I for low-income communities.
Two significant roles regarding student loans and college accreditation will stay with the Education Department.
The Education Department’s role is being reduced without needing Congress to act.
Other agencies, like Health and Human Services and the State Department, will take on additional education-related programs.
The administration believes this move will cut bureaucracy and bring education control back to states.
There is concern that transferring responsibilities could disrupt programs for vulnerable student populations.
A group of federal judges ruled that Texas cannot use a new voting map created by Republicans. This map was meant to increase their seats in the U.S. House, but the court found it was illegally biased against certain racial groups.
Key Facts
Judges said Texas cannot use the new congressional map created by Republicans.
The ruling stated the map was a racial gerrymander, which means it unfairly changed district lines based on race.
This decision affects President Donald Trump’s efforts to redraw political maps in favor of Republicans.
The court’s 2-1 ruling is temporary, blocking the map for now.
Civil rights groups challenging the map are seen to have a good chance of winning in the long run.
The decision impacts the 2026 U.S. House elections in Texas.
The case is part of a broader political effort to maintain a Republican majority in the House of Representatives.
President Trump’s administration is moving to break up the U.S. Education Department by transferring many of its programs to other federal agencies. Although the department's responsibilities are being shifted, it will still manage the country's student loan system, which is valued at $1.6 trillion.
Key Facts
President Trump intends to dismantle the U.S. Education Department by reallocating its programs to other federal departments.
Federal student loans will continue to be managed by the Education Department.
Major education programs will move to the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Interior, and State.
Labor will manage education funding for low-income communities and teacher training.
Health and Human Services will handle grants related to student parents and medical school accreditation.
Interior will manage Native American education initiatives, and State will oversee foreign language programs.
The initiative involves significant staff reductions at the Education Department.
Critics express concern over the potential disruption to education programs and legal questions about the transfers.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia praised Jeffrey Epstein's abuse survivors for their bravery. She defended her actions against criticism from President Donald Trump over her support for releasing more Justice Department files related to Epstein.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene is a representative from Georgia.
She supports the release of more Justice Department files on Jeffrey Epstein.
Greene commended Epstein’s survivors for their bravery.
President Donald Trump criticized Greene for her advocacy.
Greene spoke at a news conference with other representatives and survivors.
The news conference took place on Capitol Hill.
Greene mentioned the importance of challenging powerful figures, like the President.
The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on a proposal to release documents related to investigations of Jeffrey Epstein. President Trump initially opposed but now supports the release after some pushback. If passed by the House, the measure requires Senate approval to take effect.
Key Facts
The House of Representatives plans to vote on releasing "Epstein files" from investigations into Jeffrey Epstein.
President Trump, after previously opposing, now says he supports the release of the files.
Survivors of Epstein's abuse are in Washington, D.C. to support the measure.
The resolution needs approval from both the House and Senate.
Images advocating for the release were projected on buildings near Capitol Hill.
Some released documents already mention Trump and other well-known figures without indicating wrongdoing.
The House Oversight Committee has previously released Epstein-related documents, mainly emails.
The measure's future depends on the Senate's actions after House approval.
A man attacked a woman by setting her on fire during an argument on a Chicago train. The woman, aged 26, is in critical condition, and police are searching for the suspect. The incident happened as the train arrived at the Clark and Lake station.
Key Facts
The attack took place on a Chicago L train's Blue Line.
A man in his 40s poured an unknown liquid on a 26-year-old woman and set her on fire.
The incident occurred after an argument between the man and the woman.
The man fled the scene when the train reached the Clark and Lake station.
The woman collapsed on the platform and was taken to a hospital.
No arrests had been made by the following morning.
The authorities have not released the name of the victim.
The incident has occurred amid a decrease in violent crime compared to pandemic-era highs.
The Department of Transportation warned California about possible "decertification" of thousands of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) unless it meets federal requirements. This action follows California revoking around 17,000 CDLs issued to immigrants due to concerns over compliance with federal regulations. The changes could impact the jobs of many drivers and federal funding in the state.
Key Facts
The Department of Transportation warned California about potential "decertification" of thousands of CDLs.
California revoked around 17,000 commercial driver's licenses issued to immigrants.
The state’s CDL program could be decertified, affecting its economy and transportation.
Federal funding for highways might be withheld if California does not meet requirements.
New federal rules restrict CDL eligibility to certain visa holders, reducing eligible noncitizen drivers.
The changes follow a federal audit citing discrepancies in California’s license issuance.
Concerns raised include public safety, compliance with federal law, and impacts on the trucking industry.
The U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote on releasing all remaining files related to Jeffrey Epstein. President Trump has encouraged House Republicans to support the release, marking a change from his earlier stance on the matter. This vote is part of ongoing discussions about transparency and political motivations related to the Epstein case.
Key Facts
The House of Representatives is voting on Tuesday to release all remaining files about Jeffrey Epstein.
Some files have been released before, but many are still sealed.
President Donald Trump has asked House Republicans to vote in favor of releasing these files.
The vote is scheduled to start at 2pm (19:00 GMT) and end at 8:15pm (01:15 GMT on Wednesday).
President Trump has changed his position; he previously advised against releasing the files.
There is a division within the Republican Party on whether to release the files.
Some Republicans and Democrats have gathered enough signatures to force a vote.
Emails mentioning President Trump have been released, some of which he denies substance to.
A staff member in Senator Tammy Duckworth's office was fired for allegedly tricking the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release an undocumented immigrant. The employee falsely claimed to be the immigrant's lawyer and used a falsified form to secure the release. Senator Duckworth stated that neither she nor her team authorized these actions.
Key Facts
The staff member, Edward York, worked as a Constituent Outreach Coordinator in Senator Duckworth's office.
York allegedly claimed he was the lawyer of Jose Ismael Ayuzo Sandoval, an undocumented immigrant, to DHS.
Sandoval is a Mexican national with a criminal history and has been deported from the U.S. four times before.
York used a forged G-28 form, which is meant for legal representation, to arrange for Sandoval's release.
York entered an ICE facility in St. Louis, Illinois, on October 29 and made these claims.
Duckworth's office terminated York's employment effective November 17.
Senator Duckworth confirmed she had no prior knowledge of York’s actions and did not authorize them.
