U.S. lawmakers have released emails from Jeffrey Epstein's estate mentioning President Donald Trump. These emails include exchanges between Epstein, his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and author Michael Wolff. The emails touch on relations and discussions involving Trump, while the White House maintains that President Trump was not involved in any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
More than 20,000 pages of documents from Jeffrey Epstein's estate have been released by U.S. lawmakers.
Some of these documents include emails that mention President Donald Trump.
Three email exchanges were specifically highlighted by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.
The emails are between Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, and between Epstein and author Michael Wolff.
Epstein mentioned the "dog that hasn't barked," referring to Trump, and discussed crafting responses about their relationship.
The White House states that Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein accuser, never mentioned Trump in any wrongdoing.
Republicans released additional documents to counter claims and narratives from the Democrats' release.
Further updates are expected as more documents are reviewed.
Some prominent figures in the MAGA movement have been quiet after Democrats released new emails involving President Trump and the late Jeffrey Epstein. The emails allege that Trump knew about Epstein's criminal activities, which Trump has denied. The political debate continues as Democrats and some Republicans push for further investigation into Epstein's connections.
Key Facts
New emails were released by Democrats mentioning President Trump in connection with Jeffrey Epstein.
The emails claim Trump "knew about the girls" and had spent time at Epstein's house.
President Trump denies any involvement in Epstein's crimes and notes a past disagreement with Epstein.
Prominent MAGA figures were mostly silent on social media after the email release.
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released these emails as part of their investigation.
House Republicans also released their documents and are debating next steps on probing the Epstein case.
A new House vote might force the Justice Department to release more documents on the Epstein investigation.
The Senate, led by Republicans, is unlikely to pass this measure if it clears the House.
A judge ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release over 300 people held without proper warrants in several states. This decision follows a lawsuit claiming ICE violated an agreement that prohibits detaining people without warrants in Illinois. The judge also instructed ICE to provide information on more detainees possibly held without warrants.
Key Facts
Judge Jeffrey Cummings ordered the release of 313 people detained by ICE without warrants.
The decision follows a lawsuit by the ACLU of Illinois and the National Immigrant Justice Center.
The lawsuit claims ICE violated an agreement against warrantless arrests in Illinois.
ICE must release 13 detainees immediately, who were agreed by both parties to be held improperly.
ICE must provide a status and risk assessment of 615 people they suspect were also detained without warrants.
By specific November deadlines, ICE must update lists and release more detainees deemed low risk.
Government lawyers may appeal the decision due to difficulties in gathering documents.
High-risk individuals among the detainees will remain in detention.
The House of Representatives passed a bill to reopen the U.S. government, which had been shut down. This bill needed bipartisan support to pass in the Senate due to voting rules. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill, which will fund the government until January 30.
Key Facts
The U.S. government shutdown was the longest in history, causing issues like flight delays and affecting food assistance benefits.
The House of Representatives passed a bill to fund the government until January 30.
Two Republicans, Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Greg Steube of Florida, voted against the bill in the House.
The Senate passed the bill with nearly all Republicans supporting it, except Senator Rand Paul.
Republicans have a majority in both the House and Senate, but the Senate needed some Democrat votes to pass the bill due to a rule requiring 60 votes.
Democrats opposed the bill because of concerns about expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, which will be addressed next month.
President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill into law.
President Donald Trump is exploring how to give Americans $2,000 payments using money gained from tariffs. While his team is looking into this plan, budget experts doubt it is feasible. The tariffs currently generate significant revenue, but experts say it isn't enough to cover the proposed payouts.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to give Americans $2,000 from tariff revenue.
White House staff is examining how to implement this plan.
A poll shows 67% of Americans disapprove of how Trump manages the economy.
Tariffs brought in $195 billion recently, up 153% from the previous year.
Experts say the tariff revenue isn't enough for the proposed $2,000 payments.
Trump's Treasury Secretary suggested the plan could result in tax cuts instead.
Legal challenges could affect the tariffs that fund this plan.
The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing Trump's ability to impose such tariffs.
Six Democrats in the House of Representatives voted for a bill to end the federal government shutdown. The shutdown has been the longest in U.S. history, causing disruptions like flight delays and affecting food assistance for many Americans. The bill now requires action from the Senate regarding healthcare tax credits.
Key Facts
Six House Democrats voted to end the government shutdown.
The shutdown is the longest in U.S. history.
Concerns include flight delays and effects on food assistance programs.
Most House Democrats opposed the bill due to healthcare concerns.
The Senate must vote on healthcare tax credits as part of the deal.
The shutdown debate involves healthcare policy disagreements.
A few Senate Democrats also supported the bill with Republicans.
Jared Golden, one of the Democrats who voted, voiced concerns about using shutdowns as a political strategy.
Emails from Jeffrey Epstein mentioning President Trump were released by House Democrats. The White House stated that these emails do not carry any significant meaning. President Trump referred to this as a distraction from the government shutdown.
Key Facts
House Democrats released emails from Jeffrey Epstein.
The emails mention President Trump.
The White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, stated the emails "prove absolutely nothing."
President Trump commented on the issue on his Truth Social platform.
President Trump called the situation a "hoax."
He suggested it was intended to distract from the ongoing government shutdown.
The U.S. Transportation Department decided not to increase flight reductions at 40 major airports. Improved staffing of air traffic controllers helped prevent the need for additional restrictions. The current reduction will stay at 6% instead of rising to 8%.
Key Facts
The U.S. Transportation Department stopped plans to increase flight reductions at 40 airports.
The decision was made because staffing conditions for air traffic controllers have improved.
Initially, there was a plan to raise the reduction from 6% to 8%.
The ongoing government shutdown had caused disruptions leading to pressure for resolution.
Recent improvements in controller attendance contributed to the decision.
The current flight reduction measure remains set at 6%.
The House of Representatives has come back to Washington, D.C., and is preparing to vote on a bill that aims to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The shutdown has been ongoing for several months, impacting federal operations.
Key Facts
The House of Representatives is meeting in Washington, D.C.
They are voting on a bill to stop the ongoing government shutdown.
The shutdown is the longest in U.S. history.
The shutdown has affected government functions and services.
Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins provided this report.
Joe Rogan commented on the $300 million cost to renovate the White House ballroom, calling it excessive. This project, led by President Trump, is a major expansion at the White House and is privately funded, aiming to replace temporary event tents with a permanent structure. The initiative has sparked debates about its necessity and the influence of donors.
Key Facts
Joe Rogan criticized the $300 million cost for renovating the White House ballroom.
President Donald Trump is behind the construction of a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom.
The ballroom will be used for big events, replacing temporary tents.
The renovations are privately funded and reportedly cost taxpayers nothing.
Some traditional public review processes were bypassed in approving the project.
The project is expected to finish before the end of Trump's current term.
Critics are concerned about donor influence and changes to the historic White House.
The White House claims the renovations will be a lasting legacy and are not a financial burden on taxpayers.
Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives have released new information about the federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. This includes emails and documents that could create new questions about President Donald Trump’s connections to Epstein.
Key Facts
U.S. House of Representatives lawmakers are involved in the release of information.
The information relates to the federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
A committee published emails and documents concerning Epstein.
These documents may raise questions about President Trump’s connections to Epstein.
The news was reported by Liz Landers, a White House correspondent.
As Thanksgiving nears, some grocery stores and organizations in the U.S. are offering ways to get free or discounted food. This is happening in response to economic challenges like high inflation and delays in SNAP benefits. Many Americans are looking for affordable ways to have Thanksgiving meals.
Key Facts
Inflation has increased grocery prices, partly due to new tariffs.
There have been delays in SNAP benefits, causing added financial stress for some families.
Local food banks and churches are offering free turkey meals for Thanksgiving.
Grocery stores like ShopRite, Acme, FoodTown, and BJ’s Wholesale Club have special promotions for free or discounted turkeys for customers who spend certain amounts.
Some grocery stores, by law, cannot offer exclusive discounts to SNAP recipients.
Dollar General has Thanksgiving meal deals like Buy Two, Get One Free on certain items.
Over 200 food banks across the country are distributing Thanksgiving meal kits without income requirements.
Nearly four dozen immigration judges have been removed by the Trump administration without explanation. This comes as U.S. immigration courts are experiencing a record number of pending cases. The firings raise concerns about the administration's strict immigration policies.
Key Facts
The Trump administration has fired nearly 48 immigration judges.
These firings occurred without any explanations given.
U.S. immigration courts currently face a record backlog of cases.
Many of the judges who were fired had backgrounds in defending immigrants.
The removals have led to questions about a possible connection to the administration's strict stance on immigration.
Former immigration judge Emmett Soper discussed these issues with Geoff Bennett.
Dana Williamson, who worked as an aide to California Governor Gavin Newsom, has been charged with stealing campaign funds from former Health Secretary Xavier Becerra. She is accused of setting up a scheme to take money from Becerra's campaign account, with the help of others, and using it for personal expenses. Williamson pleaded not guilty in court and faces multiple charges, which could lead to up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Key Facts
Dana Williamson is a former aide to California Governor Gavin Newsom.
She has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly stealing campaign money from Xavier Becerra.
The indictment claims Williamson and others funneled about $225,000 from Becerra's campaign account.
Williamson allegedly used a political consulting company to withdraw funds and falsely billed services.
Williamson also faces charges of falsifying business contracts to obtain COVID-19 relief loans.
She is accused of fraudulently claiming over $1 million in business deductions for personal expenses.
The investigation into the alleged scheme started over three years ago under the Biden administration.
If convicted, Williamson could face up to 20 years in prison.
House Democrats plan to use a discharge petition to force a vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits. This move requires support from some Republicans to succeed and aims to bypass House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has not promised a vote on the issue. Democrats propose a three-year extension, contrasting with bipartisan shorter-term proposals.
Key Facts
House Democrats want to use a discharge petition to extend ACA tax credits.
A discharge petition needs 218 signatures in the House to succeed.
Democrats have 214 members, so they need four Republicans to sign it.
The proposed ACA credits extension is for three years.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to a vote on this issue.
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced the plan.
The effort faces challenges as some centrist Republicans express opposition.
A recent government reopening deal involved a promise of a Senate vote on ACA credits.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was asked if Chuck Schumer should stay as Senate Minority Leader amidst talks of her possibly running against him in 2028. Schumer faces calls for change within his party during a lengthy government shutdown. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized broader party issues instead of focusing solely on leadership.
Key Facts
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat, was questioned about challenging Chuck Schumer's leadership.
Chuck Schumer is currently the Senate Minority Leader and is facing calls to step down.
Some Democrats are unhappy with Schumer for how he handled a crucial Senate vote related to the government shutdown.
Ocasio-Cortez highlighted that party issues are bigger than just one leader.
She mentioned that there are several Senate primaries coming up and encouraged participation.
Ocasio-Cortez, along with Bernie Sanders, criticized media focus on political gossip over policy issues.
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna has openly stated Schumer should be replaced due to ineffectiveness.
The U.S. Mint has printed its last penny, following President Donald Trump's decision to stop production due to high costs. While the penny will no longer be made, it remains legal to use, with billions still in circulation. Special final edition pennies will be auctioned, and the Treasury expects to save $56 million each year in material costs by stopping production.
Key Facts
The U.S. Mint produced its final penny at its Philadelphia location.
President Donald Trump ordered the halt in penny production because making them costs more than their value.
It costs about 3.69 cents to produce a penny, which is more than its one-cent value.
The decision to stop making pennies is expected to save $56 million annually.
Over 250 billion pennies are still in circulation and remain legal for transactions.
The last pennies will have a special mark and will be sold at auction.
Rare and special pennies, like the 1909-S VDB cent, are highly valued by collectors.
Some businesses may start rounding prices to the nearest nickel as pennies become less available.
Rep. Adelita Grijalva signed a petition demanding the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, reaching the required number of signatures for a House vote. Grijalva was sworn in as a new member of Congress, following a special election to fill her late father's seat.
Key Facts
Rep. Adelita Grijalva, a Democrat from Arizona, signed a petition on Wednesday.
The petition aims to force a House vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein-related files.
Grijalva's signature was the 218th, meeting the minimum needed to trigger a vote.
She became a new member of Congress after winning a special election in Arizona.
The House, under Speaker Mike Johnson, returned to session on the same day.
Grijalva filled the seat previously held by her late father.
Her swearing-in brought the House to a narrow Republican majority of 220-214.
Grijalva is committed to advocating for progressive policies.
Starting in 2026, student loan borrowers may face federal tax bills up to $10,000 due to the expiration of a tax exemption on forgiven student debt. This change affects people who expected to benefit from income-driven repayment programs, which previously provided tax-exempt debt forgiveness. U.S. senators are urging the government to find a solution to prevent financial harm to borrowers.
Key Facts
Starting in 2026, forgiven student loan debt will no longer be exempt from federal income tax.
The American Rescue Plan provided tax exemption on forgiven student debt, but this will end in 2025.
Borrowers could face federal tax bills between $5,800 and $10,000, depending on their debt amount.
U.S. senators, including Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, have warned about the financial impact on borrowers.
The Treasury and IRS are being urged to either extend the exemption or find another solution before 2025 ends.
The "Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act" introduces a new repayment plan with higher monthly payments.
The new rules could push many to switch repayment plans, affecting approximately 3 million current IDR borrowers.
A new poll suggests that Sherrod Brown, a former Democratic Senator, has improved his chances of winning a Senate seat in Ohio against Jon Husted. The poll indicates Brown is leading slightly, with support from independent voters and women. The state of Ohio, which currently leans conservative, will have political contests important for party control in the upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Sherrod Brown is a former Democratic Senator who served from 2007 to 2025.
Brown lost a Senate race last year to Republican Bernie Moreno.
Brown announced his 2026 Senate run and is challenging Jon Husted for the seat.
A recent poll shows Brown leading Husted with 48% compared to Husted's 45%.
Brown is favored by independent voters and has strong support from women.
The poll was conducted by Hart Research for the Ohio Federation of Teachers.
Democrats face challenges in the upcoming elections, needing to secure traditionally Republican seats.
Ohio has become more conservative, backing President Donald Trump heavily in recent elections.
