Melania Trump, the First Lady, spoke publicly from the White House to deny having a close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
Key Facts
Melania Trump is the First Lady of the United States.
She made a public statement from the White House.
Melania Trump denied having a close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
Ghislaine Maxwell is associated with Jeffrey Epstein.
The announcement was made during a rare public address.
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Congress members are looking at President Trump's words and actions about Iran. Democrats tried to limit his power to make war decisions in Iran, but Republicans stopped them. Concerns are growing about some strong language used by President Trump.
Key Facts
Democrats attempted to limit President Trump's authority to act in Iran without Congress.
Republicans in Congress blocked the Democrats' effort.
The issue will be reconsidered when Congress returns from recess.
Some of President Trump's allies are worried about his language regarding Iran.
President Trump used the phrase "a whole civilization will die" this week.
Concerns are primarily about President Trump's rhetoric and war powers concerning Iran.
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U.S. Representative Thomas Massie responded to First Lady Melania Trump's call for public testimony from Jeffrey Epstein's survivors by emphasizing that Congress has already held hearings. Massie believes the focus should now move to criminal prosecutions, which is the responsibility of the Justice Department.
Key Facts
First Lady Melania Trump called for Congress to allow Epstein’s survivors to testify publicly.
Thomas Massie, a Congressman from Kentucky, said Congress has already provided opportunities for this testimony.
Massie argues that prosecution should be the focus now, shifting responsibility to the Justice Department.
A recent poll found 87% of Americans support criminal investigations into U.S. individuals connected to the Epstein case.
Melania Trump denied any personal involvement with Epstein in a public statement.
Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna have previously worked on the bipartisan Epstein Act to increase transparency in the case.
Massie criticized the Justice Department’s past handling of testimonies and called for immediate prosecutions.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is currently in charge of the Justice Department, after previously being President Trump's personal lawyer.
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A federal judge stopped the Trump administration from ending legal protections for about 5,000 Ethiopians living in the U.S. The judge said the administration did not follow proper legal procedures when trying to revoke their Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This ruling is part of a larger effort by President Trump's administration to restrict immigration.
Key Facts
A federal judge blocked the end of TPS for about 5,000 Ethiopians.
District Judge Brian Murphy issued the ruling, stating the administration ignored legal procedures.
TPS allows people from certain countries to live and work in the U.S. when their home country is unsafe.
President Trump aimed to end TPS designations for 13 countries.
TPS for Ethiopians was first granted in 2022 due to humanitarian issues.
An executive order by Trump in January 2025 directed DHS to review TPS designations.
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U.S. lawmakers want former Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about how the government managed files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Bondi refuses to appear, even after a subpoena. President Trump’s administration faces criticism for handling the Epstein files.
Key Facts
U.S. House Democrats want Pam Bondi to testify about Jeffrey Epstein files.
Bondi was subpoenaed but has not appeared for questioning.
Pam Bondi was fired as U.S. Attorney General on April 2.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act requires government transparency on these files.
Congressman Robert Garcia warns Bondi may face contempt of Congress for noncompliance.
President Trump previously called investigations into Epstein files a "hoax."
Critics argue the Trump administration withheld or heavily redacted documents related to Epstein.
A YouGov poll shows 56% disapprove of Trump's handling of Epstein files.
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First Lady Melania Trump stated she had no relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. She called the claims untrue and asked Congress to have public hearings for Epstein’s victims.
Key Facts
Melania Trump spoke from the White House.
She denied having a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
First Lady Melania Trump mentioned only having casual contact with Ghislaine Maxwell.
She urged the US Congress to hold public hearings for Epstein's victims.
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President Donald Trump criticized several conservative media figures who were once his supporters, calling them "nut jobs" and "losers." He posted a statement on Truth Social accusing them of opposing his views on Iran and seeking attention after leaving TV jobs.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones.
Trump called these media figures "nut jobs" and "losers."
Trump accused them of opposing his stance on Iran.
He claimed they are trying to gain attention through podcasts and online platforms.
Trump stated they had been removed from TV and promoted by what he called "fake news" outlets.
He individually mocked each commentator for various reasons.
Trump argued that their opposition to military action in Iran is against his agenda.
This is a developing story and more updates are expected.
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A new poll indicates Vice President JD Vance is leading over California Governor Gavin Newsom in a possible presidential race in 2028. The poll suggests close competition between potential candidates from both parties, with some voters undecided.
Key Facts
The poll was conducted by UMass Lowell / YouGov and released on Thursday.
JD Vance leads Gavin Newsom with 36% to 33% in a hypothetical 2028 presidential race.
12% of the surveyed people are undecided, and 17% say they would not vote.
The poll surveyed 1,000 American adults from March 26 to March 30, 2026.
The margin of error for the poll is 4.05%.
Vance also leads over Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez with the same percentage as Newsom.
Gavin Newsom leads over Tucker Carlson in another hypothetical matchup.
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In a rare public speech, First Lady Melania Trump denied any links to Jeffrey Epstein. She called for Congress to hold a hearing for Epstein's survivors and emphasized that she was not a victim or participant in any activities associated with Epstein or his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Key Facts
Melania Trump denied any connections or relationships with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
She stated she never met Epstein until an event with President Trump in 2000.
An email between Melania and Maxwell was labeled as casual correspondence, according to Melania.
The Department of Justice released documents this year containing information about Epstein's associates, including President Trump's past friendship with Epstein.
Melania’s name has not surfaced in any legal documents related to Epstein's crimes.
Melania urged Congress to hold a hearing for Epstein's survivors.
The First Lady’s public address coincided with broader investigations into Epstein's affairs.
Melania and her lawyers have addressed and countered claims linking her to Epstein.
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March was the hottest month in the continental U.S. in over 130 years, according to federal weather data. Temperatures were significantly higher than usual, and an upcoming El Niño event could further increase global temperatures.
Key Facts
March 2023 was the hottest March for the continental U.S. since record-keeping began 132 years ago.
The average temperature in March was 50.85 degrees Fahrenheit (10.47 degrees Celsius).
This temperature was 9.35 F (5.19 C) higher than the 20th-century average for March.
The amount by which March's temperature exceeded normal values set a record for any month in history in the U.S.
Forecasts suggest that the developing El Niño might become very strong, potentially increasing global temperatures further.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provided these records and findings.
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The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the National Football League (NFL) to see if it is involved in practices that reduce competition and potentially harm consumers. Concerns involve the accessibility of sports broadcasts, especially with more games moving from free TV to paid streaming services.
Key Facts
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the NFL for possible anticompetitive practices.
Concerns have been raised about difficulties consumers face in watching sports games.
There is a trend of selling broadcast rights from free TV to paid streaming services.
The NFL states that over 87% of its games are aired on free broadcast television.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing the shift of live sports broadcasting to paid services.
The FCC reports it could cost over $1,500 for consumers to watch all NFL games on different services.
A 1961 law allows major sports leagues like the NFL to sell TV rights as a package, exempt from some antitrust laws.
U.S. Senator Mike Lee has asked for a review of the NFL's antitrust exemptions.
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President Trump stated he was not aware of First Lady Melania Trump's speech, where she denied any connection to Jeffrey Epstein. Despite his statement, a spokesperson for Melania Trump mentioned that President Trump did know about the planned statement.
Key Facts
President Trump said he did not know about Melania Trump's speech denying ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
The speech took place on a Thursday afternoon at the White House.
President Trump was in a meeting discussing the Iran war when asked about the speech.
A spokesperson for Melania Trump confirmed that President Trump knew she would make a statement.
The story is labeled as breaking news, meaning more updates might follow.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reorganizing the U.S. Forest Service. This change will close or consolidate many Forest Service facilities across the country and shift its headquarters to Salt Lake City. The plan includes creating state-based leadership to better manage forest operations.
Key Facts
The USDA announced a reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service.
Headquarters will move from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City.
The plan introduces state-based leadership instead of regional offices.
15 state directors will manage Forest Service operations across multiple states.
Facilities in 31 states, including places like Huntsville, Anchorage, and Seattle, will close.
Some research facilities will shut down, but this doesn't stop research efforts.
The changes aim to simplify management and improve local responses.
The restructuring will happen over several phases with unknown further relocations.
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In West Virginia, some residents face high electric bills that are more expensive than their mortgage payments. Rebecca Michalski, who lives on a fixed income, struggles to pay her $940.08 bill despite using energy-saving methods.
Key Facts
Some electric bills in West Virginia are higher than mortgage payments.
Rebecca Michalski's February electric bill was $940.08.
Michalski lives on a fixed income.
She uses energy-saving practices like turning off lights during the day.
Michalski took out a loan after receiving a cut-off notice from her electric company.
West Virginia experienced extended cold weather, increasing heating costs.
Critics are concerned about the costs linked to keeping coal plants open.
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First Lady Melania Trump issued a statement denying any connection to Jeffrey Epstein or his criminal activities. She addressed and rejected claims linking her to Epstein, pointing out these are baseless and false. Melania Trump also called for Congress to hold public hearings for Epstein's victims.
Key Facts
Melania Trump denied having any ties to Jeffrey Epstein or knowledge of his criminal activities.
Melania stated that she met Epstein once in 2000 at an event with Donald Trump.
She clarified that her name has not appeared in any legal documents related to the Epstein case.
Melania's statement emphasized that social media images and stories linking her to Epstein are false.
She mentioned that she has never been on Epstein's plane or visited his private island.
Melania called for Congress to hold hearings for Epstein's victims to share their stories publicly.
Several entities have retracted false claims about her following legal actions.
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The Virginia State Police (VSP) responded to false viral claims that they are confiscating guns. They affirmed there are no plans or legislative proposals for door-to-door firearm confiscation in Virginia.
Key Facts
The Virginia State Police addressed online rumors about gun confiscation, calling them false.
The rumors arose in a tense political environment in the U.S. around gun rights.
Approximately 45% of Virginia households own a gun.
VSP stated they are committed to public safety and protecting civil liberties.
Superintendent Colonel Jeffrey S. Katz clarified there is no proposal for door-to-door confiscation.
Gun removal by police only happens in cases involving crimes or illegal possession.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has proposed legislation on firearms, but none involve mandatory confiscation.
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First Lady Melania Trump denied any links to Jeffrey Epstein, saying that claims connecting them should stop. She asked for Congress to hold hearings for Epstein's trafficking victims to share their stories. Melania also clarified she only briefly met Epstein in 2000 and dismissed rumors about her knowing Ghislaine Maxwell or being a victim.
Key Facts
Melania Trump denied any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
She called for congressional hearings for Epstein's trafficking victims.
Melania stated she only briefly met Epstein in 2000 and wasn't involved in his activities.
She dismissed online rumors claiming Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump.
Melania clarified she did not know Ghislaine Maxwell beyond a brief email exchange.
California Representative Robert Garcia supported Melania's call for public hearings.
President Trump previously acknowledged knowing Epstein but stated he banned him from Mar-a-Lago.
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A new poll shows that First Lady Melania Trump's favorability rating has dropped to the lowest point recorded for a modern first lady. CNN's data analyst, Harry Enten, notes that her unfavorable view is higher than past first ladies at similar times in their husbands' presidencies.
Key Facts
Melania Trump's net favorability rating is at its lowest ever for a modern first lady.
CNN's Harry Enten shared polling data showing her unfavorable views exceed favorable ones by at least 12 points.
Past first ladies had more positive favorability ratings during similar periods in their husbands' presidencies.
Melania Trump was previously viewed more favorably during President Donald Trump's first term, with her rating now significantly lower.
President Donald Trump's own favorability ratings have also decreased recently, with only 39% of respondents viewing him favorably.
The polling data highlights possible challenges for the Trump administration as midterm elections approach.
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First Lady Melania Trump made a surprise statement denying any links to Jeffrey Epstein, drawing widespread attention. She addressed what she called "lies" connecting her to Epstein and received mixed reactions from the public and media.
Key Facts
First Lady Melania Trump made a public statement about Jeffrey Epstein.
She denied any links to Epstein and called for the end of related "lies."
The statement was made from the White House and aired in a televised message.
The fertility rate in the United States has reached a record low, showing a continued decline over the past two decades. In 2025, the fertility rate was 53.1 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44, a slight decrease from the previous year. Several factors, including economic concerns and changing family priorities, have influenced this trend.
Key Facts
The US fertility rate in 2025 was 53.1 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44.
Since 2007, births in the US have dropped by nearly 23%.
Economic factors like the high cost of childcare contribute to the decline in birth rates.
In California, the average annual cost of childcare is nearly $22,000; in Alabama, it's about $8,000.
The US administration under President Trump has proposed pro-birth policies to encourage higher birth rates.
President Trump suggested shifting social program responsibilities, like childcare, to individual states.
The number of babies born in the US in 2025 decreased by about 1% to 3.6 million.
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