US Politics

The U.S. Department of Justice has released the first batch of Jeffrey Epstein-related records under a disclosure law signed by former President Donald Trump. The material includes photographs and redacted grand jury testimony drawn from past federal investigations. Officials say the documents are the initial installment in a phased review and release process mandated by statute. The files are subject to legal limits on grand jury secrecy, privacy and security concerns. Future releases will follow additional review cycles as agencies evaluate remaining Epstein records for public access.

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on a violent Mexican fuel-theft cartel and its imprisoned leader under the Trump administration’s crackdown on cartels that fund operations through stolen oil and gas. The measures block assets under U.S. jurisdiction and bar American individuals and entities from doing business with the designated group and its leader. The action aims to disrupt the cartel’s financial networks, limit access to the U.S. financial system and weaken revenue streams derived from illegal oil and gas theft, as part of wider cross-border efforts against organized crime.

Rep. Jamie Raskin plans to introduce a bill requiring major White House renovation and construction projects to undergo formal federal-style review. The proposal responds to past projects, such as President Trump’s ballroom, that drew attention for limited oversight. The measure would apply existing federal standards on planning, spending, and preservation to future large-scale work at the executive mansion. Lawmakers are examining how to balance security needs and privacy with transparency and congressional notification.

President Donald Trump offered condolences Sunday for victims of violent attacks at Brown University and in Australia and praised first responders. He also turned attention to the ongoing health care debate in Congress, where lawmakers continued to struggle over proposed changes to federal health care law. Republicans worked to build support within their ranks as Democrats warned of possible coverage losses and higher costs. Congressional committees prepared for a full week of health care negotiations and briefings while authorities in the United States and Australia continued investigations into the recent attacks.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has launched a new statewide fraud prevention program following the $250 million Feeding Our Future scandal. The initiative focuses on stronger oversight of public funds, cross-agency data sharing, and early detection of suspicious activity. State agencies plan to tighten grant screening, enhance staff training, and improve coordination on fraud investigations. Lawmakers, federal officials, and child nutrition advocates are tracking how the changes affect accountability and access to meal programs for children across Minnesota.