- - Daily Briefing: Epstein drop raises new questions

Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY December 22, 2025 at 6:34 AM

0

Welcome to the Daily Briefing! Here’s what’s breaking this morning:

Nicki Minaj proclaimed her "love" for Trump at a Turning Point event.

Here's why 23andMe is a risky gift this holiday season.

Barnes & Noble is revving back into action.

Nicole Fallert here, bringing you the news to know on this holiday week Monday. We're discussing the latest drop of Epstein files, one Lithuanian woman's story of immigration detention and why so many Americans opt for a hotel over your home for holiday travel. ⛄And have you tried to call Santa?

Did we get more questions than answers on Epstein?

The Justice Department on Friday released hundreds of thousands of documents about accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein in a pivotal moment in the years-long saga that has emerged as one of the most explosive issues of President Donald Trump's second administration (here's a list of all the people in the files).

But for lack of a good search function, the large volume of materials left it difficult to navigate the "Epstein Library" (see what was released for yourself). The release provided few references to President Donald Trump. And not all the Epstein documents were released, despite the deadline imposed by Congress.

But the DOJ's long-awaited release raises important questions, lawmakers and victim advocates say, about potentially botched investigations – and about what other evidence the government may have about potential coconspirators.

More news to know now -

What would you do with an extra $2,000? USA TODAY Network journalists spoke with holiday shoppers about the prospect of a tariff rebate in 2026. Many said it could help them pay bills or regain financial security they'd recently lost.

All she wants for Christmas is to be deported. The detention of the Lithuania-born Tatjana Vesiolko is an unusual one, even in an era of increasingly strict immigration enforcement. She is entering her 11th month in an immigration lock-up. Her American fiancé told USA TODAY he can't understand why.

The pending Supreme Court decision that worries disability rights groups: How the court rules could potentially affect eligibility for government services for people with disabilities, such as health care, education services and income support, according to advocates.

Take a look

Texas A&M sweep Kentucky for first NCAA championship

Texas A&M Aggies celebrate their win over the Kentucky Wildcats in the 2025 NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship on Sunday.

The No. 3 Texas A&M Aggies took down Kentucky 3-0 to win the 2025 NCAA volleyball championship on Sunday in Kansas, City, Missouri. Even they can't believe it.

Something to talk about

You're not alone - most people prefer hotels over staying with family

According to HotelTonight's first-ever holiday trend report, 61% of Americans would rather stay at a nearby hotel instead of at the homes of friends or family during their holiday trips. It can seem harsh at first, given the mainstream notion that the holidays should be spent with loved ones. However, travelers told USA TODAY a bit of privacy goes a long way for the holidays and can help avoid the dreaded family tensions that often surface during this time of year, the report found.

Before you go -

Lindsay Vonn is getting Olympic ready.

Watch Jake Paul get knocked out by Anthony Joshua.

Bowen Yang gave an emotional "SNL" farewell sketch.

Have feedback on the Daily Briefing? Shoot Nicole an email at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Epstein files, Christmas, holidays, NCAA volleyball, Jake Paul, Turning Point: Daily Briefing

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Breaking”