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The U.S. Congress is considering legislation to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until 2028, with provisions to liquidate tariffs incurred after September 2025. The bill aims to support U.S.-Africa trade, especially for textile-dependent economies, amid ongoing negotiations and political tensions.
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Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan is set to stand trial on charges of obstruction and concealment after she allegedly helped a defendant avoid federal arrest in court. The case highlights tensions over immigration enforcement and judicial independence amid political debates. The trial begins today, December 15, 2025.
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Milwaukee Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan is on trial for obstruction and concealment after allegedly helping a defendant evade federal immigration agents in April. The case highlights tensions over immigration enforcement and judicial independence amid political debates.
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On December 23, 2025, President Donald Trump publicly defended former President Bill Clinton following the Department of Justice's release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files, which included photos of Clinton with Epstein and other celebrities. Clinton's spokesperson accused the DOJ of selective transparency protecting unknown parties. The DOJ plans further releases under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Epstein victims and lawmakers criticized the partial disclosures and handling by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
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As of early January 2026, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised the country's 2025 military and economic progress, including the near-completion of an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine and multiple missile tests. He reaffirmed commitment to nuclear weapons development and sent New Year greetings to North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine, emphasizing the Pyongyang-Moscow alliance ahead of a key party congress.
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On December 24, 2025, the US Justice Department announced the discovery of over one million additional documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking case, days after missing the legal deadline to release all files. The department is reviewing the materials to protect victims' identities before public release, amid bipartisan criticism over delays and redactions.
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French actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot died Sunday at her home in southern France at age 91. Known for her iconic role in 'And God Created Woman' and her activism, she was a symbol of France's modern identity. Her death follows recent hospitalization, with no cause disclosed.
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Aldrich Ames, a former CIA counterintelligence chief, died at age 84. He was convicted of spying for Moscow, receiving $2.5 million from 1985 to 1994, and was responsible for exposing Russian agents, leading to Western agent executions. He pleaded guilty and served life in prison.
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China aims to boost trade and rebuild relations, despite geopolitical tensions and domestic skepticism. The trip includes a large business delegation and discussions on cooperation, while navigating concerns over security, influence, and US relations. The US has threatened tariffs and criticized UK-China engagement.
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Steve Bannon, convicted of contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena related to the Jan. 6 attack, is now seeking to have his case dismissed after the Justice Department announced it would drop the charges. The move follows a pattern of the Trump administration's efforts to influence legal proceedings involving allies.
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On February 1, 2026, five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father Adrian Conejo Arias were released from a Texas detention center following a federal judge's order. Detained during a Minnesota immigration raid, the family returned home after legal intervention amid criticism of US deportation policies and treatment of immigrant children.
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Newly released Epstein files reveal his extensive contacts with Russian officials, including attempts to meet President Vladimir Putin and connections to Russian intelligence-linked figures. Poland has launched an investigation into possible Epstein ties to Russian secret services. The documents also detail Epstein's network recruiting young Russian women, raising questions about his influence and espionage allegations.
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As of February 16, 2026, French prosecutors have intensified investigations into former Culture Minister Jack Lang and his daughter Caroline over suspected tax fraud linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Raids at the Arab World Institute and other locations are underway. Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has ordered probes into diplomat Fabrice Aidan's alleged ties to Epstein, amid broader European fallout from newly released US Justice Department documents.
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The Justice Department is reviewing its Epstein-related files amid reports of missing FBI interview summaries involving allegations against Trump and Epstein. The files, released under a transparency law, contain gaps that could impact ongoing investigations and public understanding of the case.
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On February 26-27, 2026, Bill and Hillary Clinton are testifying behind closed doors before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee in Chappaqua, New York, regarding their ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The depositions follow months of resistance and subpoenas, with the committee seeking clarity on Epstein's network and federal investigation failures.