Howard Lutnick is in the news for his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, having traveled to his island and met him. He’s the U.S. Secretary of Commerce since 2025.
The US government has launched Project Vault, a $12 billion strategic reserve of critical minerals funded by a $10 billion loan from the US Export-Import Bank and $1.67 billion in private capital. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on China’s dominance in rare earth minerals, securing vital materials for manufacturing vehicles, electronics, and defense technologies. Over 55 countries are collaborating to diversify supply chains.
On January 26, 2026, President Trump announced via social media a tariff increase from 15% to 25% on South Korean goods, citing Seoul's failure to enact legislation tied to a $350 billion investment trade deal. South Korea insists the deal requires no parliamentary ratification and is working to pass related bills. Talks between officials continue to avoid escalation.
Missouri's lawsuit, filed by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, seeks to exclude undocumented immigrants from census counts used for apportionment, claiming it would better reflect citizens. The case challenges the constitutional interpretation and has implications for federal funding and political representation.
Newly released Epstein files reveal links to Norwegian politicians, including former Prime Minister Jagland and ex-Foreign Minister Brende. Police are investigating whether they received gifts or benefits from Epstein, amid broader disclosures of Epstein's connections with global elites. The story highlights ongoing legal and political fallout.
The US and Taiwan have announced a trade agreement reducing tariffs on Taiwanese goods from 20% to 15%, aligning with South Korea and Japan. The deal includes commitments for Taiwan to purchase US energy, aircraft, and equipment, and to significantly boost investments in semiconductors and high-tech sectors. The agreement aims to strengthen supply chains amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
On March 6-7, 2026, the U.S. Justice Department released previously withheld FBI interview memos from 2019 involving a woman who alleged sexual assault by Jeffrey Epstein and former President Donald Trump in the 1980s when she was a minor. The DOJ attributed the omission to mislabeling files as duplicates. Trump denies wrongdoing. Congressional Democrats have launched investigations into potential illegal withholding amid ongoing scrutiny of the Epstein Files Transparency Act compliance.
On February 26-27, 2026, Bill and Hillary Clinton testified for six hours each behind closed doors before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee in Chappaqua, New York. Both denied knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's sex crimes. Hillary said she barely knew Epstein and never visited his properties, while Bill denied wrongdoing despite documented associations. The hearings were marked by a leaked photo incident and calls for President Trump to testify.
Lawmakers have raised concerns about Chinese-linked companies, including ACM Research and Anker, citing national security risks and potential data surveillance. The scrutiny follows recent investments and allegations of unfair market practices, amid fears of Chinese influence on US technology and security.
The Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Ohio is being transformed into the PORTS Technology Campus, featuring a 10-gigawatt data center and up to 10 gigawatts of new power generation, including natural gas. The project aims to support AI, fusion energy, and national security research, creating thousands of jobs.
Multiple investigations reveal links between Trump family members, government contracts, and foreign investments. Concerns focus on potential conflicts of interest, influence peddling, and national security risks amid ongoing scrutiny of private and political ties.
Leo Radvinsky, billionaire owner of OnlyFans, died of cancer at 43. His death was announced on March 23, 2026, with tributes from creators. Radvinsky transformed the platform into a multibillion-dollar enterprise, supporting many content creators and maintaining a private life. His passing impacts the industry and raises questions about his legacy.
On April 2, 2026, President Donald Trump dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi after 14 months, citing frustrations over her handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and failed prosecutions of his political opponents. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump's former personal lawyer, was named acting attorney general. Bondi will transition to a private sector role.
Keep Chambers has recalled her positive interactions with Leo Radvinsky, the late owner of OnlyFans, emphasizing his kindness and mentorship. Radvinsky has been credited with transforming the adult content industry by empowering creators. He has recently passed away at age 43 after battling cancer, with his death remaining private until March 23, 2026.
The White House has issued a memo accusing Chinese entities of conducting large-scale campaigns to extract capabilities from US AI systems. The administration plans to collaborate with US companies to counter these efforts and hold offenders accountable, amid rising tensions over AI dominance and intellectual property theft.