Tuesday, December 23, 2025

More Epstein revelations, more famous names

More documents relating to the accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein continue to be released ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌  ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ 
Read in browser

eNewspaper   |    Crosswords   |   Horoscopes

 

The Short List

Tue Dec 23 2025

 

Phaedra Trethan National Correspondent

@wordsbyphaedra

👋🏼 Happy Festivus! I'm Phaedra Trethan, and I'VE GOT A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH YOU PEOPLE! (Not really, but "Festivus" will always be one of my favorite "Seinfeld" episodes.)

I'm taking some time off for the holidays, but the talented Rebecca Morin will take over until I return Jan. 5. Wishing all Short List readers happy holidays and a peaceful, prosperous 2026! 🎆 🎉 🥳

In Tuesday's news:

More documents relating to the late accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein were released.
A spiked "60 Minutes" segment relating to a notorious prison in El Salvador made its way onto Canadian airwaves — and onto the internet. 📺
Is it time to have The Talk with your (adult) kids? Don't worry: This one isn't about sex.

But first: Betty Reid Soskin lived an extraordinary life of service, education and advocacy. She died recently at 104. 🙏

More Epstein revelations

More documents relating to the accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein continue to be released — and more references are coming to light about famous men who associated with him, including President Donald Trump, former Prince Andrew, former President Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Richard Branson and others.

Trump is mentioned repeatedly, including as a passenger on Epstein's private plane. He has not been accused or convicted of any crimes relating to his friendship with Epstein. The latest.

Epstein allegedly referenced Trump in a postcard addressed to disgraced former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.
We look at some of the names that appeared in the Epstein files.

Usa Trump Epstein Files

Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein are seen in this image released by the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., on December 19, 2025 as part of a new trove of documents from its investigations into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. U.S.

U.S. Justice Department, via REUTERS

Controversy clocks in at "60 Minutes"

Over the weekend, "60 Minutes" pulled a segment on a notorious prison in El Salvador where the Trump administration sent some immigrants accused of being linked to gangs. The network said the segment, which it had promoted on social media, needed more reporting (the reporter begged to differ, saying the network pulled it for political reasons) and that it would "air in a future broadcast."

Former Vice President Mike Pence is recruiting conservatives from the think tank that created Project 2025.
Watch: Why President Trump says the United States "needs" Greenland.
The U.S. Navy will build new battleships. What they'll look like and how they compare to existing ships.

60 minutes ep pulled.jpg

CBS yanked the "60 Minutes" piece on El Salvador's CECOT prison hours before air citing "need for more reporting."

Getty Images

Real quick

Deported migrants must receive due process, a federal judge ruled.
Californians are bracing for more severe weather after flooding rains and power outages.
Former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse said he has terminal cancer.
In the spirit of Festivus, Americans are airing grievances at the economy, the direction of the country and political leaders in a new poll.

Is it time for The Talk?

Parents usually dread "The Talk" — explaining sex to their kids. But there's another conversation, later in their lives, that could be just as awkward and uncomfortable . Aging parents often put off talking with their adult children about money – and power of attorney, and medical directives and all the other issues that arise toward the end of life. It's not much easier for the kids to bring up those topics, either. Experts offer these tips to get the conversation going.

Ho-ho-homemade Christmas

Jenna Brooks, 28, is recreating the kinds of Christmas decorations she made as a child. She's one of many Gen Zers looking to bring that homespun spirit into adulthood. Across TikTok, videos showing how to make felt ornaments, paper chains and dried orange garlands under hashtags like #homemadechristmas and #diychristmas have racked up millions of views.

Want some eggnog? How to make it at home.
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Here's where it might happen.
Watch: The Grinch is on the loose. Local police departments are on his trail.

TRND POLICE VS GRINCH.jpg

Police across the country released videos officers apprehending the "Grinch" as a message to prevent holiday package theft.

@LongviewPolice

A break from the news

We love watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," and we love watching these dogs watch it. 🐶
Can a silicone band be a symbol of undying love? ❤️ 💍
Every kid deserves a merry Christmas. How Toys for Tots makes sure they do. 🎁

Phaedra Trethan is a national correspondent at USA TODAY. She'd love to hear from readers about The Short List, story ideas from across the nation and your New Year's resolution. Hers is the same as last year's: Scroll less, read more. Email her at ptrethan@usatoday.com.

Nick Reiner, son of Rob Reiner, attends the Los Angeles premiere of ''Spinal Tap II: The End Continues'' at The Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, Sept. 9, 2025.

Multiple studies have linked having schizophrenia with an increased risk of violent crime, specifically those also with substance use disorder.

A red no swimming flag stands on a NYC beach where a swimmer was attacked by a shark near Queens on August 10, 2023.
 

'We believe a shark was involved': Search ends for missing California woman

The U.S. Coast Guard identified the swimmer as Erica Fox, 55, of Monterey County, California. Her father said she was a triathlete.

Published Caption: Police car emergency lights [Alex_Schmidt,Getty Images/Stock Photo]     Original Caption: Police car emergency lights
 

Man charged after deadly bow and arrow attack

A New Jersey man has been charged with murder and aggravated arson following the death of a resident who was struck by an arrow.

A crowd gathers at the University of Oklahoma's administration building on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 to chant and show their signs during a protest and march supporting the graduate assistant that graded Samantha Fulnecky's essay.
 

Oklahoma instructor removed after essay controversy involving the Bible

The controversy stems from a University of Oklahoma student who cited her religious beliefs in an essay on gender roles in society.

Police lights are pictured on an Evansville Police Department vehicle.
 

Authorities find 3 inmates who escaped from Georgia jail

The escape was discovered during a routine security check, which prompted internal security teams to search the jail, the sheriff's office said.

A screenshot from a video shows rescue and search personnel working the scene after a Mexican medical transport plane carrying 8 passengers crashed into the water off the coast of Galveston, Texas, on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025.
 

At least 5 dead after Mexican Navy plane crashes in Texas

The plane was carrying four members of the Mexican Navy and four civilians. A U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson said the plane crashed in Galveston Bay.

Candles are lit by framed photos of mass shooting victims Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook at a makeshift memorial near Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on December 18.
 

Trump administration investigating Brown security after mass shooting

The investigation is looking into what happened on campus before, and in the aftermath, of the shooting for potential violations of federal law.

Republican Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife Usha Vance depart on September 14, 2024 in Greenville, North Carolina.
 

JD Vance lashes out after Nick Fuentes insults wife Usha

"Let me be clear. Anyone who attacks my wife, whether their name is Jen Psaki or Nick Fuentes, can eat (expletive)," Vice President JD Vance said.

Jack Black attends a special UK screening for "Anaconda" at Claridge's in London.
 

Jack Black navigated 'snakophobia' for new 'Anaconda'

Jack Black navigated "snakophobia" to remake "Anaconda." The actor looks back on his big 2025 – "Minecraft," Ozzy tribute – and talks what's to come.

Scott Shriner and wife Jillian Lauren Shriner attend PEN America 2018 LitFest Gala at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on Nov. 2, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California.
 

Weezer bassist's wife breaks silence on police shooting charges

Jillian Shriner, who is divorcing Weezer bassist Scott Shriner, said she was "doing the best I knew to protect my family" in an April 8 LAPD standoff.

Play Your Way to a Relaxing Break

Unwind with crosswords and challenges that recharge you. 

Crosswords, Puzzles, Comics & Horoscopes

Newsletters   |    eNewspaper   |   Crosswords

Follow Us

Problem viewing email? View in browser

LiveIntent Logo AdChoices Logo

No comments:

Post a Comment