The Justice Department released heavily redacted documents from its Jeffrey Epstein probe just before a congressional deadline. A person of interest linked to the Brown University shooting was found dead from an apparent self‑inflicted gunshot, and the Diversity Visa lottery has been suspended pending review. Other notable developments include a guilty verdict for former Judge Hannah Dugan in a high‑profile immigration case, Australia’s planned gun buyback after a festival massacre that killed 15 people, a federal downgrade of cannabis to allow more research and a proposed "Patriot Games" for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Friday Quick Report — Dec. 19, 2025: Epstein Documents, Brown Shooting Developments, Cannabis Order and More
Today’s quick roundup of notable developments in law enforcement, public policy and national news as of Dec. 19, 2025. Below are concise updates with the key facts and context you need.
Epstein Documents Released: The Justice Department released a large set of records related to its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein several hours before a midnight deadline set by Congress. Many pages in the release are heavily redacted, limiting the amount of new public detail but providing additional context about the scope of the inquiry.
Brown University Shooting Update: Law enforcement officials said a person of interest connected to the Brown University mass shooting was found dead Thursday night from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities continue to investigate the events and any potential motives.
Diversity Visa Lottery Suspended: The administration announced a suspension of the Diversity Visa (green-card) lottery program after reports that the program had been used by the suspect in the Brown University incident and in the killing of an MIT professor. Officials described the pause as a temporary measure while the matter is reviewed.
Verdict in Wisconsin Case: A federal jury in Wisconsin found former Judge Hannah Dugan guilty of felony obstruction and acquitted her on a separate charge of concealing a person from arrest. The case arose from high-profile immigration enforcement actions during the previous administration and drew national attention.
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan leaves the federal courthouse after a hearing Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)(Andy Manis / AP Photo)
Australia Announces Gun Buyback: In response to a deadly attack at a Jewish holiday festival that left 15 people dead, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government will roll out a firearms buyback program aimed at removing hundreds of thousands of weapons from circulation.
Cannabis Rule Change: President Trump signed an executive order that downgrades cannabis from the most restrictive federal drug category, easing certain regulatory limits and allowing expanded research. The order does not legalize marijuana federally but authorizes a pilot program to reimburse Medicare patients for products containing CBD, the non‑psychoactive cannabis compound.
‘Patriot Games’ Proposal for 250th Anniversary: The White House confirmed that a sporting event called the "Patriot Games" is being considered for next year’s 250th-anniversary celebrations. The proposal would invite a man and a woman from each state and territory to compete in public events — a concept critics say evokes comparisons to the fictional "Hunger Games."
Have a safe weekend.
Originally published on MS NOW.
