The Justice Department released more than 3 million pages from its Jeffrey Epstein investigation, completing the disclosure mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said. Blanche also announced that the DOJ has opened a civil-rights probe into the killing of Alex Pretti. Meanwhile, the Senate advanced a measure to prevent a partial government shutdown (the House will not act before midnight); other items include Iran refusing direct talks unless threats stop and planned purchases of warehouses to expand immigration detention capacity.
Friday Mini-Report — Jan. 30, 2026: Epstein Files Released; DOJ Reopens Civil-Rights Probe
Today's quick roundup of key developments across justice, Congress, foreign affairs and domestic policy.
Justice Department Completes Epstein Disclosure
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said at a news conference that the Justice Department released more than 3 million pages of records from its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, fulfilling the disclosure required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
DOJ Reverses Course on Civil-Rights Inquiry
Blanche also announced that the Department of Justice has opened a civil-rights investigation into the killing of Alex Pretti, reversing an earlier decision that had drawn public criticism.
Senate Moves To Avert Partial Shutdown
The Senate advanced a package intended to prevent a partial government shutdown, but the House of Representatives will not consider the measure before the midnight deadline, leaving the outcome uncertain.
Diplomacy And Tensions In The Middle East
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, told reporters in Istanbul that Tehran will not enter direct negotiations with the United States unless President Trump ceases threats. Araghchi said any talks to reduce tensions must be based on a "fair and equitable" approach and cannot begin under coercion.
USA - DECEMBER 20: (----EDITORIAL USE ONLY - MANDATORY CREDIT - âTHE US JUSTICE DEPARTMENT / HANDOUT' - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS----) Epstein and Maxwell in one of the images released by the US Department of State. The US Justice Department released thousands of records Friday related to the sex trafficking investigation into disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. The release came on the last day of the 30 days allowed by the Epstein Files Transparency Act -- legislation forcing the Justice Department action to release all documents related to the probe. (Photo by The US Justice Department / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)(The US Justice Department / Anadolu via Getty Images)
Planned Expansion Of Immigration Detention Capacity
Despite protests in small towns and cities across the United States, the administration is moving forward with plans to purchase warehouses and convert them into immigration detention facilities — a move that could represent the largest expansion of such capacity in U.S. history.
How America Looks Abroad
The report notes that Greenlanders, who once regarded Americans as protectors after U.S. defense of Greenland during World War II and the Cold War, now find the prospect of closer ties less appealing amid visible domestic divisions, inequality and unrest.
No-Show At NASS
White House aide Jared Borg had told organizers that Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem would speak at the National Association of Secretaries of State meeting, and attendees were told Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard would appear. As the 3 p.m. session was about to begin, Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson, chair of NASS, informed a packed ballroom that the presentation would not take place.
Have a safe weekend.
Originally published on MS NOW.
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