NATIONAL

Epstein files include redacted records, more photographs as Trump DOJ criticized for handling: The Justice Department released thousands of records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein today after Congress passed bipartisan legislation last month forcing the release. The documents include photos and court records. NBC NEWS

House Armed Services chair ends probe into boat strike: The Republican chair of the House Armed Services Committee said there is no need to further investigate the controversial "double tap" military strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean that killed two survivors. WCTI12

Energy bills in US have increased 13% since Trump took office, new report finds: The report pointed to the massive spending bill Trump signed in July, which it claims is "driving up utility costs and destroying jobs by removing cheaper, cleaner energy sources from the grid, all while funding new tax breaks for the oil and gas industries." Projects that were canceled or delayed since Trump’s election have led to a loss of 24,958.5 megawatts of planned energy generation, which could have powered more than 13.17 million homes, according to the report. ABC

US economic data in November a mixed bag: The U.S. added 64,000 jobs in November, which marked a significant decline from 119,000 jobs added in September, the most recent month for which complete data is available, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.6% in November from 4.4% in September. Unemployment has inched up to its highest level since 2021. ABC

Key ACA tax credits likely to expire after House speaker blocks vote: Key tax credits that reduce the cost of Affordable Care Act health insurance coverage for millions of Americans looked likely to expire by the end of the year. CNBC

INTERNATIONAL

Inside the Trump Administration’s Man-Made Hunger Crisis: Trump officials were warned repeatedly that cutting off food aid to refugees in Kenya would lead to violence and death. They did so anyway, and thousands starved. PRO PUBLICA (Consider donating to this independent media organization)

IMMIGRATION

At least 30 deaths at ICE detention centers this year, making 2025 the deadliest year for immigrants in ICE custody: One of them was a Bulgarian man from Chicago arrested during the recent fall immigration enforcement 'blitz' who died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a Michigan private prison. He was one of hundreds of people that a federal judge in Chicago ordered released on bond last month, after his warrantless arrest was flagged as possibly violating the Castañon Nava consent decree in place. ABC7

DESI NEWS

Indian Woman, 60, In US For 30 Years, Detained During Green Card Interview: A 60-year-old Indian origin woman was detained in the United States by immigration officers during the last round of her green card interview. Babblejit "Bubbly" Kaur, who has been living in the US since 1994, was detained by federal agents during a biometric scan appointment for her pending green card application, according to her daughter Joti. NDTV

SCIENCE, HEALTH, AND SAFETY

HHS to overhaul childhood vaccine schedule to recommend fewer shots: The Department of Health and Human Services is preparing to announce an overhaul of the recommended childhood immunization schedule. The schedule, set to be finalized next year, would include fewer shots for children, aligning with those of “peer, developed countries” such as Denmark. However, health experts have noted significant differences in the U.S. and Denmark populations, disease rates and health care systems. NEWS NATION

US set to lose measles elimination status: Measles outbreaks are spreading across the U.S., and the nation is likely to lose its status as a country where the disease is eliminated, something that infectious disease specialists say is directly related to President Trump’s appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). THE HILL

Pennsylvania high court rules that police can access Google searches without a warrant: In its opinion, the court said that internet users making searches have no reasonable right to privacy because “it is common knowledge that websites, internet-based applications, and internet service providers collect, and then sell, user data.” The case only creates legal precedent in Pennsylvania, but an expert predicted that the ruling will lead more police departments to feel confident about warrantless searches for internet queries. THE RECORD

Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado: Trump officials have circled the federally funded research institution, based in Boulder, Colorado, as a hub for "federal climate alarmism" after it was established decades earlier in 1960 for research in atmospheric chemistry and physical meteorology. USA TODAY

TAKE ACTION

WE NEED YOU. Join us at theyseeblue.org/join, and we’ll connect you with the volunteer effort that best suits your interests and comfort level. Signing up on the website also gives you access to WhatsApp groups of like-minded members and volunteers.