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### Today’s Leading Stories
A bipartisan coalition of Congress members is pushing for a vote today aimed at compelling the Trump administration to disclose additional files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Initially, the Justice Department had indicated it would provide further information regarding the convicted sex offender but later reversed its stance, claiming there were no more documents available. This issue has garnered significant attention, particularly due to President Trump’s past association with Epstein, which ended in a notable rift during the early 2000s. Several women who were victims of Epstein are expected to appear at the Capitol today, including Lisa Phillips, who expressed to NPR that, for her, the release of these files transcends politics and is fundamentally a matter of human rights.
### Legislative Maneuvers
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky introduced a “discharge petition” yesterday in an effort to bypass leadership and instigate a vote, as reported by NPR’s Domenico Montanaro. To proceed, the petition would require 218 signatures from the House of Representatives. Even if successful, the measure would still need to be approved by the Senate, meaning this initiative alone won’t ensure the release of the documents. Advocates of the petition hope that the increased pressure will prompt the administration to take further action, possibly including the voluntary release of more files. Democratic Representative Ro Khanna of California, who is also instrumental in this initiative, is calling for complete accountability and is championing the rights of Epstein’s victims.
### Trump’s Family Cryptocurrency Venture
World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency business co-founded by Donald Trump and his sons, officially began trading publicly on Monday, reportedly adding around $5 billion to the family’s fortune—at least on paper. While Trump has previously labeled cryptocurrencies as a fraud, he has since shifted his stance, expressing a desire to position the United States as a leader in the crypto space. However, NPR’s Maria Aspan notes that the initial trading performance has not met expectations; the newly launched crypto tokens are currently valued at 22 cents, down from an initial price of 30 cents. Trump’s family is currently barred from selling their own tokens, meaning they will not see immediate financial benefits. Nevertheless, this launch opens up new avenues for them to capitalize on the burgeoning cryptocurrency sector. Concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest have been raised by ethics and financial analysts, particularly following Trump’s appointment of crypto-friendly regulators and the establishment of this business.
### China Showcases Military Might
China showcased its military and diplomatic strength today during a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II. This event marked a significant moment, being the first instance since the peak of the Cold War that leaders from China, North Korea, and Russia gathered in one location. Representatives from 26 nations, including Slovakia, Serbia, and Cuba, were present, but no Western leaders attended. The standout image from the occasion featured China’s Xi Jinping alongside Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, as highlighted by NPR’s Anthony Kuhn. Xi declared that China stands on the right side of history and attributed the absence of Western leaders to their alignment with Putin in relation to the Ukraine conflict. The central theme of Xi’s address was the ongoing historic transformations, including China’s ascent and the decline of the U.S.-dominated post-war order. Xi emphasized that this shift in global power dynamics will aid China in realizing its ambition of becoming a modern nation with an advanced military by the mid-21st century.
### A Deep Dive into Device Bans in Schools
This year, an unprecedented number of states are implementing bans on student devices during school hours, with many arguing that a phone-free classroom enhances learning. The bipartisan support for this initiative has led to a swift adoption of such policies across both red and blue states. However, not everyone agrees with this new approach. Many schools plan to provide students with locked pouches for their devices, which come at a cost of around $30 each—an expense that may burden schools with large student populations. High school student Zoë George has voiced her concerns about how these policies might impact homework and assignments during free periods, noting that many students rely on their devices for completing tasks. Additionally, some parents express anxiety about their inability to contact their children throughout the school day. Teacher Alex Stegner from Oregon anticipates that parents’ concerns may lessen as the academic year progresses.
### Today’s Featured Listen
The Ndlovu Youth Choir has launched an exciting new project: a Zulu-language rendition of Queen’s classic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Originating from the rural Limpopo province in South Africa, the choir gained international recognition when they participated in America’s Got Talent in 2019. This project marks the first instance where Queen has allowed a translation of the iconic rock anthem. Coinciding with the song’s 50th anniversary, the new version incorporates elements of African musical traditions, blending township music styles such as isicathamiya with the Congolese swing genre known as kwassa kwassa.
### Key Updates to Note
Chloe Malle has been appointed as the new head of editorial content for American Vogue, taking over from the legendary Anna Wintour, who recently stepped back from day-to-day editorial responsibilities. In corporate news, Kraft Heinz is set to split into two separate entities, a move that comes a decade after a tumultuous merger orchestrated by billionaire investor Warren Buffett. Social media influencer Ed People is inviting individuals worldwide to showcase their favorite dance moves, aiming to foster joy, build connections, and highlight diverse cultures on a global scale.
