JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1060

United States officials paused the Diversity Visa lottery after investigators linked the Brown University and MIT shootings to a 2017 lottery recipient. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, at President Trump's direction, directed USCIS to halt the program this week while authorities continue investigations into the suspect's background. The suspect, Claudio Neves Valente, a Portuguese national who obtained permanent residency in 2017, was found dead after the attacks that killed two Brown students and an MIT professor. The action affects up to 50,000 annual visas and may face protracted legal challenges and oversight. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, The Justice Department on Friday posted thousands of Epstein-related files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, providing roughly 3,900 documents and officials saying several hundred thousand pages would be published in stages. The initial tranche included photos and grand jury material, some heavily redacted; officials removed or retracted certain images after posting. DOJ said it protected victim privacy through redactions. Lawmakers and survivors criticized the partial release as noncompliant, and DOJ officials said additional material will follow over the next weeks. Investigations and potential prosecutions for tampering were urged by lawmakers. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Phoenix, U.S. Turning Point USA's AmericaFest this week saw prominent conservatives publicly and sharply clash over the movement's direction after founder Charlie Kirk's September assassination. Ben Shapiro publicly denounced Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Steve Bannon and others as 'frauds and grifters' and criticized platforming of Nick Fuentes. Carlson and Bannon replied from the same stage, mocking deplatforming efforts and attacking Shapiro. Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, endorsed JD Vance for 2028. Utah prosecutors charged Tyler Robinson in the killing. The disputes revealed internal divisions that may shape Republican politics in coming months. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Authorities found a man suspected in the Brown University shooting dead Thursday evening in a New Hampshire storage facility. Investigators identified the 48-year-old as Claudio Neves Valente, a former Brown student and Portuguese national, and said he died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officials said tips and vehicle-tracking led them to the facility and that evidence recovered from the vehicle aided the inquiry. Investigators also believe he is linked to a separate Brookline killing of an MIT professor earlier in the week; authorities have not formally confirmed that connection. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

PHOENIX — Erika Kirk, leader of Turning Point USA, endorsed Vice President J.D. Vance for a potential 2028 presidential bid during the opening night of AmericaFest this week. She told thousands the organization would publicly and actively work to elect Vance and to help Republicans retain House and Senate majorities next year, referencing a strategy to 'build the red wall' in key states. Vance has not formally declared a 2028 campaign but is scheduled to speak later in the conference. The endorsement follows Charlie Kirk's assassination and positions TPUSA behind a likely Republican contender. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Providence, R.I. — Authorities identified a suspect in the Dec. 13 Brown University classroom shooting and this week found the suspect dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot in a New Hampshire storage facility. Investigators are examining whether the same man was connected to the Dec. 15 shooting that fatally wounded MIT professor Nuno Loureiro. Law enforcement officials issued an arrest warrant, searched multiple states, and briefed the public at a news conference. Two Brown students were killed and several others were wounded during the campus attack. Authorities continue processing evidence and interviews. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States. The Powerball jackpot rose to an estimated $1.6 billion after no ticket matched all six numbers in the Dec. 20 drawing, with numbers 4, 5, 28, 52, 69 and Powerball 20. Saturday's drawing produced eight $1 million Match 5 prizes across several states and notable prize-level winners, including a $2.3 million Match 5 ticket sold in Oxnard. State lotteries reported payouts and retailer locations, and officials reminded players of claiming procedures and tax rules. Officials urged responsible play and consultation with advisers. The next drawing is scheduled for Monday night. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Raleigh. Former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt died Thursday at 88, his daughter Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt announced. Hunt served four terms (1977–1985, 1993–2001) and led state education initiatives, including Smart Start and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. He founded the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, raised teacher pay, and chaired the Hunt Commission nationally. Governor Josh Stein and others praised his leadership and legacy in economic and education policy. Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced. Hunt’s career reshaped state governance and education priorities over decades, drawing tributes across parties. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.