Bloomberg News Now: Epstein Files, National Guard, H-1B Visas, and More

Epstein Files and Trump Mentions

• 🔍 The Justice Department has uncovered over a million more documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
• 📄 A second batch of released files significantly increased mentions of President Trump, including records of him taking flights on Epstein's private jet, which he had previously denied.
• ⚠️ Critics are concerned about the slow release and redaction of names of government officials and potential co-conspirators.

National Guard and Legal Rulings

• 🚨 An Afghan national has been charged with five additional federal felonies, including murder, for shooting two National Guard members in D.C.
• ⚖️ The Supreme Court rejected President Trump's bid to deploy the National Guard in Chicago, marking a legal setback for such deployments.

Visa Fees and International Incidents

• 📈 A federal judge upheld a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, a move seen as a setback for tech companies reliant on foreign skilled workers.
• 💥 Kiev claims responsibility for an explosion in Moscow that killed at least three people, including two police officers, amidst ongoing peace negotiations.

Law Enforcement and Market Updates

• 🚓 An ICE officer was injured in Maryland during an investigation where agents fired at a vehicle that attempted to run them over.
• 📊 Wall Street saw a short trading day ahead of Christmas, with the Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P all closing higher.

Weather and Holiday Traditions

• ⛈️ Threatening weather in California is disrupting Christmas Eve travel, with southern Californians urged to stay off the roads.
• 🎅 NORAD is tracking Santa Claus's journey around the world, a tradition involving dozens of volunteers for over 70 years.