Leon Black held in contempt over Epstein subpoenas
The House voted to hold billionaire Leon Black in contempt after he refused subpoenas seeking testimony and documents in its Epstein investigation, sending the matter to the Justice Department. Lawmakers have questioned payments they put at $180 million, while Black’s lawyers deny he knew about Epstein’s abuse. Our reel also draws attention to his son Ben Black, who leads the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation under Trump.
Sources: Associated Press · DFC biography · Original reel
Carney’s gold key came with a Trump punchline
Mark Carney recounted receiving a gold key that Trump said would let him into the White House, followed by the joke, ‘Maybe they’ll shoot you.’ The Canadian prime minister told the story at a Toronto investment summit as Canada seeks stronger economic ties beyond the United States. Against that backdrop, the EU proposed making Canada its first associate member — another sign of how the relationship with Washington is reshaping its options.
Sources: CityNews · Le Monde · Original reel
Vance asks voters for ‘another chance’
JD Vance used an All-In podcast interview to ask voters for another chance and a couple more years to continue the administration’s work. The appeal was part of his closing argument for the midterms, pairing claims of progress with an acknowledgment that work remains. Our reaction gets to the question voters have every right to ask: another chance to deliver what, especially when everyday costs are still weighing on families?
Sources: Mediaite · Original reel
Trump’s Fed chair says inflation is too high
Kevin Warsh delivered a blunt assessment of inflation as the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate by a quarter point to a range of 3.75%–4%. The unanimous move was the first rate increase since 2023 and ran against Trump’s calls for lower rates. For households already feeling squeezed, the combination of stubborn prices and higher borrowing costs keeps affordability at the center of the political debate.
Sources: Axios · Federal Reserve projections · Original reel
McConnell’s voting exchange draws attention
Our reel shows Mitch McConnell being prompted during a Senate committee vote, a moment that immediately raised questions about his return to work. He had returned to the Capitol after a roughly three-month absence following a fall and hospitalization, and Wednesday’s meeting concerned the farm bill. These are consequential decisions, and the people represented by our elected officials deserve confidence in how those decisions are being made.
Sources: Hearing coverage · Associated Press · Original reel
An old Biden photo makes the contrast personal
A 2018 photo of Joe Biden stopping to help a homeless veteran outside a Georgetown movie theater resurfaced in our reel. NPR reported that the man, Rashid, described trouble getting veterans’ assistance and that Biden went back inside for paper and a pen to share a contact who might help. Set beside Trump’s watches and meme-coin promotions, the moment captures the kind of public service we wish more leaders would put first.
Sources: NPR / WOSU · Original reel
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Very unfortunately, I really doubt Leon black is going to be held in contempt in the end... He'll just get a pardon 🙄
Leon will ignore it