Up First – December 19, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

Today's Up First episode delivers updates on three major news stories:

1. The suspect in the recent Brown University shooting has been found dead, with new details on the investigation and political fallout.
2. The Department of Justice faces a deadline to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, sparking debate about what will actually become public.
3. The renowned Kennedy Center is controversially renamed to include former President Trump's name, prompting concerns over governance and legality.

The hosts guide listeners through pivotal developments, key background, and the broader implications shaping headlines today.

1. Brown University Shooting Suspect Found Dead

Key Details (02:01 – 05:21)

• The suspect in the Brown University shooting, Claudio Neves Valente, was discovered dead in a New Hampshire storage locker.
• Valente, a 48-year-old from Portugal and a former Brown graduate student, allegedly killed two students and injured nine on Saturday, then killed an MIT physicist two days later.
• Police have yet to determine a clear motive, though Valente had connections to both universities, and the MIT victim knew him from university in Portugal.

Investigation Breakthrough

• The big break came through Reddit. A witness who interacted with Valente shortly before the shooting posted crucial details about the suspect’s vehicle on Reddit, enabling police to track Valente using license plate readers.
  • “It’s a wild story. It seems that the break in the case happened on Reddit.” – Ben Burke [04:06]

Suspect’s Methods of Avoidance

• Valente wore a medical mask and winter coat to avoid surveillance, used a rental car with swapped plates, and used untraceable payment and phone methods.
  • “He was using a phone that was obfuscating ability to track it, and he was using, like, not credit cards that were tied to his name.” – Michelle Martin [03:42]

Unanswered Questions & Political Fallout

• President Trump immediately suspended the green card lottery program that enabled Valente to immigrate in 2017.
• The university faces criticism from Trump over alleged insufficient campus security, while Brown defends its protocols.
  • “Trump’s been blaming the university for not having enough cameras on campus, but the university defends its security protocols.” – Ben Burke [04:54]

2. Epstein Files Deadline Looms

Key Details (05:37 – 09:24)

• Today is the legal deadline for the Justice Department to release files pertaining to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, per the recently signed Epstein Files Transparency Act.
• The law, passed nearly unanimously, demands release of all non-classified DOJ materials, including evidence and internal communications, but lacks enforcement or penalties for missed deadlines or excessive redactions.

Expectations vs. Reality

• Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) raised expectations that the files will name offenders, especially “at least 20 men accused of sex crimes.”

  • “So if we get a large production on December 19, and it does not contain a single name ... then we know they haven’t produced all the documents. It’s that simple.” – Thomas Massie (quoted by Stephen Fowler) [07:26]

• In reality, the Attorney General is permitted to redact information, and analysis of what’s actually released will take days.

Political Context and Fallout

• File releases have become a political football:
  • Congressional Democrats use Trump’s handling of the issue to attack the administration.
  • Trump’s base is restive, having been promised revelations about “a cabal of child predators ... protected by powerful people in the government.”
• Victims of Epstein criticize politicization of their experiences.
  • “Epstein and Maxwell’s victims say they’re disappointed that their allegations of abuse have been used as a political cudgel...” – Stephen Fowler [09:05]

3. The Kennedy Center Renamed

Key Details (09:36 – 13:06)

• The board of the Kennedy Center voted to rename it the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.
• This move, announced as a unanimous vote, instantly updated the Center’s website but is mired in controversy.

Allegations of Silencing Dissent

• Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) claims her dissent during the board's vote was muted.
  • “I was on that call, and as I tried to push my button to voice my concern ... I was muted.” – Joyce Beatty [10:40]
• The Center’s VP of PR disputes her voting rights, labeling her a non-voting, ex-officio member. Beatty’s office claims she has previously voted.

Board Structure and Controversy

• President Trump installed himself as Board Chair, fired former leaders, and installed allies (e.g., his VP, Fox News host Laura Ingraham, Attorney General Pam Bondi).
  • “He replaced the former chair ... and then he kicked out all of the members appointed by President Biden. And now the board is stacked ... with people loyal to the president.” – Andrew Limbong [11:14]

Legal and Historical Concerns

• Congressional Democrats (incl. Senator Schumer and Rep. Jeffries) argue that federal law prohibits name changes without Congressional action, questioning the Board’s authority.
  • “They also noted that the incident with Congresswoman Beatty reflected a, quote, ‘troubling lack of transparency and respect for the rule of law.’” – Andrew Limbong [11:45]
• The Center's origins as a “living memorial” to JFK are recounted, underscoring the gravity of changing its name.

Presidential Interest

• Trump’s engagement with the Center increased dramatically during his second term, with personal investment in renovations and hosting the Kennedy Center Honors (a first).

Notable Quotes and Moments

• “It’s a wild story. It seems that the break in the case happened on Reddit.”
  – Ben Burke on the Brown shooting investigation [04:06]
• “So if we get a large production on December 19, and it does not contain a single name ... then we know they haven’t produced all the documents. It’s that simple.”
  – Rep. Thomas Massie on the Epstein files [07:26]
• “I was on that call, and as I tried to push my button to voice my concern ... I was muted.”
  – Rep. Joyce Beatty on Kennedy Center board vote [10:40]

Timestamps for Main Segments

• Brown University Shooting: Suspect Found Dead
  [02:01 – 05:21]
• Epstein Files DOJ Release Deadline
  [05:37 – 09:24]
• Kennedy Center Renamed & Board Controversy
  [09:36 – 13:06]

This episode captures the intersection of law enforcement, transparency in governance, and deepening political divides, with each story illuminating a key controversy at the top of the American news agenda. For listeners wanting concise, factual overviews and first-hand reporting, this Up First delivers all you need to start your day informed.