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The congressional committee looking into the Justice Department's investigation of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell is expanding its witness list, adding several high-profile figures connected to the pair.

Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the committee, said Thursday the Justice Department will release more Epstein files soon. It is believed roughly three million documents have yet to be published on the DOJ website and tens of thousands have been removed without explanation.

The announcement came one day after a bipartisan group on the committee voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi, adding her to an already lengthy list.

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Seven others linked to Epstein have been asked to testify, including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, two of Epstein's employees, close confidants and Maxwell's former boyfriend.

RELATED STORY |Bill Gates asked to testify in House panel's probe of Epstein

Those interviews will likely follow March depositions of longtime Epstein attorney Darren Indyke and accountant Richard Kahn. Both men agreed to settle a $35 million lawsuit with Epstein survivors who accused them of facilitating Epstein's trafficking network.

The settlement still requires a judge's approval, and attorneys for both say they have not admitted or conceded misconduct. Epstein's estate has paid about $170 million to survivors so far.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Florida handyman who was sentenced on Thursday to life in prison for molesting two children had been convicted ofstorming the Capitolon Jan. 6, 2021, but was pardoned by President Donald Trump.

Andrew Paul Johnson, 45, is among several Jan. 6 defendants who have been charged withnew crimessince Trump'ssweeping act of clemencyfor Capitol rioters. On his first day back in the White House last year, Trump pardoned, commuted prison sentences or ordered the dismissal of cases for all 1,500-plus people charged in the attack.

Johnson was convicted last month of two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child and one count of electronically transmitting material harmful to a minor, according to prosecutors in Hernando County, Florida. County Circuit Judge Judge Stephen Toner handed down Johnson's life sentence.

Sheriff's deputies began investigating the child molestation allegations against Johnson in July 2025. One of his victims told investigators that the abuse started around April 2024, several months before Johnson was sentenced for his Capitol riot conviction.

Johnson told one of his victims that he expected to be compensated for being a pardoned Jan. 6 defendant and would be putting the child in his will to inherit any leftover money, according a sheriff's office report.

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"This tactic was believed to be used to keep (the child) from exposing what Andrew had done," the report said.

Investigators found sexually explicit messages that Johnson exchanged with one of his victims on the Discord messaging app, according to Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson's office.

"In the messages, Johnson attempted to have the victim download another application for a more private conversation and encouraged the victim to delete their messages afterwards," Gladson's office said in a news release.

Chief U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg in Washington sentenced Johnson in August 2024 to one year behind bars after he pleaded guilty to four misdemeanor charges stemming from the riot. Johnson had asked to withdraw his guilty plea, claiming that he was pressured into it, but the judgerejected his requestbefore sentencing.

Johnson, of Seffner, Florida, was carrying a bullhorn as he marched to the Capitol after attending Trump's "Stop the Steal" rally near the White House. He entered the building through an office window that other rioters had smashed, according to federal prosecutors. Johnson cursed and yelled at police officers after they used tear gas to disperse the mob of Trump supporters, prosecutors said.

CAIRO (AP) — The U.S. and Israel arestriking a much wider array of targetsin Iran than they did during 12 days of war last summer, when their focus was on the country's nuclear enrichment sites. Now, the aim appears to be destroying Iran's military and weakeningthe grip of its theocratic rulers, experts say.

Iran

U.S. Central Command alone says it has hit more than 2,000 targets in less than a week, a far heavier barrage than any American bombing campaign in the Middle East in more than a decade, according to Airwars, an independent group that tracks global conflicts. Israel says it has hit hundreds of sites.

From the capital of Tehran to cities across the country, the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes have bombarded the Islamic Republic -- its leaders, military bases, weapons factories, soldiers and police, and state TV.

The totality of the damage is not clear. But it is "a more significant blow than anyone expected might happen in such a short time," Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, an independent monitoring group, said in a statement. Still, even afterthe killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the emergency leadership team still appears to have "the ability for domestic coercion," said the group, which goes by the acronym ACLED.

The mounting death toll is also difficult to independently assess because of poor communications. An Iranian government agency says at least 1,230 people have been killed. More than 165 people were killed when a school in southeastern Iran was hit, most of them of children, according to Iranian state media.

Here is a deeper look at what has been targeted so far:

Many top officials have been killed

U.S. and Israeli strikes hit Khamenei's residential compound in central Tehran, killing him in the opening barrages on Feb. 28. Airstrikes also killed the defense minister, the head of the Republican Guard, Khamenei's top security adviser and other senior figures.

A religious site connected to Khamenei's predecessor was partially destroyed, and an airstrike smashed a hole through the dome of a building belonging to the Assembly of Experts, a council of senior Shiite clerics tasked with appointing the next supreme leader.

The Revolutionary Guard and Basij come under heavy fire

Many airstrikes have been directed at the Revolutionary Guard, Iran's most powerful military force, and the Basij, a paramilitary force that brutally enforces Islamic law and crushes any public dissent.

In more than 280 strikes that ACLED documented as of Wednesday, over 20% targeted Revolutionary Guard or Basij positions, mostly in Tehran and in western and southern Iran. Garrisons, air bases, underground complexes, ammunition depots, weapons factories and command buildings have all been attacked.

At the Revolutionary Guard's headquarters in northern Tehran, several buildings have been demolished, according to satellite photos from Vantor, a U.S. imaging company. Small, local branches of the Basij have also been targeted, according to ACLED.

On Thursday, two sports facilities in Tehran were struck, including the sprawling Azadi Sports Complex, where Iran once hoped to host the Olympics. There is now a giant hole in the roof of a 12,000-person arena, according to video verified by AP. The Guard and Basij have been known to use sports facilities as mobilizing points.

Not every bomb delivers meaningful impact. "A lot of empty buildings" are also being struck, ACLED said.

Destroying missile factories and storage sites is a priority

Eliminating Iran's missile arsenal and launchers is a top priority, Israeli and U.S. officials say.

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A suspected missile site deep in the barren mountains overlooking the central city of Isfahan was struck, as was another outside the western city of Kermanshah. There, roads leading into tunnels beneath a mountain are now pockmarked with craters, according to satellite photos provided by Planet Labs PBC.

On the outskirts of Tehran, several buildings at the Garmdarah missile site were also heavily damaged.

Before the war, Iran was believed to have several thousand short- and medium-range missiles. It is still firing missiles and drones at Israel, American bases in the Persian Gulf, and at energy facilities across the region. A senior Western official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, said Iran has several days' worth of ballistic missiles if it continues firing at current rates, but it may hold some back to wage a longer campaign.

The military and national police are key targets

Many buildings and assets belonging to Iran's armed forces have been hit. Satellite photos from Vantor show a capsized ship in the waters of the Konarak Naval Base on Iran's southern coast after strikes there. A U.S. submarine sankan Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka, which on Wednesday recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 Iranian sailors.

Manufacturers with ties to the military have also been attacked. In the central city of Isfahan, ACLED documented a strike on Isfahan Optics Industries, which is under international sanctions for its suspected connections to Iran's nuclear program.

At the main police headquarters in Tehran, strikes flattened multiple buildings, according to satellite photos from Planet Labs. The national police, commanded by a Revolutionary Guard general, is key to Iran's internal security apparatus and has been involved in violently halting anti-government protests.

Local police stations have also been in the line of fire, including one across the street from Tehran's Grand Bazaar, where protests began in late December that swelled into massive nationwide demonstrations across the country, before being crushed in early January.

Iranian state TV still on air after multiple barrages

The state TV and radio broadcaster IRIB has faced multiple barrages, though it has continued to stay on air. Its main headquarters, located in a large park in northern Tehran, shows signs of damage.

A strike on Sunday hit an IRIB station elsewhere in the capital, bringing down an antenna. The strike caused heavy damage to the Gandhi Hospital across the street, shattering its façade and sending debris across its wards inside.

So far, nuclear facilities have not been a focus of the attacks

Nuclear facilities have not appeared to be a priority yet, though Israel has indicated it will attack them.Satellite images on Mondayshow newly damaged buildings at theNatanz nuclear facilityin central Iran, the country's main enrichment site. The International Atomic Energy Agency said there was "no radiological consequence expected."

The Israeli military said it also struck mountains north of Tehran where it said Iran had secretly moved some nuclear activities to underground bunkers after June's12-day war.

Iran maintains its program is peaceful, though its officials had threatened to pursue a bomb while enriching uranium to near-weapons-grade levels.

El Deeb reported from Beirut, Biesecker from Washington. Associated Press reporters Sam Metz and Julia Frankel in Jerusalem and Jill Lawless in London, contributed to this report.

Queen Latifah shut down viral death hoax rumors with an Instagram video

NEED TO KNOW

• "I'm good," the actress and singer said in the clip shared on Thursday, March 5

• Queen Latifah hasn't publicly shared she's battling any health issues

Queen Latifahis very much alive and well.

On Thursday, March 5, the actress and rapper shared anInstagram Reelshutting down a viral death hoax rumor about her.

"Good morning! It's me, Latifah," Queen Latifah, 55, said in the clip. "I'm 100% a-ok."

She added, "Can't believe what you read on the internet or see. Can't believe nothin' now, right? I'm good. Peace."

Sporting an olive green hoodie, Queen Latifah (born Dana Owens) smiled, blew kisses at the camera and threw up a peace sign before signing off.

Fans in the comments section were confused by the rumors.

"Idk what was said but keep her name out yalls mouth!!! Leave this Queen BE! ,"one person wrote.

Another added, "They better quit playing with the queen. Glad that you're well ."

Love you babygirl! Ain't nobody believing that nonsense ,"one individual commented.

A different user wrote, "Wait a minute! Who we need to fight?! Did they try to off the QUEEN?!?! ."

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Queen Latifah hasn't spoken about publicly battling any serious health issues.

But in September 2025, sheopened up to PEOPLEabout navigating menopause.

"I feel like I'm in control when it comes to this," Queen Latifah said at the time.

She revealed her journey with it began two years ago when she visited her gynecologist after experiencing "challenges with my reproductive system."

"I felt pretty normal," said Queen Latifah, recalling her surprise when her doctor pointed out changes in her hormone levels. "I wouldn't have even known that I was in premenopause, and I was actually kinda shocked."

Once Queen Latifah was told what her numbers looked like, she "could sort of tune into a couple of symptoms I may have been having."

"I never had a hot flash or sweat down my forehead instantly like some of my friends, but I might argue about the temperature in the car with my driver so hey, maybe that was what was going on. Or this last 10 pounds that doesn't wanna go — you know, different things like that," theGirls Tripstar said.

Queen Latifah noted that "at the end of the day, it's a physical change that's happening."

"We all want to understand how to deal with it and how to handle it better," she added.

In May 2025, Queen Latifahtook her final bowas Robyn McCall inThe Equalizerafter five seasons.

Read the original article onPeople

Elisabeth Hasselbeckcontinues to spark heated debates with panellists onThe View. The mother of three is firing back atSunny Hostin, who has publicly criticized PresidentDonald Trump'sattacks on Iran.

The formerSurvivorcontestant, who is back on the show as a fill-in host, questioned Sunny's thoughts on Thursday. Elisabeth referred to former PresidentBarack Obama'stime in the White House when a memo surfaced in 2011. Donald declared war on Iran last weekend with several airstrikes in the region. His actions have polarized public opinion.

Sunny Hostin called Donald Trump's Iranian strikes "illegal and unconstitutional"

Elisabeth isn't afraid to state her opinion. On Thursday, she challenged Sunny's claim that the attacks on Iran were "illegal and unconstitutional." Elisabeth turned to a 2011 document to make her point. That's when she says a memo by the Office of Legal Counsel stated that the President has constitutional authority to direct the use of military forces in Libya. According to Elisabeth, Barack had this authority because they could "reasonably determine that such use of force was in the national interest."

She adds that "prior congressional approval is not constitutionally required" regarding military force. Sunny fought back, saying that the President doesn't go to the Office of Legal Counsel on matters like that. She had previously worked in the Department of Justice. Sunny believes that Congress should have voted on potential military strikes against Iran.

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To say Elisabeth's return to the program has been controversial might be an understatement. Earlier this week, she had a heated argument with co-hostWhoopi Goldbergregardingthe ICE shootings.

As Elisabeth and Sunny continued arguing Whoopi stepped in to try and steer the conversation elsewhere. Sunny, though, could be heard discussing a war. She believes that starting one is simple, but ending one is not.

TELL US – DO YOU BELIEVE THE ATTACKS ON IRAN WERE NECESSARY?

The postElisabeth Hasselbeck Challenges Sunny Hostin Over Iran Strikes on The Viewappeared first onReality Tea.

Last year, there were none.

This year, movie music fans will at least get to hear two of the fivebest original song nominees.

In a controversial move – isn't there always one? – the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciencesdecreed thatonly"Golden"from "KPop Demon Hunters" and"I Lied to You"from "Sinners" would be granted the stage for live performances during the March 15 Oscars ceremony.

Asreported by Varietyin January, citing a letter from the Oscars' executive producers, the other nominees will be celebrated via custom-produced segments that may include behind-the-scenes footage of the songwriting process.

Songs by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner ("Train Dreams"from "Train Dreams"), Nicholas Pike ("Sweet Dreams of Joy"from "Viva Verdi!") andperennial nominee Diane Warren("Dear Me"from her documentary "Relentless") will be scuttled "to create a fast-paced, entertaining and cohesive" show, according to the Academy's letter.

Last year, the broadcastnixed all of the best original song performances, again citing time constraints. The 2025 Oscars marked thefirst omission of best song performances since 2012; the category was also deemed unworthy of airtime in 1989 and 2010.

So since we only have a couple of new productions to anticipate, we're taking a look back at a dozen of the most memorable from Oscars past.

The only caveat: Performances didn't have to equate to a winning song, but said song had to be nominated. Otherwise we'd haveLady Gagaat the 2015 Oscars,who stunned with her tributeto "The Sound of Music," at the top of the list.

12. Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, 'When You Believe' ('The Prince of Egypt'), 1999

This duet showcased the vocal acrobatics of two of the most deservedly acclaimed female singers in modern music. While the hand holding betweenMariah CareyandWhitney Houstonfeels more staged than genuine and the song hasn't maintained the instant recognizability as Aerosmith's competing "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" (probably songwriter Warren's best chance to have won thatstill-elusive Oscar), no one is going to quibble with such unadulterated star power. When a choir joins the singers for the final third of the song and both Houston and Carey take flight with their trademark belting, just sit back and marvel.

11. Three 6 Mafia and Taraji P. Henson, 'It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp' ('Hustle & Flow'), 2006

TheSouthern rappers from Memphisbecame the first hip-hop group to perform at the Oscars, and later in the ceremony, the first to win the best original song award. Their performance electrifies with a combination of a street savvy set – part living room, part gritty sidewalk – and the group's loping song.Taraji P. Henson, in a white, Marilyn Monroe-esque dress, delivers the earworm chorus and clearly enjoys moonlighting on stage, especially when she commands the spotlight for a final, bracing note.

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10. The Swell Season, 'Falling Slowly' ('Once'), 2008

Sometimes simplicity is the most effective approach, and it works to brilliant, chills-inducing effect. The folk duo of Irish musician Glen Hansard and Czech singer/ pianist Markéta Irglová, stars of the sweet indie film "Once," oozes quiet chemistry. The film is based on their ownburgeoning musical relationship, which turned personal for a couple of years after its release, and their quick glances at each other during the tender song indicates undeniable mutual affection.

9. Diana Ross and Lionel Richie, 'Endless Love' ('Endless Love'), 1982

The vibrations between these two pros is palpable the moment they arrive from the wings on opposite sides of the stage.Lionel Richie, looking fly in his tinted glasses and classic tux, andDiana Ross, in a sublime feathered outfit, snuggle as they progress through the song. But they leave enough space for Ross to toss out a wallop of a crescendo as Richie plays her understated foil.

8. U2, 'The Hands That Built America' ('Gangs of New York'), 2003

Though the Oscar eluded the band (Eminem's"Lose Yourself"won best original song), they certainly didn't lose with their rendition of this evocative ballad. As the Edge strums an acoustic guitar, a somber Bono stands uncharacteristically still for the first verse, hands clasped in front of him as he sings. But after taking off to slowly stroll the stage,the inimitable frontmanhits a note that sounds more like an operatic cry, so deeply does he feel the music. Throughout the performance, powerful black and white video of immigrants sweating and smiling as they help build New York plays behind the quartet.

7.Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose, 'Dreamgirls' medley ('Dreamgirls'), 2007

Talk about a power trio.Jennifer Hudsonkickstarts the medley with "I Love You I Do" as she slinks among a foursome of horn-wielding dancers. ThenBeyoncé arriveshalfway through the song to swish her dress, beam beatifically and uncork her own potent voice. But it's the tradeoffs between the two on "Listen" that stun. As the pair duet, they perhaps unintentionally push each other's vocals to the stratosphere, with Beyoncé ultimately taking the spotlight with her fierce, from-the-gut performance. The closing "Patience" withAnika Noni Roseand Keith Robinson is an unquestionably pretty, if understated, finale.

6. Adele, 'Skyfall' ('Skyfall'), 2013

A decade before shewowed audiences in Las Vegaswith an astonishing presentation of the titular song from the James Bond film, Adele bewitched with her Oscars performance. The creeping strings and plucked guitar provide the cinematic sweep, but it is Adele's voice – pure and glasslike – and the dramatic flourishes that infuse her delivery that cement her reputation as a preeminent vocalist of our time.

5. Robin Williams, 'Blame Canada' ('South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut'), 1999

Some – OK, most – would callRobin Williamsa national treasure. Same for the guys behind the source material, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, architects of"South Park"and the satirical film from whence this gem of an anthem came. But who better than a game-for-anything, rubber-faced (and limbed!) Williams to bring it all to life, marching with townsfolk, high kicking with dancing Mounties and making us smile on our crankiest days.

4. Bruce Springsteen, 'Streets of Philadelphia' ('Philadelphia'), 1994

With a gentle backbeat chugging behind him,Bruce Springsteensounded appropriately "bruised and battered" as he unspooled his Oscar-winning ballad from the poignant Tom Hanks movie about a gay man persecuted for having AIDS. The song in general was a perfect tonal fit for the film. But this performance, not much more than Springsteen standing and clasping a microphone, is all that was needed as he sang in a hushed tone both melancholy and hopeful, his background singers adding a haunting touch.

3. Celine Dion, 'My Heart Will Go On' ('Titanic'), 1998

Even though anyone with ears was sick to death of the Celtic-tinged theme to James Cameron's opus by the time the Oscars rolled around, only those with the stoniest of hearts and iciest of veins (apologies, Jack Dawson) wouldn't be moved by anotherCeline Dionmaster class in singing. On a stark white set and backed by an orchestra, Dion, in contrasting black, pounded her chest, elegantly waved her arms and controlled the song through tranquil dips and skyrocketing climaxes as only she can.

2. Ryan Gosling, 'I'm Just Ken' ('Barbie'), 2024

Oh, where to begin? The fuchsia suit and shades? The suave waltz from the audience to the stage? The "Material Girl"/"Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" set filled with gliding "Kens" (including actors Simu Liu and Kingsley Ben-Adir) in three-piece suits? The guest appearances from Mark Ronson, Slash and Wolfgang Van Halen? It was all so charming, self-deprecating and ridiculous in the best sense that one canonly applaud Ryan Goslingfor his fearless vindication for Kens everywhere.

1. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, 'Shallow' ('A Star is Born'), 2019

There is chemistry and then there is smoldering.Lady GagaandBradley Cooper, who shared undeniable harmony in"A Star is Born,"seamlessly transferred that connection to a live audience in a cleverly staged performance that gripped your soul. With the camera facing the audience, the pair walked to the stage hand in hand, their eyes locked as Cooper sat on a stool a few feet in front of Gaga to sing the opening verse. Barely breaking eye contact, Gaga slid behind her piano for her intense portion of the song as Cooper quietly positioned himself next to her. The twosome sat millimeters apart for the closing lyrics, eyes closed and emotions apparent, allowing viewers to share a most intimate moment.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Best Oscars musical performances ranked

PARIS, March 5 (Reuters) - France will strengthen its cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces and provide armored ‌transport vehicles as well as operational and logistical ‌support, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday, as Lebanon was ​pulled deeper into the war in the Middle East earlier this week.

"Everything must be done to prevent this country, so close to France, from once again being drawn into ‌war," Macron said in ⁠a post on X.

"At this moment of great danger, I call on the Israeli prime ⁠minister not to expand the war to Lebanon. I call on Iranian leaders not to further draw Lebanon into ​a war ​that is not its ​own," the French leader ‌added.

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After meeting with the chief of staff of the French military in Beirut, Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun asked Macron to intervene to "prevent the targeting of the southern suburbs following threats by the Israeli army against its residents," the ‌Lebanese presidency said in a separate ​statement.

France has said that it ​aims to prevent escalation ​across the region and has taken steps ‌to protect its own positions ​amid the wider ​conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

"Hezbollah must immediately cease its fire toward Israel. Israel must ​refrain from any ‌ground intervention or large-scale operation on Lebanese territory," ​Macron said.

(Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by ​Dominique Vidalon and Bill Berkrot)