ESPN rejoins MLB as NBC and Netflix land games in sweeping new rights deal

President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House for the first time since the CIA concluded that the crown prince approved the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. During a tense exchange with reporters, Trump defended bin Salman, asserting that he 'knew nothing' about the murder.

Congress voted nearly unanimously to compel the Justice Department to release all records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. President Donald Trump has pledged to sign the measure into law. NBC’s Hallie Jackson reports on the potential timeline for the release of these files and the implications they may carry.

Disney's ongoing dispute with YouTubeTV has temporarily been resolved, but the conflict between traditional media companies and streaming services over live sports continues. The two-week standoff prevented around 10 million subscribers from accessing key NFL and college football games, resulting in an estimated loss of $4 million per day for ESPN's parent company. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by legacy media in adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of sports broadcasting.

MLB pitching prospect Antonio Jimenez is currently in intensive medical care following a car crash in the Dominican Republic that resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The incident has raised concerns about road safety in the region, especially for young athletes. Jimenez, 24, was involved in the accident in San Pedro de Macorís, and his condition remains critical as he fights for his life.

Comedian Seth Meyers mocked President Trump's calls for NBC to remove him from the airwaves, highlighting the ongoing feud between the president and late-night television hosts. Meyers responded to Trump's accusation of 'Trump derangement syndrome' by sarcastically acknowledging Trump's self-proclaimed expertise in medical matters. This exchange underscores the contentious relationship between Trump and media figures, particularly those who critique him.

A potential merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery is raising antitrust concerns in Washington. The proposed acquisition has sparked discussions about market competition and the implications for consumers and the media landscape. Lawmakers and regulators are closely monitoring the situation as the merger could significantly impact the entertainment industry.

ESPN is reportedly making changes to Stephen A. Smith's on-air responsibilities, particularly regarding his role on 'NBA Countdown'. This development has come as a surprise to many, given Smith's prominence in sports commentary and his long-standing association with the network. The specifics of the changes have not been detailed, but they signal a potential shift in ESPN's programming strategy and Smith's future contributions.

The House of Representatives is preparing to vote on a bill that would mandate the release of documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This decision follows a significant shift from President Donald Trump, who had previously resisted the release but now supports it, stating he does not want the controversy to overshadow his priorities. Trump has indicated he would sign the bill into law, marking a notable change in his stance on the Epstein case.