First Thing: Zelenskyy to meet European leaders in London for talks on ending Ukraine war

Donald Trump is expected to deliver remarks on affordability at a rally in Pennsylvania, coinciding with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's criticism of President Joe Biden's policies. This event follows a federal judge's decision to unseal grand jury documents related to the sex-trafficking case against Ghislaine Maxwell, a close associate of Jeffrey Epstein, after the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which Trump signed last month.

President Trump referred to Representative Jasmine Crockett's entry into the Texas Senate race as a 'gift to Republicans,' expressing doubts about her chances of winning. He characterized her as a 'low IQ person' during a flight to Pennsylvania, suggesting that her candidacy could benefit the Republican Party.

The Trump administration has announced plans to terminate the Biden student loan repayment program known as the Save plan, which has provided assistance to over 7 million borrowers. This decision follows a settlement with several Republican-led states that criticized the program as 'illegal.'

The Institute for Public Policy Research has indicated that the UK may soon see a reduction in the premium it pays to borrow compared to other major countries, as confidence in the government's fiscal strategy grows following Chancellor Rachel Reeves's autumn budget announcement. This budget aims to increase the UK's financial headroom significantly by 2030.

A nationwide effort to redraw congressional voting districts, initiated by former President Donald Trump, is gaining momentum as political parties seek advantages ahead of the upcoming elections. This reshaping of districts is seen as a strategic move to influence electoral outcomes in favor of the GOP.

A retiring U.S. Navy admiral briefed Congress regarding military strikes targeting alleged drug trafficking boats near Venezuela, which resulted in the deaths of survivors from an initial attack. This briefing comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Trump administration's military operations in the region.

California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed a softened stance regarding the possibility of Donald Trump running for a third term, citing concerns about Trump's age and well-being. Newsom's comments come as he positions himself as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected any territorial concessions to Russia, emphasizing his commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty while seeking to bolster European support amid ongoing military pressures. This stance comes as he navigates complex diplomatic discussions with U.S. officials and European leaders.