Senate agrees to pass Epstein files bill after near-unanimous House vote | First Thing

The US Attorney General, Pam Bondi, announced that the Justice Department will release files related to Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days, following the US Senate's passage of a bill mandating the release. However, there may be material withheld that could impact an ongoing investigation ordered by Donald Trump. As of now, Trump has not scheduled time to sign the bill.

Saad Almadi, a 75-year-old US citizen, has been released by Saudi Arabia after being imprisoned for five months due to critical tweets about the government. His release follows a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and former President Donald Trump, which has been linked to Almadi's case. Initially sentenced to 19 years in prison in 2021, Almadi's charges were later reduced to cyber crimes, resulting in a 30-year travel ban.

Donald Trump faces criticism regarding his handling of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Despite previously opposing the release of these files, Trump has reversed his stance as bipartisan support grows in Congress for their disclosure. This shift raises questions about his influence and the loyalty of his base, particularly as he navigates the political fallout from this high-profile case.

US and Russian officials have drafted a plan to end the Ukraine war, requiring Kyiv to surrender territory and limit its military size. The proposal, developed by Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin adviser Kirill Dmitriev, is seen as a capitulation by Ukraine. This comes amid escalating violence, with recent Russian strikes in Ternopil resulting in at least 25 fatalities.

US President Donald Trump announced that his administration is actively seeking a resolution to the ongoing war in Sudan. This statement reflects a commitment to addressing international conflicts and promoting peace in the region.

A former United Nations investigator expressed her shock and anger at President Donald Trump's defense of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The investigator criticized Trump's dismissal of intelligence that indicated the Crown Prince's involvement in the killing, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding the case.

A Republican effort to censure Democratic Delegate Stacey Plaskett for her text exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing failed on the House floor. The motion, which aimed to formally reprimand Plaskett and remove her from the House intelligence committee, was rejected by a vote of 209 to 214. This incident has sparked accusations of a deal among party leaders to shield members from ethics controversies.

Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent journalist, was murdered in a Saudi consulate in 2018. In a recent press conference, President Donald Trump dismissed the gravity of Khashoggi's killing, stating, 'things happen.' This comment came during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has been implicated by the CIA in orchestrating Khashoggi's murder, although he denies any involvement.