Cautious optimism at peace talks as Hamas hands over lists of names for swap deal

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced an investigation into the ties between Donald Trump's political adversaries and Jeffrey Epstein. This decision comes after Trump directed Bondi to pursue the inquiry, diverging from a previous memo that negated the need for further investigations. Jay Clayton, the interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, has been appointed to lead the investigation, which Bondi emphasized would be conducted with urgency and integrity.

Rashida Tlaib has introduced a resolution in the US Congress aimed at recognizing the genocide in Gaza. This congressional measure is supported by 21 Democratic legislators and calls for sanctions against Israel in response to the ongoing horrors in Gaza.

In a recent opinion piece, Shelby Steele and his son Eli argue that victim politics have led to pro-Hamas activism and a significant political reaction exemplified by Donald Trump. They explore the implications of 'white guilt' in the current socio-political landscape, suggesting that these dynamics are shaping contemporary discourse and political movements.

The United States has reached a deal to reduce tariffs on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%. This agreement follows a significant diplomatic effort by Switzerland, which will also invest $200 billion in the U.S. economy. The deal is seen as a positive step in U.S.-Swiss relations, aiming to enhance trade and economic cooperation.

UN peacekeepers from UNIFIL reported that Israel has constructed walls within Lebanese territory. The walls reportedly cross the unofficial 'Blue Line' border that separates Lebanon and Israel. UNIFIL has requested the Israeli army to relocate these walls.

In his critique of the BBC, President Donald Trump demonstrates a disregard for truth and accountability, a pattern that has characterized his public discourse. His history of false statements, which the Washington Post has documented to number over 30,000, highlights a significant asymmetry in political engagement. This situation poses a challenge for those who seek to hold him accountable, particularly in light of his controversial associations, such as with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

A series of emails between Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted child sex offender, and Larry Summers, the former US Treasury Secretary, reveal their relationship as confidants. The exchanges, spanning from 2013 to early 2019, include personal views on politics and relationships. These emails were released by Republican legislators amid ongoing political discussions regarding Epstein's connections to Donald Trump.

Jonathan Jarvis, the former director of the National Park Service, warns that U.S. national parks are facing severe threats during Donald Trump's presidency. He emphasizes the need for public outcry to protect these natural treasures, which he claims are at risk of being treated as financial assets for privatization. Jarvis highlights the potential consequences of a federal government shutdown, which could exacerbate the situation for parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite.