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

Hugh Marks, managing director of ABC, criticized what he termed 'opportunistic' attacks on the broadcaster following accusations that its Four Corners program misrepresented a speech by Donald Trump on January 6, 2021. Marks argued that comparisons between the ABC's programming and the BBC's editorial decisions are not valid. He acknowledged that there are lessons to be learned from the BBC's errors, particularly regarding the handling of sensitive content. The remarks were made during a National Press Club address.

Saudi Arabia has been designated as a major non-NATO ally of the United States, a move celebrated by President Donald Trump as a significant enhancement of military cooperation. This designation comes alongside a deal for Saudi Arabia to acquire F-35 warplanes, marking a pivotal moment in U.S.-Saudi relations. The announcement reflects a deepening partnership between the two nations, particularly in defense and security matters.

Nigeria's new army chief has ordered troops to work tirelessly to recover 25 schoolgirls abducted during a violent raid in Kebbi State. This incident has escalated into a political issue in the United States, following comments from President Donald Trump and his allies regarding the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The abduction highlights ongoing security challenges in the region, where such kidnappings have become increasingly common.

The Senate has agreed to automatically pass a bill mandating the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives. This decision comes amid significant public interest and scrutiny regarding Epstein's connections and the implications of the released documents. Additionally, Harvard professor Larry Summers announced he would step back from public life after emails surfaced revealing his communications with Epstein.

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced it will reduce its workforce by nearly a quarter, resulting in over 2,000 job losses, due to the withdrawal of funding from the United States. This decision follows the Trump administration's exit from the organization in January, which has led to significant operational cutbacks and a halving of its management team. The WHO is now focusing on implementing reforms in light of this funding loss.

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion of military strikes against drug cartels on Mexican soil. She emphasized that while Mexico is willing to cooperate on intelligence, it will not allow foreign military intervention. This statement follows Trump's remarks indicating support for such actions as a means to combat drug trafficking.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Congress to establish a single nationwide standard for regulating artificial intelligence. He warned that a patchwork of state rules could hinder growth and jeopardize the United States' competitiveness against China in the rapidly evolving AI sector.

Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a White House meeting, downplaying the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This meeting coincided with the announcement of a significant arms deal, including the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Trump's family has vested interests in Saudi projects, including the development of Trump Plaza in Jeddah, further complicating the political landscape surrounding U.S.-Saudi relations.