Republicans are trying to remove Delegate Stacey Plaskett from the House Intelligence Committee after it was revealed she exchanged texts with Jeffrey Epstein during a congressional hearing. The texts suggest Epstein was advising Plaskett on what to ask during the hearing. A vote on her removal from the committee may happen soon.
Key Facts
Stacey Plaskett is currently on the House Intelligence Committee.
Texts between her and Jeffrey Epstein were released, suggesting she received advice from him during a hearing in 2019.
Plaskett reportedly asked questions that Epstein suggested during the hearing.
The effort to remove her from the committee is led by Republicans.
A vote on her removal could happen shortly.
Epstein had previously been convicted on charges related to sex crimes and his donations to politicians, including Plaskett, were controversial.
The proposed resolution to remove her also asks for an investigation into her ties with Epstein.
Plaskett remains on other committees, like Ways and Means or Budget, regardless of the outcome.
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An Israeli air strike hit a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, killing at least 13 people. Israel stated the attack targeted Hamas operatives, while Hamas denied having facilities in the camp. Tensions remain high following a ceasefire with Lebanon after a prolonged conflict.
Key Facts
An Israeli drone strike killed at least 13 people in the Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon.
The attack also injured at least four people, with reports of more being transported to hospitals.
Israel claimed the strike targeted members of Hamas in a training compound.
Hamas denied having training facilities in Lebanese refugee camps and called the attack an aggression.
The conflict follows Israel's broader military actions against Palestinian factions like Hamas in Lebanon.
Israel has conducted numerous air strikes in Lebanon despite a ceasefire brokered in November 2024.
Lebanese authorities reported more than 270 fatalities since the ceasefire due to Israeli military actions.
A ceasefire had required Israel to withdraw forces from southern Lebanon by early 2025, which has not been completed.
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President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House to discuss various topics, including potential agreements between Saudi Arabia and Israel and a possible defense pact. Trump confirmed plans to authorize the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The meeting also briefly touched on regional issues such as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Key Facts
President Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House.
The meeting showcased strong ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
They discussed Saudi Arabia potentially joining the Abraham Accords, which are agreements for formal relations between Israel and some Arab countries.
Trump said a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia is almost finalized.
Trump plans to approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, not downgrading the jets’ capabilities.
Regional challenges, including Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, were not a major focus of the meeting.
Trump mentioned past U.S. strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities during discussions.
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An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon near a Palestinian refugee camp killed 13 people. The Israeli military stated the target was Hamas members operating in a training area. The health ministry in Lebanon reported 13 deaths and at least four injuries from the strike.
Key Facts
An Israeli airstrike occurred near the Ein el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon.
Lebanon's health ministry reported 13 people killed and at least four injured due to the strike.
The Israeli military claimed it targeted Hamas members in a training area.
Israel has carried out airstrikes in Lebanon targeting groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
Images showed emergency responders at the camp's entrance and ambulances moving through crowded streets.
Israel's military stated measures were taken to minimize civilian harm using precision equipment.
Tensions between Israel and groups in Lebanon have been high, with previous escalations involving bombings and ground incursions.
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Six members of the Palestine Action group are on trial in the UK for allegedly attacking an Israeli arms manufacturer's facility in Bristol. The group is accused of causing damage to the property and injuring a police officer. The trial is drawing significant attention, with demonstrations in support of the activists taking place.
Key Facts
Six British members of Palestine Action are on trial in the UK.
They allegedly attacked Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms company, in August 2024.
They are accused of causing property damage and using paint as a form of protest.
One defendant is charged with injuring a police officer during the incident.
The British government labeled Palestine Action as a "terrorist" group in July.
The group aims to disrupt the arms industry in the UK.
Some of the activists have been in detention for over a year, exceeding the UK's six-month pre-trial limit.
The trial is expected to last 10 weeks and has drawn international attention and protests.
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President Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stating the crown prince knew nothing about journalist Jamal Khashoggi's 2018 murder. This statement contrasts with a 2021 U.S. intelligence report suggesting the crown prince approved the operation. During Crown Prince Mohammed's visit to the U.S., he announced plans for increased Saudi investments and discussed potential arms sales with President Trump.
Key Facts
President Trump said the Saudi Crown Prince had no knowledge of Khashoggi's murder.
A 2021 U.S. intelligence report claimed the crown prince approved the plan that led to Khashoggi's death.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the U.S. for the first time since the murder.
Saudi Arabia plans to increase its U.S. investments to $1 trillion.
Potential deals include civilian nuclear power and artificial intelligence.
Discussions included the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
Some concerns exist regarding the military balance in the Middle East with Israel.
Khashoggi’s widow called for an apology from the crown prince regarding her husband’s murder.
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President Donald Trump designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, which allows for increased defense trade and security cooperation between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. This designation followed talks and the signing of a strategic defense agreement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump also announced plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, raising concerns in Israel.
Key Facts
President Trump announced Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally.
This status allows closer military cooperation without being a NATO member.
There are 19 other countries with this designation, including Israel and Egypt.
A strategic defense agreement was signed during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit.
Trump plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, which worries Israel about its military edge.
Human rights groups criticize Saudi Arabia for its human rights record.
Congressional scrutiny is expected to increase over arms sales and human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.
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Britain's intelligence service, MI5, has warned lawmakers about Chinese espionage efforts in the UK. The warning mentions spies posing as headhunters to recruit officials and influence universities. China has denied these allegations, urging the UK to stop making such claims.
Key Facts
MI5 warned UK lawmakers about Chinese espionage activities.
Chinese spies allegedly pose as headhunters to recruit officials.
Alerts were sent to both Parliament and universities about these threats.
China's government denied the espionage allegations and asked the UK to stop.
Fake job postings on recruitment websites are reportedly part of the espionage.
China's embassy in London dismissed these claims as baseless.
The UK government will discuss foreign interference risks with university leaders.
A past spy case was dropped due to insufficient evidence against China.
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Marciano Brunette, from the show Vanderpump Villa, stated that Hulu's production team reviewed footage and cleared him of any wrongdoing involving Demi Engemann during a filming incident. Engemann accused Brunette of inappropriate behavior, but he denied these claims, stating all interactions were consensual. Brunette's account of events is supported by some castmates, while others question Engemann's version of what happened.
Key Facts
Marciano Brunette said Hulu cleared him after reviewing footage of an incident with Demi Engemann.
Engemann accused Brunette of inappropriate behavior during the filming of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and Vanderpump Villa.
Brunette denied the allegations and stated all interactions were consensual.
Engemann confirmed a kiss on the cheek but denied a kiss on the lips and claimed Brunette inappropriately touched her.
Some castmates questioned Engemann's claims, while others supported Brunette's version of events.
Engemann and Brunette reportedly had a friendly relationship during filming and exchanged contact details.
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Cristiano Ronaldo will visit the White House on the same day as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Ronaldo currently plays for a Saudi football team and has become a prominent figure in the country's sports modernization efforts. He has not visited the United States since 2016 and is not officially part of the crown prince's delegation.
Key Facts
Cristiano Ronaldo is visiting the White House on Thursday.
He last visited the U.S. in 2016.
An allegation of sexual assault was made against him in 2009, which he denied and was not charged for.
Cristiano Ronaldo plays for the Saudi football club Al Nassr.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will also be at the White House on the same day.
Ronaldo is involved in Saudi Arabia's sports modernization plans.
His salary with the Saudi football league is reportedly $200 million a year.
Ronaldo expressed interest in meeting President Trump.
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Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for a new sexual battery allegation from 2020. Combs, who is currently serving a prison sentence in New Jersey for charges related to prostitution, denies the allegation and maintains he will clear his name in court.
Key Facts
Sean "Diddy" Combs is under investigation for a sexual battery allegation from 2020.
The incident allegedly happened at a Los Angeles warehouse during a photo shoot.
Combs denies all allegations of sexual abuse, calling them false and defamatory.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's special victim's bureau is handling the case.
Combs is serving a four-year prison sentence in New Jersey for prostitution-related charges.
He was previously convicted in New York for charges related to a sex-trafficking operation but was found not guilty of the most serious charges.
The new allegation involves a male music producer who claims Combs exposed himself during a photo shoot.
Combs plans to fight the allegations in court, not in the media.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the White House and announced plans to invest around one trillion dollars in new partnerships with the United States. These partnerships will focus on areas like technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
Key Facts
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the White House.
He promised nearly one trillion dollars in investments with the US.
These investments will include technology sectors.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also a key area for investment.
The announcement was made during his visit to talk about new partnerships.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated that Saudi Arabia is interested in joining the Abraham Accords to establish formal ties with Israel. However, he emphasized that this would only happen if there is a clear way to establish a Palestinian state.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia wants to join the Abraham Accords, which is a set of agreements to normalize relations with Israel.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is the leader making this statement.
He specified that a roadmap to Palestinian statehood is necessary for Saudi Arabia to proceed.
The Abraham Accords are a series of agreements originally facilitated during President Trump's administration.
The emphasis on Palestinian statehood highlights ongoing concerns about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is visiting the United States and has met with President Donald Trump. During the visit, the two countries are discussing a potential sale of up to 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The F-35 is a sophisticated, stealth-equipped fighter jet made by the U.S. company Lockheed Martin.
Key Facts
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is visiting the United States and has met with President Trump.
The visit marks the first time the crown prince has been to the U.S. since 2018.
The U.S. is considering selling up to 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
The F-35 is a stealth aircraft made by Lockheed Martin, designed to avoid radar detection.
Several countries partner with the U.S. to manufacture components or assemble the F-35.
The F-35 fighter jet is known for its advanced technologies, combining stealth with high-tech sensors and computing.
Saudi Arabia seeks the F-35 to enhance its air force capabilities.
Previous U.S. administrations did not agree to sell the F-35 to Saudi Arabia, partly due to Israel's opposition.
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The BBC announced that the police drama "Line of Duty" will return for a seventh series. Filming for the new series, featuring returning actors Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure, and Martin Compston, will begin in Belfast in the spring. The storyline will include a new character and focus on police corruption.
Key Facts
"Line of Duty" is coming back for a seventh series on the BBC.
Actors Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure, and Martin Compston will return to their roles.
Filming will start in the spring in Belfast.
The series will have six new episodes written by Jed Mercurio.
The last series ended in 2021, drawing over 17 million viewers for its finale.
The BBC did not initially plan to continue the series after the sixth one.
Series seven will feature a new character, Det Insp Dominic Gough, linked to a key storyline.
The main characters are dealing with a rebranded police unit focused on corruption.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated that Osama bin Laden organized the 9/11 attacks to damage the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. He made this comment while sitting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed U.S.-Saudi relations.
He said Osama bin Laden wanted to harm these relations with the 9/11 attacks.
The meeting took place with President Donald Trump present.
The Crown Prince emphasized that believing otherwise supports bin Laden's goal.
The discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining strong ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
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Researchers from the University of Oxford and Florida Institute of Technology have found evidence that kissing might have originated 21 million years ago in the common ancestors of humans and large apes. The study aimed to determine whether kissing is an evolved behavior or a cultural invention. By examining primate behavior, the researchers suggest that Neanderthals and other ancient species likely engaged in kissing.
Key Facts
Researchers suggest kissing may have started 21 million years ago with early ancestors of humans and large apes.
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford and Florida Institute of Technology.
The research looked at kissing as "mouth-to-mouth contact that did not involve food transfer."
Only 46% of human cultures currently document kissing as a behavior.
Scientists used data from modern primate species that exhibit kissing behavior, like chimpanzees and bonobos.
The team ran simulations 10 million times to estimate kissing's presence in ancient species.
The study provides a framework for future research on nonhuman animal behavior.
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A Lebanese man is on trial in Germany for allegedly being part of Hezbollah's military wing, which is considered a terrorist group by the EU. He is accused of helping to support Hezbollah's drone program by buying materials from Europe, China, and the US. His trial is related to actions taken by Hezbollah against Israel, which included using drones for attacks.
Key Facts
The man on trial is a 35-year-old Lebanese national named Fadel Z.
He is accused of being involved with Hezbollah's military operations and their drone program.
Prosecutors say he started working for Hezbollah over 10 years ago and became involved in drone operations in 2022.
He allegedly helped procure drone components worth about €1.4 million.
The parts included petrol and electric motors and propellers, sourced from Europe, China, and the US.
Some of the parts were used in drones that attacked Israel, including one that hit a retirement home.
The trial is expected to continue until August next year.
The actions are linked to ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah, which intensified after October 2023.
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Hamas and other Palestinian groups in Gaza have rejected a UN resolution that proposes a new governance structure and international military presence in the region. They believe this plan undermines their right to self-rule and labels it as another form of external control. The resolution is supported by President Trump and some Arab countries, but criticized for not addressing key issues like ending Israeli occupation.
Key Facts
Hamas and other factions in Gaza oppose a UN resolution for a new governing body and international forces in Gaza.
They argue this action could limit Palestinians' right to self-governance.
The resolution is part of a plan led by President Trump and backed by several Arab nations.
Israeli operations continue in Gaza even after a recent ceasefire.
Some Gaza citizens and leaders criticize the UN plan, feeling it does not protect Palestinian interests.
The Palestinian Authority supports the resolution and aims to implement it.
Israeli air strikes targeted various areas shortly after the resolution's announcement.
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Congress voted to make the Epstein files public, with support from both political parties. Attorney Spencer Kuvin, who represents people affected by Epstein's actions, talked about the vote and future steps.
Key Facts
Congress voted to release the Epstein files.
Both political parties supported this decision.
The files are related to Jeffrey Epstein's actions.
Spencer Kuvin is an attorney for Epstein's victims.
Amna Nawaz interviewed Spencer Kuvin about the vote.
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