First Thing: Bondi distances herself from ‘botched’ release of Epstein files | US news

Good morning. Appearing before the House oversight and reform committee, former attorney general Pam Bondi told lawmakers that Todd Blanche, whom Donald Trump tapped to replace her, was “responsible” for the US Justice Department’s controversial handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. He also said he was “not sure how sure” Trump knew about the crimes of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell before they became public.

In her opening statement, Bondi defended the justice department’s handling of the records under her leadership and attempted to distance herself from the release and review of the files, saying she “did not lead every aspect” of the Justice Department’s efforts but that Blanche was the one who oversaw it. If formally nominated by Trump to be attorney general on a permanent basis, Blanche would need confirmation from the U.S. Senate.

• Why is the publication of the files being reviewed? Survivors of Epstein’s abuse, as well as many lawmakers, have criticized some of the department’s actions and expressed concerns about some redactions and the disclosure of sensitive personal information in the files. Bondi acknowledged there were “redacted errors” in the release but added: “Since day one of this process, this department has been committed to accountability and transparency.”

Parliament passes aid bill for Ukraine as Zelenskyy calls for meeting with Putin

The House passed legislation on Thursday that would aid Ukraine and impose sanctions on key segments of the Russian economy, overruling objections from Republican leaders who said the bill would undermine negotiations designed to produce a comparable but stronger outcome.

The legislation, sponsored by Democratic representative Gregory Meeks, aims to strengthen U.S. aid to Ukraine by providing more than $1 billion in security and reconstruction aid. An additional $8 billion will be provided to Ukraine’s defense through loans.

• What are the latest developments in Ukraine? In his first public letter to Vladimir Putin since the 2022 invasion, Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for face-to-face negotiations. Acknowledging the changing priorities of the United States while Washington is focused on the Iran war, the Ukrainian president stated that it would be wrong to expect the Trump administration to step in. The offer comes as Ukraine regains some battlefield advantage through improved long-range strike capabilities even as Moscow intensifies its deadly air campaign across the country.

Trump claims Bill Pulte will investigate ‘fraudulent election’ in temporary intelligence role

Donald Trump has suggested controversial ally Bill Pulte will investigate “rigged elections” while serving as the country’s top intelligence official, as the US president continues to make false claims about the vote.

Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, is a Trump loyalist and has no national intelligence experience. Her appointment as head of national intelligence follows the departure of Tulsi Gabbard.

Trump has previously claimed without evidence that Democrats rigged the primary elections in California. He also claimed that the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles was investigating. The U.S. attorney’s office said it had no comment.

• What’s happening in the California elections? The California governor’s race remained unsettled as state election officials continued to review uncounted primary votes. Polls showed British-born conservative pundit Steve Hilton narrowly leading the race, followed by former U.S. health and human services secretary Xavier Becerra. Billionaire Tom Steyer was behind the duo.

In other news…

• Senate Republicans on Thursday defeated an attempt by Democrats to block Trump from creating a $1.8 billion fund to pay his allies. Acting U.S. attorney Todd Blanche told lawmakers Tuesday that the administration would not move forward on the funding.

• The civil rights division of the US Department of Justice launched an investigation into 15 medical schools following allegations of potential racial discrimination in admissions processes. The Trump administration has accused universities of using essays and other application materials as indirect ways to factor race into admissions decisions.

• Argentina reacts with anger after bodies of two murdered teenage girls were found just two days apart. The latest killings underscore the South American country’s femicide crisis and have sparked alarm over a decision to cut support for victims of gender-based violence under the far-right administration of Javier Milei.

Status of the day: 80% of Americans have experienced a service or product issue in 2025 – Why are US consumers so angry?

U.S. households lose $165 billion a year to the “distress economy,” or “the wages we pay over time, the fees we pay to sustain our daily lives, and the inconvenience,” according to a February estimate from the Groundwork Collaborative, a think tank focused on the concentration of private power. Heather Timmons explores why US consumers are so angry.

• From difficulties getting refunds to poor customer service, we want to hear your frustrations with companies. Contact here.

Culture selection: Love review – amnesia thriller that keeps you guessing

When Ellie (Jessica Rothe) wakes up in a house she doesn’t recognize, next to a man she doesn’t know, she naturally thinks the worst. He becomes even more uneasy when a little girl appears, calling out to her mother. First-time feature director BT Meza’s chilling thriller keeps you guessing, says Catherine Bray in her review. It certainly sounds a lot better than what Benjamin Lee called “Amazon’s confusing $200 million-budget misfire” trying to revive the He-Man concept.

Don’t miss this: A university professor admitted to using artificial intelligence to write an opinion piece. Here’s what’s revealed about trust in technology

“Well, that’s weird” from the files: The Sydney Morning Herald removed an article by Cath Ellis, vice-chancellor of Western Sydney University, after the paper emerged arguing against students using AI to get things done for university work. The article was prepared, as you guessed, with the help of artificial intelligence. Technology reporter Josh Taylor analyzes the response.

…or this: ‘I knew it was over for us’: the bands left behind when punk exploded

Alexis Petridis looks at what the UK music scene is like Really Just like 50 years ago this week, punk completely disrupted pop culture when the Sex Pistols played their first Manchester concert.

Climate control: Wildfire smoke reverses US progress on ozone air quality

Wildfires that have ravaged the United States and the rest of North America in recent years have significantly increased emissions and been linked to tens of thousands of premature deaths; However, according to research, their impact on air quality is greater than previously known.

Latest Thing: Mule deer are already using unfinished wildlife bridge in California

Three mule deer raced across the unfinished $20 million wildlife bridge over Route 97 in Siskiyou County, marking an early victory for California’s transportation department. The project, the state’s first wildlife crossing over a major highway, promises to greatly reduce animal mortality rates for migrating species and improve the safety of human drivers.

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