1. Critical Updates for September 3: China's Decision, Ongoing War on Drugs, Release of Epstein Files, Discussions with RFK Jr., and Google's Recent Developments
In today's news, the House Oversight Committee has released more than 33,000 files related to the late convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, a former project manager for climate.gov has joined forces with a group to preserve key climate data that the Trump administration had taken offline.
In international news, the use of military force against a Latin American drug cartel marks a significant escalation in the US war on drugs. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stood together publicly for the first time, projecting an image of unity and authoritarian strength. Xi vowed to oppose "hegemonism" and "bullying practices," without naming the US directly.
In other world news, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit demonstrated China's leadership and presented a less Western-centric vision of international order. Xi promoted his partnerships with North Korea, Russia, and Iran to highlight China as a credible alternative to the US as the world's top superpower.
Closer to home, President Trump is moving to cancel $4.9 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid using a rare "pocket rescission." At least 95 people in more than a dozen states have been sickened in a Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs. More than 1,000 current and former employees of the Department of Health and Human Services have signed a letter demanding that Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. resign.
In entertainment, an Oscar-winning actor has stated that he no longer watches movies or goes to the cinema. Chloe Malle, daughter of actress Candice Bergen, will assume a highly sought-after job in reality TV. Taco Bell is planning to bring back popular menu items from the 2000s.
And for those who love adventure, two Scottish brothers recently rowed 9,000 miles across the world's largest ocean, setting two world records. You can watch their incredible journey here.
Finally, the long-running sketch show "SNL" is adding five new people to its cast, including three with robust followings on TikTok. Don't forget to check your local forecast for today's weather. Today's 5 Things AM was edited and produced by CNN's Andrew Torgan.
