Melania Trump's Epstein Response, Ceasefire's Lebanon Problem, Betting On War, Gas Price Sticker Shock Worsens

Today on America in the MorningMelania Denies Epstein Relationship First Lady Melania Trump delivered a six-minute stunning statement Thursday from the White House and resurrected the Jeffrey Epstein controversy, denying any links to him or his crimes, and calling on Congress to hold a public hearing and let the victims tell their stories.  Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports.   Ceasefire’s Lebanon Problem The fragile ceasefire between the U-S and Iran enters a critical stage with planned talks this weekend to be held in Pakistan.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports the situation between Israel and Lebanon is becoming intertwined with the US-Iran ceasefire.   Missing Woman’s Husband Arrested Authorities in the Bahamas are considering criminal charges against American Brian Hooker.  Correspondent Rich Johnson has more on the Michigan man and the disappearance of his wife.   Updating The Draft The Selective Service System plans to automatically register eligible American men between ages 18 and 26 for a US military draft by December, nearly a half-century after compulsory registration for the draft for that age group became law.    Judges Reviewing Combs Sentence New York judges are taking a second look at the prison term of disgraced music mogul Sean Diddy Combs.  Ed Donahue reports.   Latest On Iran War Questions are surfacing regarding the US-Iran ceasefire and how it impacts Lebanon.  A surprise move by Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu has Israel asking for direct negotiations with Beirut for both peace and de-arming Hezbollah, a move rebuffed by both of those parties.  Vice President JD Vance says Lebanon was never discussed in any US-Iran ceasefire, but the Prime Minister of Canada says the ceasefire should include Lebanon, but the terror group must also stop its attacks against Israel.  Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports.   Betting On War An interesting aspect of what has come out of the situation in the Middle East is what has been happening on betting sites.  Some new accounts on the prediction market Polymarket made highly specific and well-timed bets on the U.S. and Iran ceasefire, as well as events tied to surprise actions by the U.S. military.  Correspondent Ken Sweet reports.   California Fire Arrest The employee who's believed to have started a massive warehouse in California has been charged with felony crimes.  Joan Jones reports.   Gas Prices Go Higher Gas prices continue to climb in all 50 states.  Inflation A Problem Making matters worse for the average person is that inflation is sapping the purchasing power of Americans.  Correspondent Donna Warder reports. Finally   All systems are a go for the crew of Artemis II spacecraft, which will return to Earth today following their historic 9-day mission that took them around the moon and are now speeding towards a Pacific Ocean splashdown.  Correspondent Jennifer King reports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices