A U.S. judge on Wednesday denied a bid from the Justice Department to unseal the transcripts related to the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in South Florida, the first ruling in a series of attempts by President Donald Trump’s administration to release more information on the case. The Justice Department has pending requests to unseal transcripts in Manhattan federal court related to a later indictment brought against Mr. Epstein and his former associate Ghislaine Maxwell. U.S. District Judge Robin Rosenberg found that the Justice Department’s request in Florida did not fall into any of the exceptions to rules requiring grand jury material to be kept secret.

They say they aren't seeking to assign blame as they review actions around the July 4 floods. Republican Sen. Charles Perry said the special session will focus on prevention and preparedness. State and county emergency response officials are scheduled to testify, but no officials from Kerr County, which was the most affected. Also on the agenda for this summer's special legislative session: a partisan redrawing of U.S. House maps to give Republicans more winnable seats. Democrats have not ruled out a walkout to derail the redistricting vote, saying they want to address flood relief and new warning systems first.

Thailand said it is closing some border crossings, withdrawing its ambassador, and expelling Cambodia’s after five Thai soldiers were wounded during a border patrol. Thailand’s acting prime minister said the Foreign Ministry would make an official protest to Cambodia and consider further measures. Wednesday’s incident comes days after three other Thai soldiers were wounded in a different area along the border. Thai authorities say that the mines were laid along paths by mutual agreement.

Turkey reached deals with Britain and Germany on Wednesday to acquire dozens of Eurofighter Typhoon jets, which Ankara has sought to bolster defenses in an increasingly volatile region. Britain signed a preliminary deal allowing Ankara to operate the jets while Germany approved delivery of 40 of them to Turkey. Defence Minister Yasar Guler said the deal brought Turkey “one step closer to a fully comprehensive agreement” on the jets, adding it would also strengthen NATO and Turkey’s aerial capabilities.