(Washington, D.C.) The Republican-controlled U.S. Congress passed a bill on Tuesday by a near unanimous vote, requiring the Justice Department to release the files of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The bill is expected to be sent to President Trump for his signature as early as Wednesday. Trump had previously vehemently opposed the bill's passage, but changed his stance under immense political pressure, shattering the myth of his absolute power within the Republican Party.

(Kyiv) According to US media reports, the Trump administration is in secret consultations with Russia to develop a new plan to end the war in Ukraine, and US and Russian envoys have already had in-depth exchanges on the matter.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks about Taiwan have led to a continued deterioration in Sino-Japanese relations. The Chinese government has urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, while Japan is also concerned that comments within China could endanger the safety of its citizens and residents.

(United Nations) The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution proposed by the United States, supporting the establishment of a Peace Council, the deployment of an international stabilization force in Gaza, and paving the way for a future Palestinian state. However, due to a lack of details, many problems remain regarding the implementation of the resolution.

(Bloomberg, Tokyo) Less than a month into her term, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces her first major diplomatic test after angering China with her remarks on the Taiwan issue. A Bloomberg analysis points out that while China is clashing with the United States, it would not want to deepen its conflict with Japan, but Takaichi faces the risk that China's pressure may exceed expectations.

Last week, South Korea and the United States released a joint situation report and a joint statement from the South Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), reaffirming their goal of "achieving complete denuclearization of North Korea" and strengthening defense cooperation. In response, North Korea issued its first statement on Tuesday, criticizing the measures as potentially triggering a "serious situation of global nuclear runaway."

(Washington, D.C.) Following the release of close communications between former Treasury Secretary Summers and the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein by the U.S. Congress, Summers announced on Monday that he would step down from public affairs.

Bear sightings have become increasingly frequent in Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, following an attack on a Spanish tourist by a bear cub last month. Bear prevention has become a top priority for the local government. Shirakawa-go, famous for its Gassho-style houses and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, attracts numerous domestic and international tourists. A Shirakawa-go official revealed that the area has received over 100 reports of bear sightings this year, far exceeding the approximately 35 reports last year, attributing this to an increase in the bear population and a shortage of natural food. Even more worrying is that a bear recently captured in Akita Prefecture lacked the fat reserves expected for hibernation, suggesting it may not actually hibernate.