3 Things To Know: Justice Dept. Directed to Release Epstein Documents, FBI Warning to Parents & New Illnesses Tied to Formula Recall

Plus, Walmart posts third quarter gains and the price of Thanksgiving dinner goes down.

Justice Department Directed to Release Epstein Investigation Documents Under New Law

“We will continue to follow the law with maximum transparency while protecting victims.” 

Attorney General Pam Bondi on new legislation, now signed by the President Trump, that will compel the Justice Department, within 30 days, to release approximately 100,000 documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. This includes Epstein’s correspondence in prison before he died, as well as any investigatory material related to his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of sex trafficking. The bill empowers the Justice Department to withhold material related to national security or to any active investigations. 

Learn More:  What’s next now that Trump has signed bill releasing the Epstein files (AP) 

FBI Warns Parents Amid Nationwide Effort to Dismantle Online Child-Exploitation Network

“We are asking all parents to please be on guard – check in with your kids and monitor their internet usage.” 

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino in a social media post Wednesday concerning the FBI’s efforts to dismantle the “764 network,” a criminal ring that exploits children online. The FBI currently has over 300 active investigations and warns of the network’s extensive reach, with an estimated 10,000 perpetrators operating online. “It’s hard to really put into terms the actual scope of what we’re dealing with here,” said Matt Kriner, an expert with the Institute for Countering Digital Extremism in Washington. 

Learn More: 

‘Modern day terrorism’: How the online extremist network 764 is threatening teen lives (ABC News) 

Infant Botulism Cases Linked to Recalled Formula Rise to 31

“FDA has received reports that recalled formula is still being found on store shelves in multiple states. … All ByHeart infant formula products have been recalled, and these products should not be available for sale in stores or online.”   

The FDA in a statement Wednesday about the ongoing ByHeart formula recall. With newly reported cases, a total of 31 infants have now been hospitalized with infant botulism, though no deaths have been reported. Families of two of the infants have filed separate lawsuits against ByHeart. Symptoms of infant botulism include constipation, poor feeding, and loss of head control, and parents are urged to seek immediate medical attention if they notice these signs. 

Learn More:  

• Botulism cases in infants rise to 31 amid ongoing recall of ByHeart baby formula, FDA says (CBS News)
• As infant botulism cases climb to 31, recalled ByHeart baby formula is still on some store shelves (AP) 

Walmart Posts Third Quarter Gains 

“Consumers are looking to do business with those companies that are providing value, that are delivering the convenience that they’ve come to know and expect, and that are executing consistently well.” 

Walmart Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey explaining how Walmart posted revenue gains in a challenging market. The company reported lower levels when SNAP benefits were paused during the government shutdown, but also noted growth in consumers across all income levels, with more shoppers coming from the higher-income households. Delivery has become an increasingly popular option, with about one-third of online orders now fulfilled in one to three hours. 

Learn More: Walmart hikes sales and earnings forecast as it attracts shoppers across incomes (CNBC) 

Extra Helping: 

“The 40th annual American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Thanksgiving dinner survey finds that a table of classic dishes for 10 people will cost $55.18, down 5% from last year, but still higher than four years ago.”  

The America Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) relies on a network of shoppers from all states and Puerto Rico to determine the average cost of a traditional Thanksgiving meal. While some prices have fallen, including turkey, cubed stuffing, fresh cranberries and dinner rolls, other items have seen increases, particularly side items like sweet potatoes, frozen green peas, and vegetable trays. AFBF also notes regional price differences, meaning where you live may significantly affect what you pay. 

Learn More: 

• Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Analysis: Moderate Decline (AFBF) 
• The cost of Thanksgiving dinner dropped this year, agriculture group says (Washington Post Gift Link)