
 CNN 5 Things
 CNN 5 Things Fear for hostages in Gaza, Epstein ‘birthday book’, VA special election result & more
 Sep 10, 2025 
 Families of Israeli hostages are anxious as military actions complicate release negotiations. President Trump comments on a letter from Jeffrey Epstein's infamous birthday book, sparking intrigue. Political shifts are reflected in the Northern Virginia special election results. In health news, COVID-19 is no longer a leading cause of death in the U.S. Meanwhile, a tense manhunt unfolds in Queens following a shocking double murder. 
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Hostage Families Fear Strike Jeopardizes Talks
- Families fear Israel's strike in Qatar could endanger hostage negotiations and provoke brutal revenge by Hamas.
- The strike complicated mediation and angered some US advisers and Qatar's leadership, raising diplomatic stakes.
Families Describe Fear And Horrified Reactions
- One mother said the strike could be her son's death sentence and a cousin said he was horrified by the strike.
- The Israeli coordinator defended the operation while families pleaded that releases require negotiation.
Trump Denies Writing Epstein Letter
- President Trump called the Epstein 'birthday book' letter a "dead issue" and denied writing it.
- The White House accused House Democrats of concocting a hoax while debates continue over releasing Epstein files.
