The U.S. military successfully boarded the Aquila II oil tanker in the Indian Ocean as part of an ongoing effort to disrupt the Venezuelan oil trade and enforce international sanctions. This action follows the vessel’s pursuit from the Caribbean, highlighting Washington’s commitment to “quarantining” sanctioned ships and denying illicit actors access to global maritime trade. The Aquila II, which was carrying Venezuelan crude and falsely flying the flag of Panama, is linked to the “shadow fleet” utilized for sanction-evading oil exports and poses environmental risks. This interdiction is one of several recent measures taken by U.S. and European authorities to counter the operations of these tankers.
Read More
King Charles has expressed his “profound concern” over allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential trade reports with Jeffrey Epstein and stated he would “stand ready to support” police if approached. Thames Valley Police are assessing claims that Mountbatten-Windsor forwarded official reports from his trade envoy role regarding trips to Asia to Epstein in 2010 and 2011. These allegations emerged following the release of emails by the US Department of Justice, which also indicate a separate claim of a woman being sent for a sexual encounter with the then-prince. The Prince and Princess of Wales are also “deeply concerned” by the continuing revelations, with their thoughts remaining with the victims.
Read More
The Justice Department has moved to dismiss the criminal case against Steve Bannon, who was convicted of contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena related to the Jan. 6 investigation. Bannon had previously served four months in federal prison following his conviction. The government now asserts that dismissal is in the interests of justice, and Bannon does not oppose this motion. This move follows Bannon’s appeal of his conviction to the Supreme Court.
Read More
Ghislaine Maxwell has reportedly offered to testify that neither Donald Trump nor Bill Clinton were culpable in their relationships with Jeffrey Epstein. This offer, made during a closed-door deposition, was viewed by some lawmakers as an attempt to gain clemency for her own conviction. Maxwell is currently seeking to overturn her sentence, presenting new evidence to a federal judge regarding alleged constitutional violations during her trial.
Read More
Further revelations from the recently released Epstein files indicate that the former prince may have forwarded official reports of his visits to various Asian countries, along with confidential investment details, to Jeffrey Epstein shortly after receiving them. These disclosures raise questions about adherence to official guidance regarding the confidentiality of sensitive trade information. The latest batch of documents also includes allegations concerning a second woman sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with the prince, alongside photographic evidence of the prince in a compromising position. Both Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace have issued statements emphasizing their focus on victims of abuse, while Prince Andrew continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Read More
The idea that there’s a “massive lack of enthusiasm” brewing within the core MAGA base is a significant talking point, and it’s being voiced by none other than Steve Bannon himself. It seems the energy that once fueled the movement might be sputtering, leading to concerns about its sustained power.
This perceived dip in enthusiasm could stem from a variety of factors, perhaps even from the very nature of sustained resentment as a primary motivator. While merchandise and a shared sense of grievance can be potent rallying cries for a time, it’s understandable that, at some point, people begin to expect tangible results beyond just expressing their discontent.… Continue reading
An Irish man, Seamus Culleton, has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for five months and faces deportation despite holding a valid work permit and having no criminal record. Culleton, married to a US citizen and operating a local business, was arrested during a random immigration sweep, according to his lawyer. Despite being in the process of applying for lawful permanent residence and having a final interview scheduled, his detention prevented him from attending, and he claims to have been pressured to sign deportation documents he did not agree to. His lawyer argues that the government is acting ineptly and capriciously towards an individual who has established a life and business in the US and followed immigration procedures correctly.
Read More
Footage has emerged from a Super Bowl party at Donald Trump’s golf club showing the Bad Bunny halftime show playing on large screens, contradicting public statements. Critics have labeled this a display of hypocrisy, suggesting the outrage over the performance was performative. Trump himself later confirmed he watched Bad Bunny, denouncing the halftime show as “terrible” and an “affront to the Greatness of America” in a lengthy Truth Social post.
Read More
Norway’s Ambassador to Jordan, Mona Juul, has resigned amidst scrutiny over her contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, a decision deemed “correct and necessary” by the Foreign Ministry. This resignation follows reports that Epstein left Juul’s children $10 million in his will and revelations of a “serious lapse in judgment” regarding her association with the convicted sex offender. The Foreign Ministry’s investigation into Juul’s knowledge of and contact with Epstein will continue, alongside a review of funding for an institute previously led by her husband, who also demonstrated poor judgment concerning Epstein. This situation has also led to scrutiny and apologies from other prominent Norwegian figures linked to Epstein.
Read More
As approximately one-eighth of the world’s species face extinction and human activity has significantly altered 75 percent of Earth’s land surface, future prosperity is jeopardized. This degradation is attributed to businesses failing to value biodiversity, “perverse incentives,” insufficient regulatory support, and models promoting increased consumption. While businesses can contribute to solutions, policy, legal frameworks, and collective action are essential to reverse biodiversity loss, even as some regions pursue deregulation and others withdraw from international cooperation.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood