Apple News Today Why the Epstein files raised more questions than answers
10 snips
Dec 22, 2025 Documents released by the Department of Justice regarding Epstein left many feeling unsatisfied due to heavy redactions and victims' frustrations. The U.S. military took action against oil tankers near Venezuela, escalating tensions in the region. Meanwhile, discussions about a potential 2028 campaign for Vice President J.D. Vance are heating up. Flood-infrastructure grants have been stalled amid record rainfall in Washington state, and a power outage caused robotaxis to become stranded. Plus, excitement over Zootopia 2 and a fascination with the blue pit viper surge.
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Tanker Seizures Target Maduro's Lifeline
- The U.S. seized oil tankers linked to Venezuela as part of a pressure campaign aimed at Nicolás Maduro's government.
- Disrupting shipments to China and others could force Venezuela to slow production and strain its finances.
Shadow Fleet Spreads Sanctions Loophole
- The 'shadow fleet' tactic has spread from Iran to Russia and now to Venezuela, complicating sanctions enforcement.
- The U.S. aims to hurt networks of sanctioned tankers and their partners to cut resources to hostile states.
Photos Pulled Over Victim Concerns
- The DOJ removed and then restored several photographs, citing victim privacy and court orders.
- Deputy AG Todd Blanche said officials must heed victim and victim-rights group concerns before posting materials online.