FAA warns all pilots of risks of flying over Venezuela over 'worsening security situation'

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that air traffic controllers who maintained perfect attendance during the government shutdown will receive a $10,000 bonus. A total of 311 controllers and 423 technicians are expected to benefit from this initiative, with payouts anticipated by December 9. This recognition aims to honor the dedication of these essential workers amidst challenging circumstances.

Federal investigators are probing claims that Venezuela assisted in stealing the 2020 election from Donald Trump. Multiple individuals promoting this conspiracy theory have been interviewed by the Department of Justice, sharing witnesses and documents with officials. The investigation raises concerns about the credibility of these allegations and their potential implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced that nearly 800 air traffic controllers and technicians who maintained perfect attendance during the recent government shutdown will receive a $10,000 bonus. This recognition is intended to honor their dedication to ensuring air safety during a challenging period.

Experts indicate that drug boats intercepted by the U.S. military in the Caribbean are primarily transporting cocaine from Venezuela to Europe, rather than fentanyl to the United States. This assessment comes amid ongoing military operations targeting suspected drug trafficking vessels.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the U.S. government's designation of Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization provides the Pentagon with new options to combat the alleged drug cartel, which is purportedly led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Documents released to mark the 50th anniversary of a Senate report reveal that the Gerald Ford administration attempted to block the report detailing the CIA's involvement in assassination plots against foreign leaders. This effort ultimately led to significant changes in how the agency was held accountable. The release coincides with speculation that Donald Trump may have authorized CIA actions against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro amid heightened U.S. military presence in the region.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to provide a classified briefing to the Senate regarding the Trump administration's military operations in Venezuela. Schumer emphasized the need for transparency as military activities in the region are reportedly increasing.

The senior military lawyer for the combatant command overseeing lethal strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats near Venezuela expressed legal concerns regarding the operations, contradicting the Trump administration's stance that they are lawful. His views were reportedly sidelined, according to multiple sources familiar with the legal advice.