EU kicks off crunch summit on Russian asset plan for Ukraine

Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, an alleged leader of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang, has been charged in a New York federal court with racketeering, drug, and firearms offenses. US officials have issued a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction, as his current whereabouts remain unknown.

The board of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has voted to proceed with a proposal to rename the institution after former President Donald Trump, potentially calling it the Trump-Kennedy Center. This decision has raised legal questions regarding its validity, as expressed by Joe Kennedy III, a descendant of President John F. Kennedy.

The Trump administration has announced an unprecedented arms package for Taiwan, valued at over $11 billion, which includes medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones. This decision has provoked a strong backlash from China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province and opposes any military support for it from foreign nations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning regarding the dire situation on the battlefield if European leaders do not approve the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The EU is currently deliberating on a $105 billion loan to sustain Kyiv's military efforts amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

Instacart has reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) after being accused of misleading US consumers by charging fees despite advertising 'free delivery'. This claim raised concerns about the transparency of the company's pricing practices and its impact on consumer trust.

President Donald Trump announced a one-time payment of $1,776 for 1.45 million US military personnel, claiming it is funded by tariff revenues and part of a larger tax-and-spend bill. This payment coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, highlighting the administration's focus on military support.

Christian Turner has been appointed as the new UK ambassador to the United States, marking a significant achievement for the Sir Humphreys, a term often used to describe senior civil servants in the UK government, over political figures. This prestigious role is considered one of the most glamorous postings within the UK diplomatic service.

Vladimir Putin's spymaster reported a lengthy phone conversation with the new head of MI6, Blaise Metreweli, as EU leaders convene to discuss funding for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict. This dialogue reflects the intricate web of international relations and intelligence operations surrounding the Ukraine crisis.