Nova Newsletter
December 17, 2025
☕ Good morning. 1,818 words for you today - 10 minute read.
The Spotlight
1. US Military Kills Eight In Pacific Drug-Boat Strikes
The U.S. military said on Monday it struck three more alleged drug boats in the Eastern Pacific, leaving eight dead. U.S. Southern Command
The US military carried out three additional strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Eastern Pacific, killing eight people, according to US Southern Command.
Takeaways
The strikes targeted vessels on known narco-trafficking routes, officials said.
All those killed were described as male narco-terrorists by the military.
Operations were conducted under the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Task Force Southern Spear.
The Trump administration has now killed at least 95 people in 25 Pacific strikes, per US officials.
Southern Command said intelligence confirmed the boats were actively engaged in drug trafficking. The deaths included three people on the first vessel, two on the second, and three on the third.
The command also released video footage on X showing the strikes hitting fast-moving boats at sea.
The expanding campaign signals a more aggressive US posture against narco-trafficking networks operating across the Pacific. Read More
Share this story.
Share on Facebook · Tweet this Story · Post to LinkedIn · Email this Story
2. Trump Sues BBC For $10 Billion Defamation Claim
President Donald Trump sued the BBC in Florida on Monday, seeking $10 billion over an edited Jan. 6, 2021 speech he says falsely portrayed him and harmed his reputation.
Takeaways
Trump alleges defamation and unfair trade practices, seeking $5B for each claim.
The suit claims the BBC spliced separate parts of his speech to misrepresent his words.
The BBC has acknowledged an “error of judgment” but denies defamation and says it will defend the case.
The edit triggered resignations of top BBC news leaders earlier this year.
The lawsuit centers on a BBC documentary aired before the 2024 election, which combined quotes to suggest Trump urged violence, omitting his call for peaceful protest.
Trump said the broadcaster “put words in my mouth” while excluding remarks about patriotism.
Legal experts note challenges, including that the documentary did not air in the US, though Trump argues Americans could access it via BritBox or VPNs.
The case tests how far US courts will go in policing foreign media coverage of US elections. Read More
Share this story.
Share on Facebook · Tweet this Story · Post to LinkedIn · Email this Story
3. Levee Breach Triggers Evacuations Near Seattle Suburbs
A drone view shows an area flooded by the Green River, after multiple atmospheric rivers brought rain and flooding to the Pacific Northwest, in Kent, Washington, December 15, 2025. David Ryder/Reuters
A levee breach in Tukwila, Washington prompted a flash flood warning and evacuation notice Monday across parts of the Seattle metro area, officials said.
Takeaways
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning through Monday night affecting more than 45,000 people.
Evacuation notices cover areas east of the Green River in Tukwila, Renton, and Kent.
Officials warned that roads and access routes could be lost at any time.
The Washington National Guard is deploying to assist local responders.
King County leaders said the Desimone levee breached around 11:30 a.m., with crews working on emergency repairs as water levels remain unstable.
The flooding follows multiple atmospheric rivers that dropped more than 15 inches of rain in parts of Washington last week, already swelling rivers and saturating ground.
More rain is expected later this week, raising concerns of additional flooding and expanded evacuations. Read More
Share this story.
Share on Facebook · Tweet this Story · Post to LinkedIn · Email this Story
Quick Headlines
The final minted pennies had a Greek omega sign embossed on their faces next to Abraham Lincoln. United States Mint
The last circulating U.S. pennies sold for $16.76 million at a Stack’s Bowers auction in California, with 232 omega-marked sets averaging $72,000 and the final set hitting $800,000. Minting ended in November after the government lost $85 million making the coin. Read More
Eleven firefighters and two civilians were injured after a house fire exploded in Salisbury, North Carolina, blowing out walls and lifting the roof as crews searched the home Monday evening. All firefighter injuries were non-life-threatening, and the cause remains under investigation. Read More
A Customs and Border Protection officer fired several shots during a freeway confrontation after a minor crash near JFK Airport on the Van Wyck Expressway around 5 a.m., authorities said. The other driver fled, no injuries were reported, and the incident remains under investigation. Read More
Negotiations over the Tech Prosperity Deal between the US and UK, covering AI and quantum computing, have stalled due to broader trade disputes including tariffs and digital regulations. Despite the impasse, planned £31bn investments by Microsoft, Nvidia, and Google in the UK remain unaffected. Read More
Executions in the United States nearly doubled to 46 in 2025, with Florida carrying out 19, about 40 percent of the national total, setting a state record while public support for the death penalty remains near historic lows. Read More
The Louvre in Paris shut its doors on Monday as 400 staff went on strike over pay and working conditions, citing understaffing and rising visitor numbers, leaving thousands unable to see exhibits including the Mona Lisa. Read More
Deep Dive
4. Trump Dismisses Epstein Photos as House Democrats Release Images
Source: Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.
House Democrats released nearly 100,000 photos from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, showing President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Woody Allen, and Steve Bannon in social settings. The images, part of a broader effort to compel DOJ transparency, prompted Trump to downplay his connection.
Takeaways
House Democrats made 19 photos public and are urging the DOJ to release investigative files on Epstein by a Dec. 19 deadline.
Trump was a longtime associate of Epstein but denies knowledge of abuse and claims no wrongdoing.
Committee Democrats warn the images raise questions about Epstein’s relationships with powerful men and promise further releases.
Redactions obscure the identities of women and some men; context, dates, and locations remain unclear.
Republicans dismiss the release as politically motivated, calling it “cherry-picked” and a distraction from survivor justice.
The photos depict Trump at social events with multiple women, some wearing Hawaiian leis, and sitting near Epstein on what appears to be a plane. Clinton, Gates, Bannon, and other prominent figures also appear in images released Friday, though dates and settings were not disclosed.
Trump told reporters at the White House that the release is “no big deal,” framing Epstein as a ubiquitous figure with photos of “hundreds and hundreds” of people. The White House accused Democrats of selective disclosure to create a misleading narrative.
Rep. Robert Garcia, ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, called the release a step toward transparency for Epstein survivors. “These disturbing photos raise even more questions about Epstein and his relationships with some of the most powerful men in the world,” Garcia said.
The photos come as DOJ files remain sealed despite a new law requiring their release. Committee Democrats have reviewed roughly 25,000 images so far, promising additional releases with careful redactions to protect survivors.
This release highlights the tension between congressional oversight, political theater, and survivor advocacy as the nation confronts the legacy of Epstein’s network. Read More
Share this story.
Share on Facebook · Tweet this Story · Post to LinkedIn · Email this Story
On Our Radar
5. Director Rob Reiner, Wife Killed; Son Arrested
Rob Reiner and Nick Reiner (Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic via Getty Images)
Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home, and their son has been arrested on murder charges, police said.
Takeaways
Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested Sunday night and is being held without bail, according to authorities.
Investigators say the couple was stabbed multiple times and found by their daughter.
Police believe Nick Reiner left the home after the killings and was later arrested near USC.
Authorities have not released a motive; the case remains under active investigation.
Police said the stabbings occurred sometime after a family holiday party, where witnesses reported a heated argument involving Nick Reiner.
Rob Reiner, 78, was a legendary filmmaker behind “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “A Few Good Men.” Michele Singer Reiner was 68.
Tributes poured in from Hollywood leaders and public officials as investigators continue piecing together the timeline. Read More
Share this story.
Share on Facebook · Tweet this Story · Post to LinkedIn · Email this Story
6. Second Doctor Sentenced In Matthew Perry Ketamine Case
A second physician tied to Matthew Perry’s ketamine death is set to be sentenced Tuesday in Los Angeles federal court, marking another milestone in the high-profile overdose case.
Takeaways
Dr. Mark Chavez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine linked to Perry’s 2023 death.
Prosecutors seek six months of home confinement, supervised release, and 300 hours of community service.
Chavez faces up to 10 years in prison, though the government cited his cooperation.
Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in a jacuzzi at his home in October 2023.
Federal prosecutors said Chavez fraudulently obtained ketamine and sold it to another doctor who supplied Perry, despite knowing the drug would be used without medical supervision.
Chavez surrendered his medical license, cooperated early, and now works as an Uber driver, his attorneys said.
The sentencing follows a broader crackdown that has already sent another doctor to prison, with more sentences ahead. Read More
Share this story.
Share on Facebook · Tweet this Story · Post to LinkedIn · Email this Story
8. 🎉 This day in history
On This Day — December 17
Douglas DC-3 Takes Flight, 1935 – The Douglas DC-3 makes its first flight, ushering in a revolution in commercial and military aviation and becoming one of the most influential aircraft in history.
Holography Patent Granted, 1947 – British firm BTH receives a patent for holography, based on work by physicist Dennis Gabor, laying the groundwork for 3D imaging technology decades before lasers made it practical.
The Simpsons Debuts, 1989 – Matt Groening’s The Simpsons premieres on Fox as a full animated series with “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire,” launching the longest-running scripted TV show in American history.
9. Poll
Life Hack of the day
🧊🍾 Wrap a Wet Paper Towel Before Freezing
Need to chill something fast in the freezer? Wrap it in a damp paper towel before placing it inside. The moisture helps transfer cold more quickly, speeding up the chilling process. It’s a simple trick when you’re short on time and need something cold fast.
That’s your morning brief. Now go show someone how smart you are. 🧠
Share The Nova: Forward this email!
Let us know how we did on the newsletter today!
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
