Quick Hits — Dec. 9, 2025: Zelenskyy Meets Pope; Maxwell Grand Jury Material Released; Classified Navy Briefing

Today’s quick round-up of notable developments from Dec. 9, 2025.

Diplomatic Push for Ukraine: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Tuesday, part of a diplomatic tour that included talks in London and a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Kyiv said it is preparing to send "refined" proposals to the United States intended to help end the war with Russia. Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine would not cede territory to Russia.

Grand Jury Material Released in Maxwell Matter: A federal judge in New York on Tuesday granted a Justice Department request to release grand jury material connected to the Ghislaine Maxwell case, a move that could shed more light on the proceedings.

Classified Navy Briefing Draws Scrutiny: Admiral Alvin Holsey, who is stepping down early from command of the U.S. Navy campaign targeting vessels alleged to be carrying drugs near Venezuela, briefed key lawmakers Tuesday. Congress is pressing for more information about the mission linked to President Donald Trump, including a reported episode in which two survivors clinging to wreckage were killed during an initial strike.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Pope Leo XIV on Dec. 9 in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.(Anadolu via Getty Images)

International Warrant for Former Honduran President: Honduras’ attorney general announced Monday night an international arrest warrant for former President Juan Orlando Hernández. Hernández had reportedly been pardoned by President Trump and released from U.S. custody prior to the warrant.

DOJ Withdraws From Houston Anti‑Dumping Agreement: The U.S. Justice Department withdrew from an agreement with the city of Houston aimed at curbing illegal dumping in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods, part of the administration’s broader rollback of environmental justice initiatives.

Judge Blocks Pause on Wind Project Approvals: A federal judge on Monday struck down President Trump’s pause on approvals of wind power projects on federal lands and waters, representing a significant legal setback for the administration’s campaign against wind farms.

Developer Sues After App Removal: For six months, Apple offered an app called ICEBlock that allowed users to alert others when they sighted Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. After the administration raised concerns that the app endangered officers, Apple removed it. On Monday, developer Joshua Aaron sued senior Trump administration officials, alleging they pressured Apple to stifle his speech and interfere with his right to create and distribute the app.

Originally published on MS NOW.