The death toll from clashes between Iranian security...
The death toll from clashes between Iranian security forces and protesters reportedly rose to at least 36 people yesterday, as antigovernment demonstrations expanded to include a sit-in at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. More than 1,200 people have been detained across more than 50 towns and cities.
The unrest began Dec. 28 as Iran’s currency fell to a record low of over 1.44 million to the US dollar. The rial has since plunged further, reaching another record low yesterday. Inflation reached 52.6% last month, according to official figures. The economic crisis comes after the UN reimposed sanctions in September following alleged Iranian violations of a 2015 nuclear deal, including an illegal ballistic missile test. The sanctions include restricting Iran's oil sales and access to global finance. Amid the currency free fall, the country’s central bank last week ended exchange-rate subsidies for importers, a cost that will likely soon be passed on to consumers.
Trump says Venezuela will send U.S. up to 50 million barrels of oil
In an exclusive interview with NBC News, President Trump said of the...
In an exclusive interview with NBC News, President Trump said of the Venezuelan government, “I do get the sense that they’re cooperating.” He also said, “We have to nurse the country back to health.” Despite Maduro’s capture, his government seemingly remains intact, with his vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, the acting president. In a post to Truth Social yesterday evening, President Trump said that “the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America.” He went on to say that the oil would be sold at market price, and that he would control the proceeds, which would be used to “benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.”
Hilton cuts ties with franchise after it turned away ICE agents. Hilton...
Hilton cuts ties with franchise after it turned away ICE agents. Hilton took the rare step of severing its relationship with an independently owned franchise hotel near Minneapolis after it refused booking for Department of Homeland Security officials. On Monday, Everpeak Hospitality, which owns the hotel, apologized for “canceling a prior reservation for real DHS agents because of their work on immigration enforcement,” CNBC reported. But yesterday, conservative influencer Nick Sortor posted a video on X in which he visited the location after the apology, posing as a DHS representative and attempting to book rooms for immigration enforcement agents, but was denied by the desk clerk, who cited company policy. “A recent video clearly raises concerns that they are not meeting our standards and values,” Hilton said in a statement. “As such, we are taking immediate action to remove this hotel from our systems.”
The Trump administration froze $10 billion in funding to California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York due to “massive amounts of fraud,” according to a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson.
American Airlines is launching free wi-fi for loyalty program members this month, in an attempt to catch up to rivals.
Ford reported its best annual sales since 2019, despite production issues with its F-series pickup trucks.
Nascar Commissioner Steve Phelps resigned after inflammatory texts he sent were revealed during the company’s federal antitrust trial.
Netflix expanded its partnership with the WWE to become the home of its library, including replays of popular series like WrestleMania.
Aldrich Ames, a 31-year CIA veteran who was convicted of spying for Russia in 1994, died while serving a life sentence in prison. He was 84.
Investors holding Venezuelan bonds saw major gains Monday after Maduro's ouster. Venezuela's 11.75% bond jumped to 42 cents on the dollar from 32.50 on Friday. Firms, including Fidelity and T. Rowe Price, have held tens of billions in underwater debt.
U.S. investors once held $50 billion of Venezuelan debt before many sold. Some who stayed saw prices quintuple since 2023 when sanctions eased. Venezuela must now restructure an estimated $100 billion, including obligations to China.
Acting president Delcy Rodríguez said she's ready to work with the U.S. government. Investors hope a friendlier regime enables debt restructuring and access to Wall Street or IMF funding. Venezuela's future governance remains highly uncertain.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers Monday that the Trump administration's threats against Greenland don't signal imminent invasion. The goal is to purchase the island from Denmark. Officials haven't ruled out the use of military force.
Trump discussed buying Greenland in his first term but has become more insistent. NATO members warn an American attack would end the alliance. Denmark has offered more troops and mining rights while investing billions in security (video: the challenge of Greenland’s resources).
Six European leaders joined Denmark's prime minister on Tuesday to call for collective allied action on Arctic security. Frederiksen warned NATO would collapse if one member attacked another. Most Greenlanders oppose US annexation.
