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3 key takeaways from Trump’s push to put US oil firms back in Venezuela

Following the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the United States is now positioned to exert significant influence over the future of the world’s largest oil reserves. What President Donald Trump does next could reshape Venezuela’s energy industry, alter global oil flows and redefine the balance of influence among major powers long invested in the country’s crude. Here are three key takeaways: 1. Venezuela holds massive oil reserves, but production remains severely constrained Venezuela,...

Trump signs ‘Make Iran Great Again’ hat alongside Lindsey Graham

President Donald Trump was photographed with a signed ‘Make Iran Great Again’ hat alongside Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., as nationwide demonstrations in Iran continued against the regime’s political and economic corruption. In a photo posted Monday morning on Graham’s X account, the senator could be seen flashing a thumbs up next to Trump as the president holds the black hat emblazoned with his signature. ‘Another great day with @POTUS who has brought America back, stronger...

Lawmakers rip Biden after Trump-Maduro taunt resurfaces – call it baseless and politically charged

While many Democrats erupted at President Donald Trump’s decision to arrest Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro on drug trafficking and terrorism charges, one particular prior taunt from former President Joe Biden resurfaced Sunday and promptly got ratioed. Responding to an Axios report on June 21, 2020, that Trump would consider meeting with Maduro after the despot ignored the disputed election versus opposition leader Juan Guaidó, Biden said, ‘Trump talks tough on Venezuela, but admires thugs and...

Congress rolls out $174B spending bill as Jan 30 shutdown fears grow

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have unveiled a new spending bill totaling at least $174 billion that could get a vote in the House of Representatives as early as this week. It’s a significant step toward avoiding another government shutdown come Jan. 30, the deadline congressional leaders set after ending the recent 43-day shutdown — the longest in U.S. history — in November. The legislation released on Monday is a package of three of the 12...

How SMEs can build diversity, equity and inclusion into their growth plans

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are often seen as “big company” issues – tied to boardroom pledges, large HR teams or investor reporting. But the reality is quite different. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), building a more inclusive culture is not just possible; it’s essential for sustainable growth. At Chubb Fire & Security UK&I, diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded into the way we work. One of our core values is to “Win with...

Cuba’s shadow in Venezuela: Havana’s intelligence and military ties exposed after Maduro raid

Cuba acknowledged that 32 of its citizens — described by the government as members of the island’s armed forces and intelligence services — were killed during the U.S. operation that seized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, declaring two days of national mourning in their honor. Havana did not specify where the personnel were stationed during the raid. But their deaths have renewed scrutiny of years of reporting and international investigations documenting Cuba’s deep and...

Democrats label Trump’s Venezuela operation an ‘impeachable offense’

Democrats’ anger over President Donald Trump’s weekend operation in Venezuela is now turning into demands for his impeachment by some members of the party’s leftmost flank. Several progressives have now called for proceedings against Trump after the administration carried out strikes in Caracas and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.  ‘Many Americans woke up to a sick sense of déjà vu. Under the guise of liberty, an administration of warmongers has lied to...

Credit card spending surges ahead of Christmas as households lean on borrowing

Britons turned to their credit cards at the fastest pace in almost two years in the run-up to Christmas and November’s Budget, even as signs emerged that households were becoming more cautious elsewhere. Data from the Bank of England shows that outstanding credit card balances rose to nearly £78bn in November, up 12.1 per cent on the same month last year. It marked the sharpest annual increase since early 2024 and underlined the pressure many...

A quarter of British workers say their job makes them unhappy as quit intentions rise

Nearly a quarter of British workers say their job is actively making them unhappy, with one in ten planning to resign this month, according to new research that will intensify concerns about productivity, retention and morale across the UK workforce. The survey, conducted by international education group ACS, found that 9 per cent of employees expect to hand in their notice in January alone, with more than a third of those planning to quit intending...

West End rebound delivers £10m payday for Cameron Mackintosh

The West End’s post-pandemic revival has delivered a multimillion-pound boost to one of Britain’s biggest theatre groups, with the return of Oliver! helping Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s company rebound to, and surpass, pre-Covid trading levels. Cameron Mackintosh Limited reported an 18 per cent jump in revenues to £234 million last year, overtaking its 2019 performance as audiences returned in force and demand for major productions recovered. The strong financial year paved the way for a £10.2...