Hundreds of asylum seekers have established an encampment at Powell Barnett Park in Seattle after funding for their hotel accommodations in nearby Kent dried up. The group, which includes individuals from Venezuela, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, had previously camped outside a church in Tukwila before securing hotel stays. They are now seeking permanent housing and assistance from the government.
In Venezuela, the government’s failure to provide free HPV vaccines has left countless women and girls vulnerable to the risks of HPV-related cancers. Despite the availability of the vaccine and its proven efficacy in preventing these cancers, financial constraints, misinformation, and cultural taboos have hindered its widespread distribution. Health professionals and advocates are urging the government and parents to prioritize HPV vaccination and education to safeguard the health and well-being of the nation’s youth.
In a surprising move, Iran has supplied its CM-90 anti-ship missiles, a variant of the Nasir Missile, to Venezuela. These missiles were publicly displayed to the US at the Agustin Armario naval base in Puerto Cabello. This move comes amidst ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, sparking concerns over the potential escalation in the region.
In response to the United States’ renewed sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry, the state-owned oil company PDVSA is embracing cryptocurrency. The company is prioritizing the use of digital currencies, especially Tether (USDT), to facilitate crude oil and fuel exports. By transitioning to USDT, PDVSA aims to mitigate potential revenue freezing in foreign bank accounts due to sanctions. While innovative, the shift towards cryptocurrency comes with challenges such as compliance concerns for traders and the need for intermediaries. Despite the obstacles, Venezuela intends to continue oil sales and project expansions during the US-imposed wind-down period.
Barclays analysts believe that the current forecast of USD 90/bbl for Brent fair value in 2023 is likely to face upward pressure. Meanwhile, Venezuela is embracing digital currency, particularly Tether, to avoid having its oil revenues frozen in foreign bank accounts.
