Moody’s Mark Zandi wrote Monday that if oil prices remain elevated for long, a recession will be “difficult to avoid.” Source: https://thehill.com/business/5788865-moodys-economist-mark-zandi-warning-recession-threat/
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that Cuba must replace its political leaders following reports this week that the Trump administration is seeking to oust President Miguel Diaz-Canel. Rubio has not ruled out easing the long-standing U.S. embargo on Cuba in exchange for political reforms. “that… Source: https://thehill.com/policy/international/5787874-cuba-political-change-rubio/
White House press secretary Caroline Levitt said Sunday that the upcoming meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is “not in jeopardy,” but acknowledged the schedule could change amid the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. “I don’t think the meeting is at risk, but there’s a pretty good chance it will be delayed,” Levitt
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) on Sunday condemned the Trump administration’s “horrible decision” to lift some sanctions on Russian oil amid the war with Iran. “I think this is a terrible decision, but it’s one of those decisions that comes with the unpredictability of war,” Schiff told NBC News’ Christine Welker. Source: https://thehill.com/business/5785023-schiff-slams-trump-russia-sanctions-lifting/
Formula 1 has canceled next month’s grand prix races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, the sport’s governing body confirmed on Saturday. Officials said in a statement ahead of the Shanghai Chinese Grand Prix that the decision was made after “careful evaluation.” Source: https://thehill.com/policy/international/5784725-middle-east-conflict-f1-cancellation/
The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela flew the American flag at half-staff on Saturday, seven years after officials last flew it. “On the morning of March 14, 2019, the American flag was lowered for the final time at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.” U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela Laura F. Dogu wrote: Source: https://thehill.com/policy/international/5784317-us-embassy-venezuela-american-flag/
The 12:30 Report is part of The Hill’s midday newsletter. Subscribe here. 🦞 Plus: The Pentagon spent millions on lobster and gourmet food in September. {beacon} Have a happy Friday the 13th! Tomorrow is Pi Day! How are you celebrating? I’m always looking for pie recipes🥧 Today’s issue: Iraq plane crash kills 6 US soldiers,
The United States is temporarily lifting sanctions on Russian oil currently stranded at sea, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant announced late Thursday. This is the Trump administration’s latest move to stem soaring energy prices amid the war with Iran. Bessent wrote in a post on social platform Source: https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5782247-trump-lifts-russian-oil-sanctions/
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Thursday that he would personally review his posts on the social platform X after the White House removed a post about a controversial military escort. “My last question is, there was an X post from the Department of Energy a while ago. Source: https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5781402-energy-secretary-reviews-posts/
In response to an ABC News report that the FBI warned California state police that Iran wanted to retaliate against U.S. military operations, White House press secretary Caroline Levitt said, “There is no such threat to our homeland from Iran and there never has been one.” “This post and story must be published immediately. Source: