Hydrocarbons Reform

US

Venezuela's Oil Heartland Weighs U.S.-Backed Reforms: A Gamble on Revival or Empty Promise?

In the oil-rich state of Zulia, PDVSA workers and pensioners view sweeping industry reforms, enacted after U.S. political intervention, with a volatile mix of fragile hope and deep-seated skepticism. While some anticipate long-awaited economic relief, others dismiss the changes as political theater unlikely to reverse decades of decline.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Iran's Political Rift Widens as Former President Rouhani Calls for Major Reforms Amid Protest Fallout

Former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has issued a stark warning to the regime, urging sweeping reforms to address public grievances as internal divisions surface following a deadly crackdown on protests. The rare public criticism from within the establishment highlights growing tensions ahead of renewed nuclear talks.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

India Unveils Sweeping Financial Sector Overhaul, Eyes Banking Reforms for 2047 Vision

India's latest budget proposes a high-level committee to reshape the financial landscape, alongside major reforms in foreign investment rules and bond markets, aiming to fuel the country's next growth phase.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Venezuela Overhauls Oil Laws, Throws Open Doors to Foreign Investment

In a landmark shift, Venezuela's parliament has passed sweeping reforms to its hydrocarbons law, aiming to lure private capital into its crippled oil industry. The move, backed by a new U.S. license, signals a potential turning point for the nation's economy.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Venezuela Opens Oil Sector to Private Investment in Major Policy Shift

In a landmark move, Venezuela's parliament has passed reforms to its hydrocarbons law, easing state control and aiming to lure back foreign capital to its struggling oil industry, coinciding with a partial easing of U.S. sanctions.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Costa Rica's Populist Wave Secures Presidency and Congress, But Falls Short of Sweeping Reform Mandate

Laura Fernandez and her Sovereign People's Party (PPSO) have made history by winning control of both the executive and legislative branches, a feat unseen in over three decades. However, their failure to secure a supermajority sets the stage for a contentious political landscape where negotiation, not unilateral action, will be required.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The Great Tax Swap: States Eye Sales Tax Hikes to Offset Income Tax Cuts, Sparking Debate Over Revenue and Reform

A growing movement to eliminate state income taxes is gaining momentum, backed by the White House. However, a new analysis warns that replacing lost revenue may require significantly higher sales taxes than proponents claim, forcing a fundamental choice: accept steeper consumption taxes or shrink the size of government.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Venezuela's Interim Government Proposes Sweeping Amnesty Law Amid Rapid Post-Maduro Reforms

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez announces a broad amnesty law covering decades of political conflict, while critics question the timing and motives behind the move as U.S. influence grows.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Tax Season 2026: Sweeping Reforms Promise Fatter Refunds for Millions

As Americans begin filing their 2025 returns, a landmark tax overhaul passed by Congress is set to deliver significant savings for families, hourly workers, and homeowners through expanded deductions and new credits.

Jan 31, 2026

World

UN Chief Sounds Alarm: World Body Faces 'Imminent Financial Collapse' Without Urgent Reforms

Secretary-General António Guterres warns the United Nations could exhaust its regular budget cash by July, citing chronic non-payment of dues by member states and a "Kafkaesque" financial cycle that threatens its core operations.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Venezuela's Oil Overhaul: A Historic Reversal Opens Doors, But Questions of Control and Corruption Linger

In a landmark shift, Venezuela's interim government has enacted a sweeping reform of its oil industry, dismantling core socialist-era controls to attract foreign investment. While promising a production boost, the new hybrid system raises concerns about transparency, U.S. oversight, and whether it truly marks a clean break from the past.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Venezuela Rewrites Its Oil Playbook: A Historic Reversal of Socialist Control Opens Doors, and Questions

In a landmark move, Venezuela's interim government has enacted a sweeping reform of its oil industry, dismantling the state monopoly that defined its socialist era. While aimed at reviving production, the new hybrid system raises critical questions about transparency, U.S. influence, and its true appeal to foreign capital.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Venezuela's Oil Sector Overhaul: A Pragmatic Pivot or a Sovereignty Surrender?

Venezuela enacts its most significant oil reform in nearly 50 years, dismantling core socialist tenets to attract foreign capital. While promising a production boost, the new hybrid system raises questions about transparency, U.S. influence, and whether it offers enough to lure back wary investors.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Venezuela Rewrites Its Oil Playbook: A Historic Reversal Seeks to Lure Back Foreign Capital

In a landmark shift, Venezuela's interim government has enacted a sweeping reform of its oil industry, dismantling decades of state control. The move aims to revive production but faces deep-seated risks and questions over who will truly benefit.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Venezuela Rewrites Its Oil Playbook: A Historic Reversal Seeks to Lure Back Foreign Capital

In a landmark move, Venezuela's interim government has enacted a sweeping reform of its oil industry, dismantling core tenets of two decades of socialist policy. The overhaul aims to revive production but faces deep-seated risks and questions over its ultimate beneficiaries.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Survey Reveals Lingering Cash Safety Fears Among CFOs, Despite Post-SVB Reforms

A new report finds corporate treasurers remain deeply concerned about deposit security, with most businesses holding funds far above FDIC insurance limits and vulnerable to operational shutdowns if a primary bank fails.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Postal Worker Suspended After Social Media Post on Winter Storm Hazards, Now Advocates for USPS Safety Reforms

An Ohio mail carrier's Facebook post detailing unsafe conditions after a major winter storm led to his suspension without pay. Now reinstated but on stress leave, he is pushing for systemic changes in safety protocols and communication within the U.S. Postal Service.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Cronos Group Surges on U.S. Rescheduling Hopes: A Deep Dive into the Bull Case

Cronos Group's stock has rallied on renewed optimism for U.S. cannabis reform. We examine the regulatory shift, strategic positioning, and long-term potential driving investor sentiment.

Feb 3, 2026

Business

Social Security's Looming Deadline: Seven Years to Avert Benefit Cuts

With its trust fund projected to be depleted by 2032, the Social Security program faces a pivotal moment. Congress must enact reforms within the next seven years to prevent automatic, across-the-board benefit reductions for millions of Americans.

Feb 3, 2026

World

IMF Sounds Alarm on Bahrain's Fiscal Trajectory, Urges Swift Action to Curb Soaring Debt

The International Monetary Fund has issued a stark warning to Bahrain, stating the kingdom must urgently implement further fiscal reforms as its budget deficit hits 11% of GDP and public debt climbs to 134% of economic output.

Feb 2, 2026