Chevron confirms it will expand operations in Venezuela

Key Points:

• A Chinese man, Lianyong Wei, died hours after being taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the Northern Mariana Islands, prompting the Chinese government to demand a thorough investigation and support for the family.
• U.S. gasoline prices have surged to a national average of $4.12 per gallon, driven by recent U.S.-Iranian air attacks that have escalated tensions in the Middle East and spiked global oil prices.
• Chevron announced a $7 billion investment plan to expand oil production in Venezuela’s Orinoco Belt, following a Trump administration deal giving the U.S. government and private firms a stake in Venezuelan oil reserves.
• U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the Trump administration’s economic policies amid rising inflation and energy prices, highlighting efforts to increase oil production and urging other nations to avoid supporting Iran.
• Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized the U.S. for its aggressive trade tactics and social media attacks, calling for serious negotiations to resume after recent trade talks between the two countries collapsed.