To the Point
Vladimir Putin: Is it the Economy, Stupid?
Declining oil prices and economic sanctions because of Ukraine have Russia's economy close to recession. Vladimir Putin today reassured Russians about the economy and suggested the possible deployment of nuclear weapons in Crimea.
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenDeclining oil prices and economic sanctions because of Ukraine have Russia's economy close to recession. Vladimir Putin today reassured Russians about the economy and suggested the possible deployment of nuclear weapons in Crimea.
Also, the US plans to sue New York over civil rights abuses at Rikers Island, and after threats of violence, Sony Pictures has cancelled showings of its comedy about the assassination of North Korea's dictator Kim Jong Un. Did Sony acquiesce to terrorism as a business necessity?
Photo: Customers inspect kitchen electronic utensils at a store in Stavropol, southern Russia, December 17, 2014. (Eduard Korniyenko/Reuters)
In this episode
3 storiesUS to Sue New York over Civil Rights Abuses at Rikers Island
The Obama Administration is suing New York City over what the Justice Department calls a "deep-seated culture of violence" at Rikers Island, a prison where adolescent inmates are held. Yesterday, Mayor Bill DeBlasio announced that inmates will no longer be held in solitary confinement.
Read the story7 minRussia's Currency Crisis
The price of oil and economic sanctions have panicky Russian consumers rushing to buy whatever they can as the ruble loses its value, but at today's three-hour, end-of-the-year news conference, Vladimir Putin said , not to worry: the crisis will only last a couple of years.
Read the story34 minThe Fallout from the Sony's Retreat
After a massive cyber-attack, Sony Pictures received a threat of violence at showings of The Interview — a comedy that shows the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Tonight's New York premier has been cancelled along with the general release planned for Christmas Day.
Read the story10 min
