Feb 2, 2019

Venezuelan air force general recognizes Juan Guaidó as president

Juan Guaidó. Photo: Marco Bello via Getty Images

General Francisco Yanez, a high-ranking member of Venezuela's air force, said he is now backing Juan Guaidó as the country's interim president, Reuters reports.

Why it matters: The military’s support for Maduro is seen as key to maintaining his grip on power, as leaders around the globe — led by the U.S. — disavow the dictator's leadership of Venezuela. Yanez is the first active general in Venezuela to recognize Guaidó’s leadership since he declared himself president on Jan. 23, and called on other military members to defect from Maduro and support the opposition leader as well.

Go deeper: The geopolitical state of play for Venezuela

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A closer look at how colleges can reopen

The campus of Brown University. Photo: Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Masks in class, sports on hold, dorm life without roommates and summer 2021 classes for some: Brown University President Christina Paxson tells "Axios on HBO" it's all in play as colleges consider whether and how to safely reopen campuses in the fall.

Why it matters: An extended shutdown of U.S. colleges and universities would leave nearly 20 million students and 3 million employees with an uncertain future, but premature reopenings without proper coronavirus safeguards could jeopardize lives and force more closings.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow1 min ago - Economy & Business

How Disney World could host the NBA

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

After weeks of speculation, the NBA announced Saturday that it is in early discussions to resume its season in late July at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

What they're saying: The NBA's most well-sourced reporter, Adrian Wojnarowski, says "everything is pointing toward" this happening, and that teams could start recalling players as soon as next week for a two-week quarantine period and formal training camp before heading to Florida.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow18 mins ago - Sports

U.S.-China trade tensions are escalating again

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

As the coronavirus pandemic appears to be subsiding in China, it's becoming clear that its targets for the phase one trade deal with the U.S. are unrealistic and there is so far no sign of a plan for renegotiation.

What's happening: White House National Economic Council director Larry Kudlow said Thursday the trade deal was "intact, and China has every intent of implementing it."

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow26 mins ago - Economy & Business