News

Why did Iran and the U.S. agree to a prisoner swap?

Published

8 months ago

September 19, 2023

ticker NEWS

Relations between the United States and Iran, adversaries for more than 40 years, have been especially bitter.

A U.S.-bound plane carrying five Americans freed by Iran left Doha on Monday as part of a prisoner swap for five Iranians held in the United States and the transfer of $6 billion in Iranian funds, marking a rare deal between the long-time antagonists.

“Today, five innocent Americans who were imprisoned in Iran are finally coming home,” U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement shortly before the U.S. detainees descended the stairs of a Qatari jet in Doha to be embraced by U.S. diplomats.

The White House confirmed a plane carrying the five, along with two U.S. family members who left Tehran with them earlier, was en route to the United States, where they were to be offered medical treatment by the U.S. military as they adjust to freedom.

Separately, Iran’s state-owned Press TV said the five Iranians held by the United States and charged with committing crimes had been freed, an apparent reference to their being granted clemency, and that two of them had landed in Tehran.

The other three are not expected to return to Iran.

“This was purely a humanitarian action,” Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said after arriving in New York for the annual U.N. General Assembly. “It can certainly be a step based upon which in the future other humanitarian actions can be taken.”

It was unclear whether the exchange might bring progress on the many issues that divide the two nations, including Iran’s nuclear program, its support for regional Shi’ite militias, the presence of U.S. troops in the Gulf and U.S. sanctions on Iran. #Iran #UnitedStates

News

Why Australia is becoming the new home of the Hollywood blockbuster

Published

2 hours ago

May 17, 2024

Nathan Langridge

Australia’s multimillion-dollar campaign to attract Hollywood productions to its shores appears to be paying off.

The allure of Australia lies not only in its picturesque locations but also in its competitive financial incentives.

The government offers generous rebates and tax breaks to international productions, making it an attractive proposition for filmmakers looking to maximise their budgets.

Despite the recent intake of Hollywood productions down under such as ‘The Fall Guy’ and ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’, Aussie independents are still finding the space to carve their own creative path.

Rob Fantozzi joined the program to discuss the latest in Hollywood, and showcased his own upcoming project – ‘Omerta‘. #featured

News

U.S. home prices surge 47%

Published

12 hours ago

May 17, 2024

ticker NEWS

American home prices are rising at faster pace now than in the last 20-years.

A recent analysis reveals a jaw dropping surge in the cost of American homes.

Since the start of 2020, U.S. home prices have surged 47% easily outstripping the gains seen in recent decades.

On top of that, home price growth so far this decade is on the verge of surpassing all the growth seen in the 2000s.

Many experts believe this decade’s housing market frenzy was ignited by a perfect storm — the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic triggering an unprecedented rush among buyers.

Tom Hutchens, the Executive Vice President of Production at Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

#IN AMERICA TODAY #economy #housing #housingmarket #homeprices #homesales #inflation #trending

News

Portal between countries shut down after international flashing

Published

22 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Nathan Langridge

An international video portal has been forced to shut down after an OnlyFans model reportedly flashed passersby from across the globe.

On this episode of Ahron and Mike Live – Which would you prefer; pay rise or work perks, an international portal closes, the military reveal a submarine stingray and are you on a top or bottom burger bun?

Ticker’s Ahron Young & Mike Loder discuss. #featured #trending