Hard Numbers

Hard Numbers: Trump tries to halt state AI laws, Iranian dissident arrested again, US sanctions Maduro’s “narco nephews,” UNESCO recognizes tradition of yodeling

U.S. President Donald Trump holds a signed executive order on AI next to Sriram Krishnan, Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence on December 11, 2025.
U.S. President Donald Trump holds a signed executive order on AI next to Sriram Krishnan, Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence on December 11, 2025.
REUTERS/Al Drago
38: Large tech firms will be celebrating after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at undercutting the ability of states to introduce regulations on artificial intelligence. Thirty-eight states have adopted AI laws. Trump’s order aims to just have one federal law be the standard.

31: Once again, Iranian authorities on Friday arrested human rights lawyer Narges Mohammadi, who had been granted medical leave from prison while serving multiple sentences that totaled 31 years. Mohammadi is a prominent critic of the Islamic Republic, and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 for her activism. The regime has cracked down on internal opposition since its 12-day war with Israel in June.

3: Trump has started going after Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro’s family, sanctioning three of his nephews. Two of these family members were known as “narco nephews,” and were convicted in the US of cocaine trafficking charges in 2016 – former President Joe Biden granted them clemency in 2022.

67: The number of cultural traditions honored by UNESCO. Italian cooking, Ghanaian highlife music, and now, Swiss yodeling, are on this world heritage list. Yodel-lay-hee-hoo!

More For You

Chris, an Army veteran, started his Walmart journey over 25 years ago as an hourly associate. Today, he manages a Distribution Center and serves as a mentor, helping others navigate their own paths to success. At Walmart, associates have the opportunity to take advantage of the pathways, perks, and pay that come with the job — with or without a college degree. In fact, more than 75% of Walmart management started as hourly associates. Learn more about how over 130,000 associates were promoted into roles of greater responsibility and higher pay in FY25.

- YouTube

In this Quick Take, Ian Bremmer examines the second week of the US-Israel war with Iran and warns that the conflict risks spiraling into a longer and more destabilizing situation.

Share of Colombian voters who participated in Sunday's right-wing primary.
Natalie Johnson

Center-right Colombian Sen. Paloma Valencia will head into May’s presidential election with some momentum, after 83% of voters opted to vote in the right-wing primary on Sunday – which she won comfortably.