Bitcoin Value Spikes, Saudi Arabia to Reopen Cinemas After 35 Years, and More: The VICE Morning Bulletin

International News

Venezuelan President Bans Opposition from Election
President Nicolás Maduro has announced that three opposition parties who refused to take part in Venezuela’s mayoral contests will not be allowed to “participate” in next year’s presidential election. The Socialist leader said the Democratic Action, Justice First, and Popular Will parties had now “disappeared from the political map.”—VICE News

Israeli Security Officer Stabbed in Jerusalem
A 24-year-old Palestinian man attacked a security guard at the central bus station in the city, leaving the officer in critical condition. The attacker was detained. Protests against the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital continued Sunday, taking place in Beirut, Rabat in Morocco, and Jakarta in Indonesia.—Reuters

Vladimir Putin Announces Military Deescalation in Syria
The Russian president kicked off his trip to the Middle East by visiting an air base in Syria, where he pledged to reduce the number of troops stationed there. Putin told Russian forces: “Friends, the Motherland is waiting for you… if the terrorists again raise their heads, we will deal such blows to them they have never seen.”—AP

Bollywood Actress Said to Be Assaulted on Flight
Indian police filed sexual assault charges against an airline passenger after 17-year-old actress Zaira Wasim said she was attacked on a flight from New Delhi to Mumbai. The Bollywood star posted a video on Instagram alleging the man “kept nudging my shoulder and continued to move his foot up and down my back and neck.”—Reuters

Everything Else

Josh Homme Apologizes for Kicking Female Photographer
The Queens of the Stone Age frontman expressed his regret after kicking Chelsea Lauren in the face during the band’s Christmas show. “I don’t have any excuse,” he said in an Instagram video. “I was a total dick and I’m truly sorry.”—Variety

Value of Bitcoin Futures Spikes
Trading on a new futures contract based on the currency jumped from $15,000 to $18,580 USD after launching on Sunday evening. The website for the Chicago Board Options Exchange at least partially crashed for a time amid a deluge of activity.—AP

Stars Jump to Bullied Student’s Defense
Cardi B, Snoop Dogg, and Patricia Arquette were among those who sent messages of support to Tennessee teenager Keaton Jones after he posted a Facebook video about his struggles with bullies. “I think your sooo cool Keaton!” tweeted Millie Bobby Brown. “I wanna be your friend (but srsly) ur freakin awesome.”—PEOPLE

Saudi Arabia Lifts Ban on Cinemas
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s government has announced movie theaters will reopen in the Gulf state in March 2018 after being outlawed for 35 years. The minister of culture said it would be “a catalyst for economic growth.”—The Hollywood Reporter

Bon Iver Reworks Classics on MPR The singer-songwriter headlined Minnesota Public Radio’s A Prairie Home Companion this weekend, playing four songs on the show. His performances included stripped-back versions of “_45_” and “#29 Strafford APTS.”—Noisey