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As of early December 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has paused green card, citizenship, and asylum applications from nationals of 19 countries previously designated as high-risk under a 2025 travel ban. This follows a November attack in Washington by an Afghan national granted asylum. USCIS will conduct comprehensive reviews and interviews for immigrants from these countries who entered since January 2021, with no set date to lift the pause.
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Venezuelan President Maduro is taking extensive security measures due to US military pressure, including relocating his sleeping locations, increasing Cuban security support, and publicly maintaining a defiant image. The US has escalated its military presence, aiming for regime change, while Maduro seeks outside help to stay in power.
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A widespread blackout affected western Cuba on December 3, caused by transmission line failure amid ongoing infrastructure issues and storm damage. Power is being restored gradually, but outages persist across the island, impacting water and business sectors. The crisis highlights Cuba's aging energy system and economic struggles.
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Former Cuban Economy Minister Alejandro Gil Fernández received a 20-year prison sentence for corruption, including bribery and document falsification. His case is the highest-profile political fall since 2009, amid Cuba's ongoing economic crisis and reforms.
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A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck near Novorossiysk, Russia, early on February 10, 2026. The quake was felt strongly but caused no reported damage or injuries. Regional seismic activity is common, with moderate earthquakes occurring every few years in the Krasnodar region.
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Luis Arce, Bolivia's former president and leader of the Movement Toward Socialism, was detained on charges of embezzlement related to a fund for Indigenous and rural development. The arrest follows a revived investigation into alleged diversion of $700 million during his tenure as economy minister under Evo Morales. Arce denies involvement, calling the case politically motivated. He was ordered to remain in prison pending trial, with no date set. The new government, led by President Rodrigo Paz, emphasizes its anti-corruption stance, while critics see the move as political persecution. The case highlights ongoing tensions over Bolivia's political future and accountability efforts.
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The Biden administration has intensified military strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking from South America, citing fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. The move aims to combat drug-related violence, but experts question the legality and regional impact of these actions. The story highlights ongoing US efforts to target Latin American drug cartels and gangs.
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A 77-year-old woman went overboard from the Holland America Line cruise ship Nieuw Statendam near Cuba. Despite an eight-hour search covering over 690 square miles, she was not found. The cruise was canceled in response, and the investigation continues. The incident highlights the rarity and danger of overboard accidents on ships.
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On January 3, 2026, the US launched large-scale military strikes on Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. President Trump announced Maduro's removal and said the US would oversee Venezuela until a transition. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the strikes and demanded proof of life. The operation marks a major escalation amid accusations of drug trafficking and US sanctions.
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Following the US military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, President Trump warned Cuba to "make a deal before it is too late," threatening to cut off Venezuelan oil supplies. Cuban President Díaz-Canel denied ongoing talks beyond migration coordination and reaffirmed Cuba's sovereignty. Cuba faces a severe economic crisis worsened by the loss of Venezuelan oil, with uncertain support from Russia and Mexico.
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U.S. forces conducted a military operation in Caracas, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The operation, described as law enforcement, resulted in Cuban casualties and heightened regional tensions. Cuba announced two days of mourning for its personnel killed during the attack, which targeted Maduro on drug charges.
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Following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela and comments from Trump and Rubio, the U.S. signals a more assertive regional stance. Trump emphasizes Greenland's strategic importance, prompting Denmark's opposition. Meanwhile, tensions rise with Cuba over Maduro's ousting, with warnings of potential U.S. actions against allies and adversaries alike.
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On January 11-12, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced a complete halt to Venezuelan oil and financial support to Cuba, urging Havana to negotiate a deal with Washington. This follows the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and a US oil blockade on Venezuela. Cuba's leadership denies ongoing talks and rejects US pressure, highlighting decades of hostility.
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The US has intercepted a Russian-flagged tanker near Iceland, escalating sanctions against Venezuela. Cuba faces severe fuel shortages as Venezuela's oil supplies decline, with blackouts and economic hardship intensifying amid US pressure and international sanctions.
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A US-led operation in Caracas on January 3 resulted in 83 deaths, including 32 Cuban soldiers. Venezuela and Cuba condemn the attack, which has heightened tensions with the US. Maduro was abducted and taken to the US, prompting protests and memorials in Cuba and Venezuela.
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Five individuals—four Ukrainians and one Russian—face charges for a sabotage campaign involving parcel detonations across Europe in 2024. Prosecutors allege they acted on behalf of Russian intelligence, with plans to target logistics and aviation infrastructure in Britain, Poland, and beyond. Russia has denied involvement.
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Following the abduction of Venezuelan President Maduro, the US is exploring regime change in Cuba, seeking insiders to facilitate a political transition amid Cuba's economic crisis. No concrete plan has been announced, but US officials see Maduro's fall as a potential blueprint for Cuba's future.
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On January 29, 2026, Venezuela's National Assembly passed a bill reforming the oil sector to allow private and foreign companies operational control, reversing decades of state monopoly. The Trump administration eased sanctions on Venezuelan oil, signaling increased US involvement following the January 3 US military capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez supports the reforms amid ongoing political tensions and US pressure.
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Mexico has suspended oil shipments to Cuba following US threats and Cuba's reliance on Mexican and Venezuelan oil. The move comes amid escalating US sanctions and diplomatic tensions, with Mexico balancing its traditional support for Cuba against US pressure. The situation risks a humanitarian crisis in Cuba.
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The US has intensified efforts to weaken Cuba by blocking oil supplies following the abduction of Venezuela's Maduro. Cuba's government warns of a potential economic collapse, while international allies call for lifting sanctions. The story highlights ongoing US efforts to destabilize the island amid regional tensions.
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Cuba's deputy foreign minister indicated the island is open to dialogue with the US, amid escalating tensions over sanctions, oil shortages, and recent threats from Washington. The US has signaled interest in negotiations, but conditions remain complex, with Cuba emphasizing certain issues are off-limits.
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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's sweeping election victory has led to a surge in markets and a push for a ¥21 trillion stimulus package, despite concerns over Japan's high debt and funding uncertainties. The government aims to suspend the 8% food sales tax temporarily, with plans to support domestic chipmaking and economic growth.
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Cuba's informal peso exchange rate has surged to 500 to the dollar amid worsening energy shortages, blackouts, and economic turmoil. The crisis follows US sanctions, Venezuela oil cuts, and Mexico halting shipments, severely impacting daily life and tourism. The situation signals a potential return to 1990s-style depression.
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Cuba's ongoing economic crisis worsens as US sanctions cut off oil supplies from Venezuela and Mexico, leading to power outages, transportation disruptions, and government rationing measures. The government has implemented reduced working hours and limited fuel sales to preserve essential services amid severe shortages.
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Cuba is experiencing a severe economic crisis worsened by US sanctions, fuel shortages, and the loss of Venezuelan oil. The government struggles with power outages, transportation issues, and food shortages, amid ongoing US efforts to push for regime change. Discussions between Cuba and the US are ongoing but have yet to produce results.
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The US has intensified efforts to seize Venezuelan oil tankers following the January raid that ousted Maduro. Recent operations include a maritime interdiction of the Panamanian-flagged tanker Aquila II, which was operating in defiance of US sanctions. The US military has also conducted strikes on vessels linked to drug trafficking, resulting in fatalities. These actions aim to control Venezuela's oil exports and pressure Cuba economically.
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As of February 10, Cuba faces a severe jet fuel shortage due to U.S. sanctions blocking oil supplies from Venezuela and Mexico. Airlines including Russia's Rossiya and Canada's Air Canada have suspended or limited flights, prompting evacuation plans for tourists. Cuba's energy crisis has led to widespread power outages, transport cuts, and economic disruptions, with Moscow pledging support amid escalating tensions.
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Mexico reports over 9,000 measles cases with sufficient vaccines available, while the US faces a surge in cases, especially in South Carolina. Authorities warn of exposure risks and emphasize vaccination efforts amid rising hesitancy and misinformation. No extraordinary measures are planned for Mexico's upcoming World Cup.
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Cuba's government mandated the use of the Ticket app for refueling appointments amid fuel shortages. Drivers report waiting weeks or months for slots, with the government only selling expensive fuel in U.S. dollars. The app is now the primary way to refuel, replacing black market reliance.
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Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer and critic of mainstream medicine, faces Senate confirmation as the next surgeon general. Her background includes questioning vaccines and advocating metabolic health, raising concerns among lawmakers. The confirmation process highlights debates over her unorthodox views and qualifications.
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On February 25, 2026, a speedboat registered in Florida entered Cuban territorial waters near Villa Clara province. Cuban border guards approached the vessel, which then opened fire, wounding a Cuban commander. Four of the ten men aboard the boat were killed, six wounded. The boat's occupants were Cuban-Americans allegedly aiming for infiltration with terrorist intent. The incident heightens US-Cuba tensions amid ongoing energy and political crises.
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Cuban forces shot at a Florida-registered speedboat approaching the island, killing four and injuring six. The boat carried 10 armed individuals, including Michel Ortega Casanova, who was killed. Cuba claims the operation was an infiltration for terrorist purposes, amid heightened US-Cuba tensions.
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A confrontation between Cuban coast guard and a US-registered speedboat off Cuba's coast resulted in four deaths and six injuries. Cuba claims the boat was attempting infiltration, while the US seeks its own facts amid ongoing tensions. The incident highlights escalating US-Cuba hostilities amid broader regional conflicts.