U.S. imposes new sanctions on five Cuban entities

The United States has announced a new round of sanctions targeting five Cuban organizations, accusing them of supporting activities that threaten U.S. national security and advance the Cuban government’s influence abroad. In a statement posted to Facebook on Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctions were being imposed under authorities established by … Continued

WMO Warns Record Global Heat Likely to Continue Through 2030

Global average temperatures are expected to remain at or near record levels over the next five years, according to a new climate outlook issued by the World Meteorological Organization and produced by the UK’s Met Office. The Global Annual-to-Decadal Climate Update projects that annual global temperatures between 2026 and 2030 will likely range from 1.3°C … Continued

WHO Monitoring Deadly Hantavirus Cluster Linked to Cruise Ship

The World Health Organisation is monitoring a cluster of severe respiratory illness linked to a cruise ship currently moored off the coast of Cabo Verde, after confirmed cases of hantavirus resulted in multiple deaths. According to WHO, seven cases have been identified as of May 4, including two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus infections and five suspected cases. … Continued

Spirit Airlines Shuts Down After 34 Years of Operations

Spirit Airlines has announced it is shutting down after 34 years in operation, citing rising fuel costs and ongoing financial challenges. The ultra-low-cost carrier said it has begun an “orderly wind-down” of operations effective immediately, canceling all flights and ceasing customer service. The airline, known for its bright yellow planes and budget fares, employed approximately … Continued

U.S. Moves to Reclassify Medical Marijuana in Major Policy Shift

The Trump administration has taken one of the most significant federal steps in decades to ease restrictions on medical marijuana, moving it from Schedule I to Schedule III under U.S. drug laws. The decision, signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, applies to state-licensed medical marijuana and FDA-approved cannabis-based products. While the move marks a … Continued

American Airlines rejects United merger, citing competition concerns

American Airlines Group Inc. has firmly rejected speculation about a potential merger with United Airlines, stating that such a deal would harm competition and consumers. In a statement released Friday, American said it is “not engaged with or interested in any discussions” regarding a combination with its rival, despite recent reports suggesting that talks had … Continued

Caribbean faces mounting food security risks amid global shocks and climate threats

Caribbean nations are confronting a growing food security crisis in 2026 as global geopolitical tensions and climate risks converge, threatening already fragile economies across the region. The World Food Programme “Intersecting Global and Regional Shocks: Implications of the Middle East Crisis and El Niño for Food Security in the Caribbean” highlights how a major supply … Continued

Badenoch criticises UK abstention on UN slavery resolution

Leader of the United Kingdom (UK) Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has criticised the British government for abstaining from a United Nations vote recognising the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity and calling for reparatory measures. In a post on X, Badenoch argued that the UK should have voted against the resolution, claiming … Continued