Stories for February 2026

Thursday, February 19th 2026 - 04:39 UTC
Peru's congress names José María Balcázar interim president

Peru’s Congress late Wednesday elected José María Balcázar, an 83-year-old lawmaker from Peru Libre, as the country’s interim president following the removal of President José Jerí amid allegations tied to undisclosed meetings and suspected influence peddling. Balcázar is set to remain in office until July 28, when he must hand power to the winner of the general election scheduled for April 12.
Thursday, February 19th 2026 - 04:04 UTC
Mercosur–EU deal: Uruguay’s PIT-CNT urges sector impact studies for an “informed” Senate debate

Uruguay’s PIT-CNT labour federation warned lawmakers that the debate on the Mercosur–European Union trade deal is moving forward without adequate sector-by-sector assessments, which it said “limits the possibility of an informed debate” on potential effects on industry, jobs and the country’s productive structure. The union confederation testified on Wednesday before a special Senate committee reviewing the agreement, alongside the Chamber of Industry (CIU) and the Rice Growers Association (ACA), ahead of a vote expected on Wednesday 25.
Thursday, February 19th 2026 - 03:58 UTC
Brazilian Researchers Discover Endangered Lemon Sharks Preying on Freshwater Fish in Sueste Bay

In a fascinating turn of events, researchers have documented endangered lemon sharks preying on invasive freshwater fish. Lemon sharks have been filmed hunting jaguar cichlids for the very first time, in Sueste Bay. The study has been published in the Environmental Biology of Fishes, with FAPESP offering its support for the study.
Thursday, February 19th 2026 - 02:54 UTC
Trump weighs Iran strike options as U.S. builds up forces and pursues talks

U.S. President Donald Trump has considered a timeline for potential strikes on Iran “in the coming days,” but no final decision has been made, CBS News reported, citing U.S. officials.
Thursday, February 19th 2026 - 02:47 UTC
Aerolíneas Argentinas cancels 255 flights amid CGT strike, US$3m loss estimated

Aerolíneas Argentinas said it will cancel 255 flights across its network on Thursday, February 19, as Argentina’s main labor confederation, the CGT, carries out a 24-hour general strike. The airline estimated the disruption will affect more than 31,000 passengers and generate losses of about US$ 3 million.
Thursday, February 19th 2026 - 02:29 UTC
SOUTHCOM chief and senior Pentagon official visit Venezuela, meet interim government

U.S. Southern Command chief Gen. Francis L. Donovan and Pentagon official Joseph M. Humire made an unannounced trip to Caracas on Wednesday and met Venezuela’s interim authorities, signaling continued operational engagement between Washington and the government led by Delcy Rodríguez.
Thursday, February 19th 2026 - 01:33 UTC
Flávio Bolsonaro mocks samba school’s demotion after Lula tribute, says the “next drop” will be him

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (Liberal Party, PL), seen as a potential right-wing contender in Brazil’s October presidential election, said that after the samba school that paid tribute to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was relegated in Rio de Janeiro’s carnival standings, the “next drop” will be Lula’s — and that of the Workers’ Party (PT).
Thursday, February 19th 2026 - 00:23 UTC
Peru’s Congress heads to runoff vote to pick José Jerí’s successor

Peru’s Congress moved to a second-round vote to elect a new head of the legislature, who will automatically become president after José Jerí was removed on Tuesday amid allegations of influence peddling and suspicious links to Chinese businessmen.
Wednesday, February 18th 2026 - 12:04 UTC
Marco Rubio holds discreet contacts with Raúl Castro’s grandson, Axios reports

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held discreet talks with Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the grandson and caretaker of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, bypassing official Cuban government channels, Axios reported, citing sources familiar with the outreach.
Wednesday, February 18th 2026 - 03:38 UTC
Senate commission to review Cardama contract after Uruguay cancels ocean patrol vessel deal

A pre-investigative commission will begin work on Wednesday in Uruguay’s Senate to examine the contract with Spanish shipbuilder Cardama for two ocean patrol vessels (OPVs), recently cancelled by President Yamandú Orsi’s government.