Stories for 2026

Friday, February 27th 2026 - 10:51 UTC
European Commission announces provisional entry into force for the trade pillar of the EU-Mercosur deal

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday announced the provisional application of the trade part of the EU-Mercosur association agreement, following parliamentary ratification in Argentina and Uruguay. The move activates trade commitments ahead of full conclusion of the treaty, which still requires the European Parliament’s consent.
Friday, February 27th 2026 - 10:50 UTC
U.S. ambassador in Israel urges staff: leave “TODAY” amid security risks

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee urged embassy staff and family members who want to depart the country to do so “TODAY,” according to an email whose contents were reported by U.S. and Israeli media.
Thursday, February 26th 2026 - 22:41 UTC
Uruguay and Argentina ratify the EU-Mercosur deal, leaving entry into force to Brussels

Uruguay and Argentina ratified on Thursday the trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, becoming the first founding members of the South American bloc to complete parliamentary approval. Whether the treaty begins to apply now hinges on decisions inside the EU, as a separate legal review process continues following moves in the European Parliament.º
Thursday, February 26th 2026 - 13:38 UTC
UK government says “no pause” in the Chagos Islands ratification process in Parliament

The UK Parliament is in the process of ratifying to turn control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, but there has been some confusion following different government officials statements.
Thursday, February 26th 2026 - 13:27 UTC
Latin America’s best- and worst-rated presidents in new poll: Bukele the best, Delcy the worst

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele tops a February 2026 regional ranking of Latin American leaders’ public approval, according to a survey by Argentina-based CB Consultora Opinión Pública. Bukele posts 72.6% approval and 24.8% disapproval.
Thursday, February 26th 2026 - 13:14 UTC
Cuba says it foiled ‘terrorist’ infiltration after shootout with Florida-registered speedboat

Cuba said on Thursday that a civilian speedboat departing from the United States was attempting “an infiltration for terrorist purposes” when it was intercepted in Cuban territorial waters, in an incident that left four people dead and six wounded among the boat’s occupants, as well as one injured Cuban officer.
Thursday, February 26th 2026 - 12:46 UTC
UK government actions to help families with impact of the cost of living

UK Labour government is taking action to help families with the cost of living, “We know that families across the country are feeling the impact of the cost of living - it’s the number one issue impacting working people.
Thursday, February 26th 2026 - 11:58 UTC
Royal Navy Type 31 frigates landmark, HMS Active rolls out and steel cut for HMS Bulldog

A major landmark has been reached in the construction of two of the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 frigates as one was rolled out of the build hall while the first steel was cut the other. Forces.net is reporting that HMS Active, the second vessel in the Inspiration-class, came out of her build hall at Rosyth Dockyard in Fife.
Thursday, February 26th 2026 - 08:43 UTC
Venezuela attorney general Tarek William Saab resigns, takes interim ombudsman role

Venezuela’s National Assembly, dominated by the ruling bloc, on Wednesday 25 February accepted the resignation of Attorney General Tarek William Saab and Ombudsman Alfredo Ruiz, and immediately named temporary replacements: Saab will serve as acting ombudsman and lawyer Larry Devoe was appointed acting attorney general.
Thursday, February 26th 2026 - 07:49 UTC
Brazil: Brazão brothers sentenced to 76 years for ordering Marielle Franco killing

Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) on Wednesday convicted brothers Domingos Inácio Brazão and João Francisco Inácio Brazão — known as Chiquinho — of ordering the 2018 assassination of Rio de Janeiro city councillor Marielle Franco and her driver, Anderson Gomes. The court imposed 76 years and three months in prison on each brother, in a unanimous ruling in one of the country’s most high-profile political violence cases.