Stories for 2026

Saturday, February 28th 2026 - 01:29 UTC
Uruguay approves offshore 3D seismic survey for oil exploration, sets marine safeguards

Uruguay’s Environment Ministry on Friday granted operational authorization for a 3D seismic survey in its jurisdictional waters, in an offshore block operated by Chevron, with a specialized vessel already in position and work planned through the end of April.
Saturday, February 28th 2026 - 01:13 UTC
Bolivia military plane carrying central bank cash crashes; crowd tries to grab banknotes

A Bolivian military Hercules C-130 transport aircraft suffered an accident on Friday afternoon in El Alto, the city adjacent to La Paz, leaving at least 15 people dead, according to a preliminary toll attributed to firefighters. The aircraft overran the runway and slid onto a main avenue, striking vehicles and triggering chaotic scenes as residents attempted to collect bundles of cash scattered across the crash area.
Saturday, February 28th 2026 - 01:09 UTC
Argentina lowers age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 14, Senate approves new juvenile regime

Argentina’s Senate passed a law on Friday lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 14, a flagship “tough on crime” initiative backed by President Javier Milei. The bill cleared the upper house with 44 votes in favor, 27 against and one abstention, after it had already been approved by the Chamber of Deputies the previous week.
Friday, February 27th 2026 - 19:04 UTC
Trump floats a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, says talks are under way with Havana

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that his administration is holding talks with Cuba and suggested the process could lead to a potential “friendly takeover” of the island, portraying Havana as facing acute economic and supply strains.
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.