Articles in this Cluster
15-02-2026
The annual Cuban cigar festival, Festival del Habano, has been postponed due to a fuel shortage in Cuba caused by a US oil blockade. The event, which was due to take place in late February, attracts over 1,300 people from around 70 countries to sample cigars, visit tobacco plantations, and factories. The fuel shortage has been worsened by the US seizing oil shipments from Venezuela, Cuba's ally. The US embargo on Cuba has been in place since 1960, and the current administration has reversed steps taken to improve diplomatic relations under former President Barack Obama. The fuel crisis has led to power cuts, affecting hospital emergency wards, dialysis patients, and pumping stations.
Entities: Cuba, US, Havana, Venezuela, Festival del Habano • Tone: negative • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
15-02-2026
The article discusses the possibility of ousting Britain's Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, drawing historical parallels to understand the feasibility of such an event. It references the mythical 'men in grey suits' who supposedly decide when a prime minister's time is up. The article suggests that history offers lessons for those plotting to remove Starmer, implying that past experiences can inform current political maneuverings. The piece is set against the backdrop of political unrest in Westminster, where rumors of Starmer's potential ousting are circulating.
Entities: Sir Keir Starmer, Westminster, Britain, Number 10, The Economist • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
15-02-2026
The article discusses Russia's escalating sabotage campaign in Europe, particularly in Poland, which has seen a series of provocations linked to Russia including railway sabotage, arson plots, and drone incursions. The latest incident involved cyber-attacks on 30 Polish energy facilities on December 29th, marking a serious escalation of Russia's digital subversion in Europe beyond Ukraine. The article suggests that the FSB, Russia's security service, is likely involved in these activities. The attacks have raised concerns about Russia's intentions and the need for Europe to respond to this hybrid war.
Entities: Russia, Poland, Europe, Ukraine, FSB • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
15-02-2026
A survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking ring, Juliette Bryant, recounts her experience of being recruited from Cape Town, South Africa, and trafficked to Epstein's private island in the Caribbean and ranch in New Mexico. She describes being sexually assaulted on a private jet while women who recruited her laughed. Bryant's testimony highlights the psychological bondage that kept Epstein's victims ensnared for years, as well as the extent of Epstein's trafficking network, which reached as far as Africa's southern coast. The article also discusses the release of Epstein's files, which revealed dozens of vulnerable victims and showed that Epstein's trafficking continued until late 2018.
Entities: Jeffrey Epstein, Juliette Bryant, Cape Town, South Africa, Caribbean • Tone: emotional • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
15-02-2026
The New York Post exposed a brazen marijuana selling operation in the Bronx, where dealers operated out of makeshift 'drug igloos' on a busy sidewalk. The NYPD shut down the operation, arresting two men, but one of the dealers threatened Post reporters, vowing to return. The incident highlights concerns about crime and policing in the area, with some blaming NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's policies.
Entities: New York Post, Bronx, NYPD, University Avenue, Morris Heights • Tone: negative • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
15-02-2026
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism for his handling of the recent Winter Storm Fern and its aftermath. The article argues that Mamdani's response was inadequate, citing 19 deaths in the bitter cold, garbage piling up in neighborhoods, and troubles caused by huge snowbanks. The mayor's focus on promoting his agenda and PR strategy rather than addressing the crisis is seen as a major issue. The article also criticizes Mamdani's trip to Albany, where he requested extra funding for the city, and his proposal to hike the city-only income tax. The overall tone is critical and disapproving, with the author suggesting that Mamdani needs to show baseline competence and seek wise counsel from experienced leaders.
Entities: Zohran Mamdani, New York City, Winter Storm Fern, City Hall, Dora Pekec • Tone: negative • Sentiment: negative • Intent: critique
15-02-2026
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Venezuela's capital and across the country on Youth Day, calling for acting president Delcy Rodríguez to release political prisoners. The protests, which proceeded peacefully, were seen as a test for the new government after the US capture of President Nicolás Maduro on January 3. Venezuelan lawmakers are debating a mass amnesty of political prisoners, with hundreds already released since Maduro's capture. The demonstrations come as US and Venezuelan relations undergo a fundamental change, with President Donald Trump planning to work with Rodríguez to open Venezuela's oil sector to the US. Many young activists see Maduro's ouster as a fundamental shift, giving them a new sense of purpose. Maduro loyalists also held their own Youth Day celebration, calling for his return and claiming he had been kidnapped.
Entities: Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, Nicolás Maduro, United States, Donald Trump • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
