International News Briefs for Wednesday, November 4, 2026
We bring you some of the top international news stories compiled by Democracy Now on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
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Mechanisms for Suspending the Limits of Power
In Cuba's case, what interests me is what happens when those in power succeed in making the representation of an event replace the possibility of examining it.
Tortica, a Sweet Treat from Grandmothers and Sunday Afternoons
On a Havana street, where pavement gives way to worn concrete and rusty iron gates tell stories spanning decades, a sign appears that defies logic...
International News Briefs for Tuesday, November 3, 2026
We bring you some of the top international news stories compiled by Democracy Now on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Marlango– Song of the Day
Marlango from Spain performs the song “Ay, pena, penita, pena” for the 80th anniversary of Picasso’s masterpiece “Guernica” (2017).
Rumors and Realities Surrounding Lula da Silva
Following Lula's recent reelection in the presidential runoff against Flavio Bolsonaro, a wave of misinformation has intensified...
Nature Amid Iron, Caracas, Venezuela – Photo of the Day
Coral Perez from Cuba took our photo of the day: "Nature Amid Iron", in Caracas, Venezuela.
Some Signs Can Shake the Bed, Rattle Your Head
I have friends who like to “watch for signs,” not street signs, of course. These folks are seeking direction from the spiritual realm...
US Dollar Reaches 900 Cuban Pesos
The US dollar climbed to 900 Cuban pesos on the informal market this Monday, an increase of 10 pesos (1.1%) compared to the previous day.
Cuba-USA Bickering at the United Nations
The scene has something of classical theater about it, although with simultaneous translation, headphones, and plenty of blue folders.
International News Briefs for Monday, November 2, 2026
We bring you some of the top international news stories compiled by Democracy Now on Monday, November 2, 2026.
Who Is a US American? Abdul El-Sayed on Identity & Politics
The United States midterm elections take place on November 3rd, and many voters have already sent in their ballots or voted early in person.
The Gifts
One day, my younger sister, who lives in Las Vegas, told me over the phone: “I bought you a sweater, the kind you like: black, with a turtleneck.”
Smiling Llama, Colca, Peru – Photo of the Day
Diego Cesar Monroy Chaparro from México took our photo of the day: "Smiling Llama", in Colca, Peru.
Carlos Santana, Natalia Lafourcade – Song of the Day
Today we feature the Mexican artists Carlos Santana and Natalia Lafourcade with the song “Hermano” released on October 29, 2026,
Confessions at the Barbershop
I have shared several stories here that clients have told me. Most of them have taken shape and continued over the course of several visits.
Havana on a Knife’s Edge
When the crisis in Cuba is no longer just economic and violence becomes part of everyday life.
HT 2026 Photo Contest First Cut Survivors
The judging of our 15th Photo Contest is underway. A total of 150 photos from 31 photographers made the first cut in the six categories.
Consequences of Power Outages in Cuba
A few days ago, a neighbor was getting ready to go to work when suddenly the electricity came back on for her "allotted share".
Solutions in Cuba Are Yet to Be Found
I am afraid of becoming the very thing I criticize so much. For example, becoming like the Communist Party of Cuba...
Ten Seconds in La Guaira, Venezuela
A National Guard officer’s greeting to Maria Corina Machado changed nothing, and that is precisely why it deserves attention.
International News Briefs for Friday, October 30, 2026
We bring you some of the top international news stories compiled by Democracy Now on Friday, October 30, 2026.
Ana Tijoux – Song of the Day
Today we feature the Chilean vocalist and composer Ana Tijoux with a video of her song Antipatriarca (anti-patriarchal) recorded in 2015.
Brazil’s Elections and the End of the Blood Truce
After the results of Brazil's elections, which, despite being spectacular, were nonetheless predictable, images from an old Brazilian film come to mind.
Rainy Day in Havana, Cuba – Photo of the Day
Andrew Cannon from Canada took our photo of the day: "Rainy Day in Havana, Cuba".
The Children of Power
Knowing someone running for office changes the way you observe it. Politics ceases to be a succession of names, speeches, and numbers.
Maria Corina Is Back in Venezuela: What Changes?
Her presence on Venezuelan soil changes the political landscape. The election date is once again a focus of attention in the country.
International News Briefs for Thursday, October 29, 2026
We bring you some of the top international news stories compiled by Democracy Now on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
A Victory Over Regression, Trump, & the Algorithms in Brazil
The main victory in Brazil's presidential election on Sunday, October 25, was that of contemporary civilization against the far right...
US Deports Eight Cuban Women to the Central African Republic
The women told Telemundo that they have no identification documents, conditions are terrible, and there is no proper sanitation.
The Hour That Won’t Be Turned Back
In March, there will be no need to turn back the hands of the clock. Daylight saving time will remain in effect until November 2027.
Exile Changed the Way I Love
It taught me to value my independence, recognize my insecurities, and question my freedom and the need to survive.
What Does Power Taste Like?
There is a story that has played out time and again in Latin America with a quiet cruelty. It almost always begins the same way...
International News Briefs for Wednesday, October 28, 2026
HAVANA TIMES – We bring you some of the top international news stories compiled by Democracy Now on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
The Marimar Case & the Impunity of Travel Agencies in Cuba
The story had all the ingredients needed to become a scandal, particularly because of María del Mar's ties to the authorities.
Border Conflicts & the USA Midterm Elections
Will the predicted “blue wave” foster a shift away from the enforcement-heavy status quo, or will it perpetuate the decades-long alignment on border militarization?
The Day’s Milk, Granma, Cuba – Photo of the Day
Anley Rosales de Cuba tomó nuestra foto del día:"The Day’s Milk", in Granma, Cuba.
Las Taradas – Song of the Day
Today we feature the Argentine band Las Taradas featuring Miss Bolivia with a live performance of the song “Que no, que no!” (2012).
If Only One Could Go to Vienna
Today promised to be a pleasant day. Or at least as pleasant as one can hope for in Cuba: a relatively functional day.
On Inflation in Agricultural Products in Cuba
Obviously, this entire situation has led to increasing poverty, destitution, and vulnerability among the elderly, many of whom live alone...
Cuba: Of Pickaxes, Shovels, and Dignity
Necessity leaves no room for doubt when willpower and family love become tools capable of moving the earth. This is the story of Pedrito...
International News Briefs for Tuesday, October 27, 2026
We bring you some of the top international news stories compiled by Democracy Now on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
Chile: Google Switches from Water to Air to Cool Data Center
Chile has 36 operational data centers and another 34 planned, mainly in outlying municipalities of the Santiago Metropolitan Region.
The Impossible Dream of Being
Is it possible that what we are trying to domesticate is not the machine itself, but the way we relate to it?
Pictures of a Havana We Never Imagined
The deterioration of Havana's streets and buildings is so severe, its citizens are overcome with despair that the city seems almost unrecognizable. (12 photos)
Cuba: Nerves, Hysteria, and an Impossible Shower
In today's Cuba, politics seems to be written in nervous ink and tourism runs on an intermittent water supply.
From Salted Dried Meat to a Desperate Myth
When the power goes out and the ice melts, advice that sounds like salvation begins circulating through Cuban neighborhoods.
International News Briefs for Monday, October 26, 2026
We bring you some of the top international news stories compiled by Democracy Now on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Feeding a Seagull, St. Petersburg, Russia – Photo of the Day
Nenad Milosevic from Serbia took our photo of the day: "Feeding a Seagull" in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Brazil: Lula Defeats Trump Ally Bolsonario in Upset Victory
Incumbent Lula stages unprecedented comeback weeks after narrowly losing first round of election to Flavio Bolsonaro.
Exiled Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado Returns to Venezuela
Venezuelan opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, returned home almost a year after she left the country to receive the Nobel peace prize.
Anecdotes About Transportation in Cuba
These days, public transportation is at its worst. The truth is that, for as long as I can remember, it has never been good.
La Perla – Song of the Day
By Indi Rivero HAVANA TIMES – Today we feature the Colombian acoustic group La Perla performing “Bruja” (Witch) recorded in
The Torre K Hotel: The Glass Colossus in Havana
As so often happens with great human undertakings, time and circumstances took it upon themselves to rewrite its destiny. (30 photos)
Searching for Butterflies, Medellin, Colombia – Photo del día
Regulo Gonzalez from Colombia took our photo of the day: "Searching for Butterflies", in Medellin, Colombia.
A Cuban Woman Fights for Migrants in Uruguay’s Parliament
Uruguay’s first legislator of Cuban origin speaks with DIARIO DE CUBA about the bills she has introduced, the Cuban regime’s “missions,” and her entry into politics.
International News Briefs for Friday, October 23, 2026
We bring you some of the top international news stories compiled by Democracy Now on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Brazil’s Presidential Runoff: Lula’s Last Remake?
The victory of far-right candidate Flavio Bolsonaro in the first round caught Lula by surprise, as he had expected to win the election outright.
I Wrote “My Name Is Colombia” So My Daughters Could Know the Truth
What I needed was to tell something that was too painful for me to keep silent about. I wanted my daughters to know my version...
International News Briefs for Thursday, October 22, 2026
We bring you some of the top international news stories compiled by Democracy Now on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The Gasoline of a Fleeting Country
Next to the barbershop, there is a small square of concrete that provides shade at certain times of the day.
As Cuba’s Hospitals Fail, Healers Step In
Since late September, Cubans living abroad have had an easy way to contact Yimi Ferro, the “healer” from San Cristobal.
Havana Weather for October 22-28
Highs will be between 27 and 30°C (81 and 86°F), while lows between 21 and 24°C (70 and 75°F). Sea surface temperatures will be 28°C (82°F).
Meet Estrella, a Trans Woman Jailed for 9 Years, Then Deported to Mexico
We’re joined by Latino USA host Maria Hinojosa as she shares the story of Estrella Diamantina González...
Believing Is Achieving Solo Exhibition
Amaury Mengana Abreu's paintings are created using mixed media and acrylic paint, while his installations incorporate natural materials... (16 photos)
International News Briefs for Wednesday, October 21, 2026
We bring you some of the top international news stories compiled by Democracy Now on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Clouds at Sunset, Texas, USA – Photo of the Day
Irina Echarry from Cuba took our photo of the day: "Clouds at Sunset", in Texas, USA,.
La Colmena – Song of the Day
Today we feature the Argentine vocal and percussion group La Colmena with a cover of the Lila Downs/Paul Cohen song “Zapata se queda” recorded in 2018,
The Empty Desks & Hope That Teaches in La Guaira, Venezuela
Returning to school in La Guaira, following the two major earthquakes and a vaguely defined vacation period, has been marked by absence, sadness, and desolation.
Defending Family in Chile Without Talking About Caregiving
On October 17, ExpoFamily 2026 was held in Chile, an event that brought together figures from the Chilean and international far right.
In Luyano, Cuba, the Sky Provides Better Than the Aqueduct
The scene has something of a communal water distribution day, only this time the supplier is several kilometers above their heads.
They Stole My WhatsApp
It all started a few days ago when I clicked on a Facebook link advertising the sale of small propane gas cylinders.
Brazil Runoff Vote on October 25th Is Still Up for Grabs
Less than a week before the October 25 runoff, Flávio Bolsonaro maintains a narrow lead while Lula regains the initiative.
International News Briefs for Tuesday, October 20, 2026
We bring you some of the top international news stories compiled by Democracy Now on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Cuban Boxing Champion Felix Savon, Another Fallen Hero
It went viral within hours. Multiple-time boxing champion Felix Savon, considered one of the ten greatest athletes in Cuba’s history, was walking the streets looking for food.
Cuba and the Clock That Only Works with No Electricity
On Friday, at 5:30 in the afternoon, an invisible clock started ticking. It had no hands, made no sound, and no one knew when it would stop.
National Mobilization in Venezuela on October 22
Maria Corina Machado’s party provided details on Monday about the march, which seeks to demand the return of its leader.
Masked Israeli Settlers Nearly Kill Washington Post Journalist
Israeli settlers backed by IDF soldiers brutally assaulted Palestinian olive farmers in the village of Abu Falah, northeast of Ramallah.
Nicaraguans Forced to Attend Events Promoting Ortega’s Constitutional Reforms
Public employees, students, and Sandinistas tell how they are forced to attend constitutional reform consultations in Nicaragua.
The Invisible Prison: Anatomy of the Venezuelan Panopticon
Before crossing the threshold of the house, the ritual is not to check if you have your keys or wallet. The ritual is to clean your phone.
International News Briefs for Monday, October 19, 2026
We bring you some of the top international news stories compiled by Democracy Now on Monday, October 19, 2026.
A plantain grove in the middle of a street in Cerro, Havana
There is a kind of melancholy suspended in the streets of Cerro, when the asphalt gives way. It is not the peaceful stillness of repose...
Cuba’s Long Power Outages Spark a War over Privilege
“How long will the benefits go to a privileged few while everyone else has to endure this situation like animals?”
Bolivar Plaza of Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela – Photo of the Day
Indi Rivero from Venezuela took our photo of the day: "Bolivar Plaza of Barquisimeto", in Lara, Venezuela.
Los Tigres del Norte – Song of the Day
Today we feature the Mexican norteño institution “Los Tigres del Norte” with a live NPR Tiny Desk concert premiered on October 15, 2026.
Latino Migrants in the USA: Between Fear and Hope
They check your license plate; if the registration indicates you were born in another country, they pull you over on a deserted street corner—or at a gas station, a laundromat, or even as you’re leaving the supermarket.
Empires Understand Each Other
From the very beginning of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Donald Trump’s sympathies have been with Moscow.
While I Learn, the World Changes
I had been trying for a while to get my uncle to find me a program for creating objects, characters, and settings in three dimensions.
Cuba: The Car as a Chronically Ill Patient
Gustavo, an intensive care physician, has just finished his shift at the hospital, but he still has another workday ahead of him.
Virtual Reality and Its Consequences
We have the tools to produce and disseminate images, but that doesn’t mean we’ve learned to live with the consequences.
The Fear Left Behind by the October 9 Earthquake in Panama
The emotional toll deserves attention, especially among those who have lost their homes or remain exposed to aftershocks.
Cuba’s Private Sector Is Running Out of Workers
When it comes to labor rights, their situation is worse than that of the even lower paid counterparts in the state sector.
A Friendly Smile, Granma, Cuba – Photo of the Day
Peggy Shand o Canada took our photo of the day: "A Friendly Smile", in Granma, Cuba.
Cassia Eller – Song of the Day
Today we feature the Brazilian vocalist Cassia Eller with a performance of the song “O Segundo Sol”, in 1999.
International News Briefs for Friday, October 16, 2026
We bring you some of the top international news stories compiled by Democracy Now on Friday, October 16, 2026.
Hunger in Cuba Reaches Alarming Levels
The renewed solidarity effort comes just as hardship has begun to engulf virtually every aspect of Cuban society with even greater force...
US Sanctions the World Court in a Bid to Avoid Criminal Liability
The Trump administration on August 9th placed sweeping sanctions on the International Criminal Court that target the institution as a whole.
Brazil Abolishes the 6-Day Workweek: What That Means for Us?
The 5-on, 2-off work schedule was finally approved by the Senate. Workers will have five days of work followed by two days off.
The Joy of Haitian Childhood Through “3 Fwa Pase La”
The book grew from a wish to share those memories with children who may know Haiti mainly through troubling stories.
How I Ended Up Falling in Love with Cuba
Cuba was never on my bucket list. I didn’t know much about the country, other than it seemed to have a lot of all-inclusive resorts...