Cuba is experiencing a severe economic and social crisis. At the same time, the United States, under President Donald Trump, is increasing sanctions and pressure on the Cuban government.
Key Facts
Cuba faces its worst economic and social crisis in decades.
The U.S. government is adding more sanctions against Cuba.
President Trump’s administration is increasing pressure on Cuba’s regime.
The article explores reasons behind Trump’s focus on Cuba.
It also questions how far the U.S. might go in its actions toward Cuba.
The Cuban leaders mentioned are Miguel Diaz-Canel, Fidel Castro, and Raul Castro.
The situation involves wider regional politics, including Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro.
The content is from France 24’s English YouTube channel dated August 6, 2026.
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A record 10,293 people were referred to the UK government’s Prevent anti-terror programme in the year to September 2025, a 39% increase from the previous year. Referrals for extreme rightwing ideology rose by 20%, while cases linked to Islamist extremism decreased. Young people aged 11 to 15 made up the largest group referred.
Key Facts
There were 10,293 referrals to Prevent in the latest year, up from 7,408 the year before.
20% of referrals (2,103) involved concerns about extreme rightwing beliefs, up from 1,480.
Referrals related to Islamist extremism fell from 945 to 860.
Most referrals were for people aged 11 to 15 (36%) and 16 to 17 (13%).
Over half (56%) of referrals did not have any identified ideology.
A large share of those referred (18%) were autistic, and 36% had at least one mental health or neurodiversity condition.
After assessment, some referred individuals join a “channel panel” for support to prevent radicalisation.
Of referrals with known ethnicity data, 68% were white, 18% Asian, 8% black, and 7% other.
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A 47-year-old woman was charged after stabbing four men near Covent Garden in central London. The men were injured but their wounds were not life-threatening, and all have since been released from the hospital.
Key Facts
The incident happened on Endell Street around 12:30 pm on Wednesday.
Four men aged 34, 39, 42, and 56 were stabbed.
The injuries were serious but not life-changing or life-threatening.
All four men were treated in hospital and have been discharged.
Stella Gollovena, with no fixed address, was charged with four counts of wounding with intent and one count of carrying an offensive weapon.
Gollovena was arrested at the scene and is due to appear in Highbury Magistrates' Court.
London’s Air Ambulance landed nearby but the men were taken to the hospital by road ambulance.
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A German court sentenced a 25-year-old man to life in prison for a car-ramming attack in Munich that killed two people and injured dozens. The attacker targeted a labor union demonstration in February 2025 and was convicted of murder and attempted murder.
Key Facts
The attack happened on February 13, 2025, in Munich, Germany.
Two people died: a 2-year-old girl and her 37-year-old mother.
Forty-four others were seriously or critically injured.
The attacker is a 25-year-old Afghan named Farhad N. (name shortened for privacy).
He was arrested immediately after the attack.
The court found he had “particularly serious” guilt and may not be released after 15 years, which is the usual practice in Germany.
The attacker said he wanted to kill random people in Germany to respond to issues in Islamic countries and to prove his faith.
The attack increased public focus on immigration before Germany’s national election, held 10 days later.
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Israel has charged a settler named Yinon Levi with reckless manslaughter for killing Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen in the West Bank in July 2025. This is the first time since October 7, 2023, that an Israeli has been formally charged for the death of a Palestinian in the occupied territory.
Key Facts
Yinon Levi, a settler living in the south West Bank, faces charges including reckless manslaughter, armed trespassing, and malicious property damage.
Awdah Hathaleen was a well-known Palestinian activist killed in July 2025 in the village of Umm al Khair.
Videos show Levi shooting at crowds in Hathaleen’s village, with witnesses saying one shot hit Hathaleen.
Manslaughter carries a lighter penalty than murder under Israeli law.
It is very rare for Israel to charge settlers for violence against Palestinians.
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli settlers and soldiers have reportedly killed at least 1,100 Palestinians in the West Bank.
Levi’s lawyer claims the indictment is a “mistaken decision” and will contest the charges in court.
Huntsaleen was involved in advocacy against settler violence and featured in an Oscar-winning film about Palestinians protecting their villages.
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A woman named Holly Kurtz started vaping at age 17 and became addicted over 10 years. After imagining a future where her health was severely harmed, she decided to quit and is now working to overcome withdrawal symptoms.
Key Facts
Holly Kurtz began vaping at 17 and continued for 10 years.
She vaped frequently throughout her day, including in bed.
Most vapes contain nicotine, which is addictive and harmful.
The CDC says e-cigarettes are popular among youth in the U.S.
Kurtz experienced physical problems like chest pain and dental damage.
She imagined a future where vaping affected her ability to play with grandchildren.
This vision motivated her to reduce and quit vaping gradually.
She now faces mood swings and increased appetite but feels proud to be quitting.
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Ohio is home to the oldest Mormon temple, built nearly 200 years ago in Kirtland, which played a key role in the early history of the Mormon faith. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently bought the temple and is also opening a new temple in a nearby Cleveland suburb.
Key Facts
The Kirtland temple in Ohio is the oldest Mormon temple, built in the 1830s.
Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, used the temple for early religious meetings and rituals.
The temple was recently purchased by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Visitors tour the Kirtland temple and the nearby home of Joseph and Emma Smith.
The LDS Church is dedicating a new temple in Independence, Ohio, near Cleveland.
The Kirtland temple marks an important moment in American religious history.
The new temple serves the local Mormon community and continues the church’s expansion.
Tours and visits to the Kirtland temple site highlight its historical significance.
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Scientists are testing vaccines designed to help the immune system stop colon cancer from developing, especially in people with Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that greatly increases cancer risk. Several vaccines are in early clinical trials, and one vaccine showed promise in a small study, with larger trials planned soon.
Key Facts
Lynch syndrome is a genetic mutation affecting about 1 million Americans that raises the risk of colorectal and other cancers.
People with Lynch syndrome often get yearly colonoscopies to find and remove early cancer growths called polyps.
Vaccines in development aim to teach the immune system to intercept cancer cells before they form tumors.
At least three vaccines for Lynch syndrome are being developed, with two in U.S. clinical trials and one starting in Britain.
Dr. Stacy Norton, who has Lynch syndrome, participated in vaccine testing and hopes it will reduce the need for yearly colonoscopies.
Lynch syndrome affects genes responsible for fixing DNA errors, making cancer more likely to develop early in life.
Those with Lynch syndrome have up to an 80% chance of developing colorectal cancer, compared to 5% in the general population.
Vaccines could offer a new way to reduce cancer risk in people with inherited genetic mutations.
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A severe heat wave is affecting much of Europe, leading Italy to issue the highest heat warnings for all its major cities. Austria recorded a new national temperature high while France and other countries face wildfires, drought, and disruptions to energy and transport.
Key Facts
Italy placed all 27 major cities under a red alert for extreme heat for the first time this year.
Temperatures in several European countries have risen above 40 degrees Celsius (104°F).
Austria set a new national temperature record during this heat wave.
Wildfires are occurring in France and parts of the Balkans.
The heat has caused problems for energy production and transportation across Central Europe.
Health warnings have been issued to protect all residents from heat-related risks, not just vulnerable groups.
Tourist sites in Italy extended hours and added cooling measures to help visitors cope with the heat.
Scientists say these kinds of extreme heat events are becoming more common due to climate change.
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The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading faster than health officials can control. Healthcare workers are on strike because they have not been paid, and they are concerned about working in dangerous conditions without proper support.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is growing quickly.
The World Health Organization (WHO) chief visited the country to assess the situation.
Ebola cases are rising faster than the response teams can manage.
Healthcare workers have stopped working (striked) due to unpaid salaries.
Frontline workers are worried about their safety while working with Ebola patients.
The strike is slowing down efforts to contain the disease.
WHO is warning about the urgent need for more support and faster response.
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Amanda Knox, who was involved in a well-known murder case, will perform a comedy show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The show has caused controversy because some people feel it is disrespectful to the memory of the murder victim, Meredith Kercher.
Key Facts
Amanda Knox was convicted and later cleared of killing her British roommate, Meredith Kercher, in Italy in 2007.
Knox’s comedy show is called Cartwheel and talks about motherhood and her life experiences.
Knox says she does not joke about Meredith’s death but jokes about how people treated her afterward.
Meredith Kercher’s sister, Stephanie, said her sister would not find the show’s topics funny.
A petition with over 2,400 signatures opposes the show, saying it disrespects Kercher and could make violence against women seem normal.
Knox’s spokesperson says the show honors Meredith Kercher’s memory.
The show is scheduled to run for 11 days starting Friday at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
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A £150 million plan aims to enlarge Falmouth Docks in Cornwall to fit bigger cruise ships, potentially bringing more tourists and money to the area. However, local people and experts are concerned that the project could harm the environment and the town itself, especially since it is being fast-tracked through planning with less detailed review.
Key Facts
The redevelopment plan would expand Falmouth Docks to allow very large cruise ships, up to 345 meters long, to dock.
Supporters say the project could bring about 200,000 cruise visitors annually by 2030, boosting the local economy and tourism jobs.
The area has valuable and fragile marine habitats, including rare red seaweed beds, oyster grounds, seagrass, kelp, and various sea creatures like sharks and octopuses.
Concerns exist that dredging for the expansion could stir up harmful materials in the seabed, such as heavy metals from Cornwall’s mining past and toxic paint residues.
Local community members feel they have not been adequately consulted and worry about the impact on infrastructure and local life.
The UK government supports the project and is using a fast-track system to speed up approval, which reduces the number of agencies reviewing the plans.
Some locals, including business owners, question whether the redevelopment is needed or will actually benefit the town.
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Irish actress Brenda Fricker, who won an Oscar in 1990 for her role in My Left Foot, was honored at her funeral in Dublin. The funeral was attended by family, friends, and colleagues who remembered her for her kindness and talent.
Key Facts
Brenda Fricker was the first Irish woman to win an Academy Award.
She won the Oscar for best supporting actress for playing the mother of Daniel Day-Lewis’s character in My Left Foot.
The funeral took place in St Catherine's Church, Dublin, followed by a private burial.
Notable attendees included actor Brendan Gleeson, musician Frankie Gavin, TV presenter Ray D'Arcy, and director Jim Sheridan.
Fricker was known for roles in the BBC show Casualty and the Home Alone 2 movie.
Monsignor Eoin Thynne spoke of her generosity and straightforward personality during the service.
Her friend Virginia Gilbert highlighted Fricker’s authenticity and ability to connect with people.
The funeral ended with Elvis Presley’s "Jailhouse Rock" playing as mourners left the church.
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Norah O'Donnell’s personal trainer, Kira Stokes, shares three easy morning activities to help people feel prepared and energized for the day. These simple steps aim to improve well-being right after waking up.
Key Facts
Kira Stokes is a fitness expert and trainer for Norah O'Donnell.
She recommends three simple actions to do each morning.
These actions are designed to help people start their day feeling ready.
The advice was shared on CBS News.
The suggestions focus on improving energy and readiness without complex routines.
The tips are intended for anyone looking to improve their morning habits.
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Cesar Gastelum, a 24-year-old Mexican TikTok influencer, was shot and killed while livestreaming in Culiacan, a city suffering from ongoing violence between criminal groups. Authorities are investigating the killing but have not yet made any arrests or determined a motive.
Key Facts
Cesar Gastelum was a popular TikTok creator with over 700,000 followers.
He was livestreaming from a KFC parking lot in Culiacan when two men on a motorbike shot him.
The killers wore bright orange delivery clothes, which initially confused the police.
The shooting happened near the local prosecutor’s office.
The two friends with Gastelum were not harmed.
Mexican authorities are investigating the case and reviewing Gastelum’s social media posts and security footage.
Culiacan is a hotspot for violence due to rival factions in the Sinaloa cartel fighting for control after the arrest of a cartel leader in July 2024.
Several other social media influencers, including Leobardo Aispuro and Valeria Marquez, have also been killed in Mexico amid cartel violence.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin faces increasing pressure as Ukraine uses drones and missiles to attack areas near Moscow and Saint Petersburg. These attacks affect supply centers, including major Russian delivery hubs that provide equipment to troops.
Key Facts
Ukraine is attacking closer to key Russian cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
The attacks use advanced weapons like deep-strike drones and ballistic missiles.
These strikes target important supply points, such as distribution centers for Wildberries, a major Russian delivery company.
Wildberries often supplies equipment to Russian military forces.
The situation puts more strain on Russia’s military operations.
President Putin is described as being in a difficult position due to these ongoing attacks.
The article connects these events to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is growing rapidly, with nearly 4,000 confirmed cases and more than 1,800 deaths. The country is struggling to manage the highest rate of Ebola infections ever recorded.
Key Facts
DR Congo currently has about 4,000 confirmed Ebola cases.
The epidemic has caused over 1,800 deaths so far.
This outbreak is the fastest-growing Ebola epidemic in history.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a stronger response to control the virus.
DR Congo plans to open its largest Ebola treatment center to help manage patients.
The situation is putting a heavy strain on health services in the country.
Ebola is a deadly virus that spreads from person to person through bodily fluids.
Efforts to track and control the disease are complicated by the speed and scale of the outbreak.
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Thousands of young people protested in Delhi demanding fairness and justice, sparked by concerns over a leaked medical entrance exam. These protests reflect a larger global trend of youth pushing for accountability and fairness in politics and institutions, while also highlighting unique fears in India about education and merit.
Key Facts
The protests took place in Delhi and involved many young Indians.
Demonstrators demanded accountability, transparency, and justice.
The protests were triggered by allegations of a leaked question paper in NEET, a national medical entrance exam.
NEET symbolizes the belief in education as a key to opportunity and fair reward for hard work.
Similar youth-led movements have occurred worldwide, focusing on fairness and institutional trust.
The protests began with genuine concerns but evolved into a broader political issue.
Political groups used the protests to influence public opinion and political debates.
Such movements can strengthen democracy if grievances are addressed but can also lead to prolonged public unrest if unresolved.
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A Tibetan studies conference planned for August in Nepal was canceled after government officials requested it not be held. The officials did not explain why, but Nepal’s close relationship with China and restrictions on pro-Tibetan activities are likely factors.
Key Facts
The International Association for Tibetan Studies was set to hold a seminar in Kathmandu from August 23-26.
The event was organized by the Himalaya Centre for Asian Studies at Kathmandu University.
Nepal’s government asked organizers to cancel the conference without giving a reason.
Nepal has a strong relationship with China and does not allow activities that support Tibetan independence.
China has controlled Tibet since 1951 and restricts Tibetan political and cultural activities.
Thousands of Tibetan refugees live in or pass through Nepal to see the Dalai Lama in exile in India.
Nepal permits Tibetan cultural events only within monasteries or schools and monitors them closely.
Police have used force in the past to stop protests by Tibetan refugees in Nepal.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first mRNA flu vaccine made by Moderna. The vaccine is authorized for people aged 50 and older.
Key Facts
The new flu vaccine uses mRNA technology, which helps the body learn to fight the flu virus.
It is the first flu vaccine of its kind to be approved in the United States.
The vaccine is approved for two age groups: 50 to 64 years old and 65 years and older.
Moderna will carry out a study after the vaccine is released to check how well it works in real-life use.
The approval follows tests showing the vaccine is safe and effective for the approved age groups.
The vaccine aims to improve flu protection, especially for older adults who are at higher risk.
This technology is similar to that used in some COVID-19 vaccines.
The FDA's approval means the vaccine can now be given to eligible people during flu season.
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