At least 31 Palestinians die in incident during aid distribution in Gaza

The president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, denied that the package of 176 economic measures approved by the Communist Party and the National Assembly represents a retreat towards capitalism. In an interview with Puerto Rican journalists broadcast by official media, he assured that the actions are sovereign and seek to strengthen the socialist model in the face of the complex crisis facing the island.

Measures in context

Díaz-Canel acknowledged that the initiatives have received criticism from both right-wing sectors and left-wing groups. However, he emphasized that this is an adaptation to current circumstances, not an abandonment of the country’s historical principles. The president insisted that a capitalist restoration is not promoted, but rather that he seeks to sustain the socialist system in an adverse environment.

The statements have generated a wide debate inside and outside Cuba. International analysts are closely observing whether these measures imply profound changes in the economic structure of the Caribbean nation. For now, the government maintains its official line: necessary adjustments, without ideological concessions.

US President Donald Trump participated as a guest on the children’s podcast “Storytime with the Second Lady”, hosted by the second lady, Usha Vance. During the reading of the illustrated book Presidents Play!, the president took the opportunity to make comments about former presidents, his life in the White House and personal anecdotes, moving away from the original text.

Comments on his predecessors

Trump praised Ronald Reagan and described Lyndon Johnson as “a strong man.” He also made jokes about Richard Nixon and Herbert Hoover. However, he again criticized former President Barack Obama, questioning his sporting abilities and his love of golf. These statements have generated divided reactions among the audience.

Reading details

Seeing the illustrations, Trump paused to talk about himself. He commented that he would like to ride a horse, but that he would prefer a “very slow” one. He confessed that he had not worn a swimsuit in years and joked that he did not exceed the weight of former President William Howard Taft, considered the largest president in US history.

Reactions and context

Trump’s participation in this space aimed at children has been highlighted by the contrast between the tone of the podcast and the president’s political comments. Although the program seeks a friendly environment for the little ones, Trump chose to intersperse criticism and personal anecdotes that diverted attention from the book.

The seismic tragedy in La Guaira

The earthquakes of June 24 in the Venezuelan state of La Guaira left at least 2,295 people dead and thousands remain missing. Hundreds of families seek to identify their loved ones among the bodies recovered from the rubble, before they are sent to mass graves.

Rosa López recounted how she found the body of her son-in-law, José Antonio Toledo, a security guard who died when the building where he worked collapsed. After visiting hospitals and a makeshift morgue, the family managed to identify him, but did not have the resources for a funeral service. The mayor’s office gave them a free space to bury him.

The authorities and forensic teams work tirelessly. Specialists estimate that between 60 and 70% of the victims are recognized by family members or neighbors, although the advanced state of decomposition makes the work difficult. Refrigerated containers have been installed due to the increase in bodies, and the opening of mass graves has not been ruled out.

The wait of families

Around the port of La Guaira and the temporary morgues, dozens of families line up for hours in the hope of identifying their relatives. They use tattoos, scars, clothing or shoes to confirm identity. Pain is mixed with uncertainty about the missing.

Rescuers estimate that recovery efforts could last at least three months due to the number of collapsed buildings. Thousands of volunteers have joined the search, in an effort to give families the chance to say goodbye and give them a last rest.