A busy street filled with people walking in both directions, with colorful buildings lining the sides.

Cuba’s hidden business empire faces US sanctions

Full Episode
49:43

People wait outside a bank office in Regla, Cuba, May 8, 2026.

Ramon Espinosa/AP

As the Trump administration expands sanctions on Cuba to pressure regime change, one of its targets is GAESA, the military-run business empire behind hotels, dollar stores, banks and other key sources of hard currency in the country. Also, rights groups are concerned over  European Commission plans to hold talks with the Taliban in Brussels about deporting some Afghans back home. And, New Zealand wants to change its landmark climate law by prohibiting liability for damages caused by climate change, such as from floods, fires or sea level rise. Plus, looking back at the life of Colombian singer Totó la Momposina, who was also a global champion of Andean culture.

In This Episode

A street scene with people walking, auto rickshaws, and buildings. A dome structure is visible in the background.
Washington targets Cuba’s military-run business empire
Special Coverage
6:23
Justice denied as last person accused in Patrice Lumumba assassination dies
6:46
Human rights groups alarmed by EU-Taliban deportation talks
6:01
Champion of Andean culture, Colombian artist Totó la Momposina, dies
2:21
Raúl Castro indicted by US government
12:26
New Zealand to change landmark climate law
4:56
Traveling without her parents to India for the first time
7:22