Radar revelation stokes fears Caribbean could be drawn into US-Venezuela crisis

The White House has distanced itself from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding allegations that he ordered military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of all individuals on board. A spokesperson clarified that while Hegseth gave the order for strikes, he did not instruct to 'kill everybody.'

The Trump administration has paused all asylum decisions and halted visa issuance for Afghan nationals following a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., which critically injured two members of the National Guard. This decision has left many asylum seekers, including those from Afghanistan, in a state of uncertainty regarding their immigration status and future in the U.S.

An industrial boom in Monterrey, Mexico, which has strong ties to the US, is leading to severe air pollution as factories emit toxic heavy metals, posing significant health risks to local residents. Research by The Guardian and Quinto Elemento Lab highlights the alarming situation in this manufacturing hub that primarily exports goods to the US.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is under scrutiny following the authorization of a second military strike on a boat in the Caribbean, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of survivors from an earlier attack linked to alleged drug trafficking. This has raised significant concerns regarding the conduct of military operations in the region.

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have escalated as President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, suggesting he can choose to resolve the situation 'the easy way or the hard way.' This comes amid a significant military buildup by the U.S. in the Caribbean, reminiscent of Cold War-era confrontations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russian forces have captured the strategic city of Pokrovsk in Ukraine, a statement disputed by Ukrainian officials who assert they still control parts of the city. This announcement coincides with the arrival of U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow for talks aimed at negotiating a peace deal to end the ongoing conflict.

Thousands of Starbucks baristas are currently on strike across the United States, marking what is anticipated to be the longest and largest industrial action in the company's history. This strike follows a significant unionization movement that began four years ago in New York, which saw numerous outlets unionize despite strong opposition from the coffee chain.

The U.S. military has confirmed two strikes on a boat in the Caribbean, part of a broader campaign against alleged drug trafficking linked to Venezuela. This follows a significant naval buildup in the region, with at least 19 suspected drug vessels targeted since September. The White House has defended the actions taken by a U.S. admiral, despite reports suggesting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered lethal measures against all individuals on board.