The News Meeting Does the US have plans for Cuba?
5 snips
Mar 19, 2026 Elaine McAul, digital production editor who champions audience-focused multimedia reporting. James Tapper, reporter covering public health and domestic affairs. Evan Moffat, homepage editor who curates major stories. They discuss Cuba’s island-wide blackout and geopolitical tensions. They cover a growing meningitis cluster linked to nightlife. They explore Kenya’s new menstrual leave policy and its reporting angles.
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Cuba Blackouts Linked To US Oil Cutoff
- Cuba's nationwide blackout is tied to a cutoff of Venezuelan oil and tougher US embargo enforcement under the Trump administration.
- Evan Moffat links the energy squeeze to US actions including interception of tankers and suggests it could be used as leverage for regime change near Florida.
Cuba As A Potential Off-Ramp For White House Pressure
- The Trump administration may view Cuba as an easier target for regime change and a distraction from difficulties in the Iran conflict.
- Moffat suggests Cuba's proximity to US bases and its weaker position make it strategically attractive to the White House.
Act Fast On University Meningitis Outbreaks
- Prioritise clear public health communication and rapid vaccination when meningitis cases emerge, especially among university-age cohorts missed by earlier rollouts.
- James Tapper highlights 5,000 students given antibiotics and notes cohorts aged 12–20 lack routine meningitis B immunisation introduced only ten years ago.