Monday, March 23, 2026
Ilhan Omar’s Daughter Says She Is ‘Honored’ To Be in Cuba
PUBLISHED
MAR 22, 2026 AT 08:12 PM EDT
UPDATED
MAR 22, 2026 AT 08:13 PM EDT
By Adeola Adeosun
Weekend Night Editor
Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Democratic Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, publicly defended her visit to Cuba on Sunday, saying on social media she was "honored to be here" and "honored to make history" on the island amid escalating tensions between Havana and Washington.
Omar later reposted her daughter's message on X.
Why It Matters
Hirsi's visit comes as U.S.-Cuba relations are at a particularly volatile point. President Donald Trump has publicly floated the idea of "taking Cuba in some form," while Havana has said its military is actively preparing for the "possibility of military aggression" from the United States. The trip — and Hirsi's public defense of it — is likely to draw sharp criticism from Republicans, who have long targeted her mother over her progressive politics and immigration background.
What To Know
Hirsi responded to a New York Post X post that characterized her trip and those of others as "tone-deaf," writing: "yes i am in cuba! people are here from across the globe to express solidarity with the Cuban people. people who are standing against the oppressive blockade exacerbated by the trump administration. i am honored to be here. i am honored to make history and Eid Mubarak to all."
Cuba is currently grappling with a severe energy crisis, driven in large part by a U.S. campaign to restrict oil shipments to the island. Trump signed an executive order threatening tariffs on any country that exports fuel to Cuba, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly signaled support for leadership change in Havana. The island has experienced repeated nationwide blackouts throughout March, and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has warned that any external aggressor would face "impregnable resistance."
MAR 22, 2026 AT 08:12 PM EDT
UPDATED
MAR 22, 2026 AT 08:13 PM EDT
By Adeola Adeosun
Weekend Night Editor
Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Democratic Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, publicly defended her visit to Cuba on Sunday, saying on social media she was "honored to be here" and "honored to make history" on the island amid escalating tensions between Havana and Washington.
Omar later reposted her daughter's message on X.
Why It Matters
Hirsi's visit comes as U.S.-Cuba relations are at a particularly volatile point. President Donald Trump has publicly floated the idea of "taking Cuba in some form," while Havana has said its military is actively preparing for the "possibility of military aggression" from the United States. The trip — and Hirsi's public defense of it — is likely to draw sharp criticism from Republicans, who have long targeted her mother over her progressive politics and immigration background.
What To Know
Hirsi responded to a New York Post X post that characterized her trip and those of others as "tone-deaf," writing: "yes i am in cuba! people are here from across the globe to express solidarity with the Cuban people. people who are standing against the oppressive blockade exacerbated by the trump administration. i am honored to be here. i am honored to make history and Eid Mubarak to all."
Cuba is currently grappling with a severe energy crisis, driven in large part by a U.S. campaign to restrict oil shipments to the island. Trump signed an executive order threatening tariffs on any country that exports fuel to Cuba, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly signaled support for leadership change in Havana. The island has experienced repeated nationwide blackouts throughout March, and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has warned that any external aggressor would face "impregnable resistance."
Russia may test Trump’s Cuba’s blockade with oil tankers crossing Atlantic
by: Sophie Brams, The Hill
Posted: Mar 20, 2026 / 06:30 PM CDT
Updated: Mar 20, 2026 / 06:30 PM CDT
Two vessels carrying Russian oil are reportedly heading for Cuba in the coming days in a move that could test President Trump’s longstanding blockade, according to the Financial Times, citing maritime intelligence companies.
One of the tankers making its way to the Caribbean island is Sea Horse, a Hong Kong-flagged ship estimated to be carrying approximately 190,000 barrels of gasoil from Russia, according to tracking from maritime AI company Windward.
The Associated Press reported on Thursday that another ship, the Russian-flagged Anatoly Kolodkin, is roughly 3,000 nautical miles from Cuba and expected to reach the island in 10 days.
Cuba has plunged into a deep economic and energy crisis due to an oil embargo put in place by the Trump administration in January following the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
The island’s electrical grid collapsed earlier this week, leaving nearly 11 million people in the dark for more than 29 hours before power was partially restored. The nation is also facing a worsening humanitarian crisis with limited access to food, water and medication.
The U.S. has sought to leverage economic pressure to push political reform in Cuba, with President Trump warning other countries not to do business with them.
The Treasury Department has maintained the blockade, even as it eases sanctions on some Russian and Venezuelan oil in a bid to boost global supply amid the conflict with Iran. Analysts have told The Hill that the Trump administration’s actions are unlikely to have much of an effect on surging prices and that the only meaningful way to do so would be to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
No shipments of oil have arrived on Cuba’s shores in three months, but that could change if the two tankers arrive as anticipated over the next several weeks.
Despite Trump’s threats, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that Moscow was “ready to provide all possible assistance” to officials in Havana, according to the Moscow Times.
The potential escalation comes as the U.S. and Cuba are holding discussions to address “bilateral differences” and identify “areas of cooperation,” according to Cuban President Manuel Díaz-Canel.
Díaz-Canel on Wednesday accused the U.S. of threatening the country “almost daily” and pledged to meet any potential aggression with “impregnable resistance,” days after Trump said he believes he will have the “honor” of taking over Cuba.
“Whether I free it, take it, I think I can do anything I want with it,” Trump told reporters on Monday. “You want to know the truth? They’re a very weakened nation now.”
Sunday, March 22, 2026
U.S. Catholic Priest Chastises Trump, “God Help Us”
by Claude Wooten in Daily Edition | March 22, 20262
President Trump is being criticized for writing that he’s “glad” about the death the Republican former FBI Director Robert Mueller, a Marine Corps officer who served during the Vietnam War and received a Bronze Star for heroism and a Purple Heart. Trump wrote on social media: “Good, I’m glad he’s dead.”
[Note: Mueller, who as Special Counsel led the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election that Trump repeatedly decried as a “witch hunt,” released a 2019 report that failed to bring charges against Trump, though his work produced seven guilty pleas and charges against Trump allies Paul Manafort and Roger Stone, as well as 32 other people.]
Popular American Jesuit priest Father James Martin, editor-at-large of America and founder of Outreach, a ministry and resource center for LGBTQ Catholics, responded to Trump’s comment by writing: “God help us. This is disgraceful language coming from a Christian, or anyone with a soul. It was just as wrong to celebrate the death of Charlie Kirk as it is to celebrate that of Robert Mueller. May they rest in peace. And may we never forget that Jesus’s message is about mercy.”
President Trump is being criticized for writing that he’s “glad” about the death the Republican former FBI Director Robert Mueller, a Marine Corps officer who served during the Vietnam War and received a Bronze Star for heroism and a Purple Heart. Trump wrote on social media: “Good, I’m glad he’s dead.”
[Note: Mueller, who as Special Counsel led the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election that Trump repeatedly decried as a “witch hunt,” released a 2019 report that failed to bring charges against Trump, though his work produced seven guilty pleas and charges against Trump allies Paul Manafort and Roger Stone, as well as 32 other people.]
Popular American Jesuit priest Father James Martin, editor-at-large of America and founder of Outreach, a ministry and resource center for LGBTQ Catholics, responded to Trump’s comment by writing: “God help us. This is disgraceful language coming from a Christian, or anyone with a soul. It was just as wrong to celebrate the death of Charlie Kirk as it is to celebrate that of Robert Mueller. May they rest in peace. And may we never forget that Jesus’s message is about mercy.”
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Nuestra América Convoy
The Nuestra América Convoy (English: Our America Convoy) is an international humanitarian movement proposed as a maritime convoy plan to deliver aid to Cuba in response to a severe humanitarian and economic crisis during early 2026. The initiative was initially a flotilla, before being expanded into a global coordinated mission involving the deliveries of humanitarian supplies by air, land, and sea, and is scheduled to converge in Havana on 21 March 2026.
Our America Convoy
Our America Convoy to Cuba
Nuestra América Convoy
The logo of the initiative since February 2026
Formation February 2026; 1 month ago
Region Europe, South America and North America
Organizer David R. K. Adler
Website https://nuestraamericaconvoy.org/
Formerly called Nuestra América Flotilla (Early February 2026)
Multitudes pray for unity around the world
From quiet utterances to radio broadcasts, from video messages to joyous celebrations, multitudes of people in churches and communities across the globe are participating in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Opening prayer service of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 at Iglesia Unida Ekyumenikal on January 19, 2026. Photo: United Methodist Church in the Philippines
22 January 2026
22 January 2026
In the Philippines, a message brought by the National Council of Churches in the Philippines described a unity that transcends denominational boundaries, liturgical preferences, and organizational structures. “Our unity is our strongest witness,” reads the message. “And so we pray: Lord, make us one, that the world, and the Filipino people, may believe.”
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Ecumenical Affairs joined the National Council of Churches in the Philippines for celebrations that includes a series of services and fellowship events.
In the US, the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA released a newsletter and daily videos. Releasing a new prayer daily via YouTube, the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA invited all to participate in prayers offered by members of 37 communions. “May these prayers inspire us to walk faithfully in the call to be one body, united in love and purpose,” the council stated.
The Dominican Sisters of Peace—located across the US in about 22 states—used daily resources to draw people closer. “May we embrace our shared calling to live in Christ’s love and reflect His unity in a divided world,” they prayed.
In the UK and Ireland, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland organized celebrations, and distributed unique resources, including “Go and Do action points” from Christian Aid that were matched with daily reflections about the relief of poverty and advocacy of justice.
“The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 extends an invitation to draw upon this shared Christian heritage and to reflect on our fellowship in Christ, which unites Christians worldwide,” stated Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
The Primates of All Ireland, in a message, called Christians to deeper unity and active peace-making. They emphasised that the church, though diverse in culture and tradition, is called to live as one body in Christ, united by humility, patience, love, and the bond of peace. They called for “us to live lives worthy of our calling, with humility, gentleness, patience, and love.”
A BBC Radio 4 service brought the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to thousands of listeners. Musical worship included the singing of Psalm 133 and other hymns and anthems.
Gathering led by the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) and Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Philippines was one in the series of worship and fellowship during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from 19 to 26 January 2026. Photo:
Tondo Evangelical Church of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines
In Egypt, the Middle East Council of Churches, in cooperation with the Egyptian Council of Churches, organized the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – Egypt 2026, under the auspices of the churches in Egypt.
The churches in Egypt observed the special week “not a passing occasion, but a continuous spiritual commitment and a living witness” through which the Christian churches in Egypt “affirm the continuation of their shared journey of hope, service, and witness before the world.”
In Germany, the Council of Christian Churches in Germany (ACK) hosted a joint service with the Evangelical Alliance in Nuremberg on 18 January, and on 25 January, churches will celebrate a central service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at the Diocesan Church of St Sahak-St Mesrop in Cologne.
At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV urged people to intensify prayer for the full unity of Christians. Pope Leo added that this call to communion will accompany reflection throughout the week, which will conclude on 25 January, when the pope will preside at the celebration of Vespers in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
Pope Leo also invited the faithful to pray for Christian unity and for peace, especially in our time marked by a lack of respect for human dignity and heightened international tensions.
"Let us pray for peace at a moment in history that seems marked by a growing loss of respect for the value of human dignity and in which war has come back into fashion,” he said. “May the humanity of Jesus, who reveals the Father, help us to find paths of justice and reconciliation.”
In the Holy Land, the Terra Sancta Museum in Jerusalem featured an initiative, “Faces of Unity,” that invited people to meet artistic and religious figures from sister churches.
"Stay tuned as we take you through the streets of Jerusalem to discover Armenian, Coptic, Lutheran, and many other expressions of the rich Christian art,” invited the museum.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Ecumenical Affairs joined the National Council of Churches in the Philippines for celebrations that includes a series of services and fellowship events.
In the US, the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA released a newsletter and daily videos. Releasing a new prayer daily via YouTube, the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA invited all to participate in prayers offered by members of 37 communions. “May these prayers inspire us to walk faithfully in the call to be one body, united in love and purpose,” the council stated.
The Dominican Sisters of Peace—located across the US in about 22 states—used daily resources to draw people closer. “May we embrace our shared calling to live in Christ’s love and reflect His unity in a divided world,” they prayed.
In the UK and Ireland, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland organized celebrations, and distributed unique resources, including “Go and Do action points” from Christian Aid that were matched with daily reflections about the relief of poverty and advocacy of justice.
“The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 extends an invitation to draw upon this shared Christian heritage and to reflect on our fellowship in Christ, which unites Christians worldwide,” stated Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
The Primates of All Ireland, in a message, called Christians to deeper unity and active peace-making. They emphasised that the church, though diverse in culture and tradition, is called to live as one body in Christ, united by humility, patience, love, and the bond of peace. They called for “us to live lives worthy of our calling, with humility, gentleness, patience, and love.”
A BBC Radio 4 service brought the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to thousands of listeners. Musical worship included the singing of Psalm 133 and other hymns and anthems.
Gathering led by the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) and Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Philippines was one in the series of worship and fellowship during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from 19 to 26 January 2026. Photo:
Tondo Evangelical Church of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines
In Egypt, the Middle East Council of Churches, in cooperation with the Egyptian Council of Churches, organized the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – Egypt 2026, under the auspices of the churches in Egypt.
The churches in Egypt observed the special week “not a passing occasion, but a continuous spiritual commitment and a living witness” through which the Christian churches in Egypt “affirm the continuation of their shared journey of hope, service, and witness before the world.”
In Germany, the Council of Christian Churches in Germany (ACK) hosted a joint service with the Evangelical Alliance in Nuremberg on 18 January, and on 25 January, churches will celebrate a central service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at the Diocesan Church of St Sahak-St Mesrop in Cologne.
At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV urged people to intensify prayer for the full unity of Christians. Pope Leo added that this call to communion will accompany reflection throughout the week, which will conclude on 25 January, when the pope will preside at the celebration of Vespers in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
Pope Leo also invited the faithful to pray for Christian unity and for peace, especially in our time marked by a lack of respect for human dignity and heightened international tensions.
"Let us pray for peace at a moment in history that seems marked by a growing loss of respect for the value of human dignity and in which war has come back into fashion,” he said. “May the humanity of Jesus, who reveals the Father, help us to find paths of justice and reconciliation.”
In the Holy Land, the Terra Sancta Museum in Jerusalem featured an initiative, “Faces of Unity,” that invited people to meet artistic and religious figures from sister churches.
"Stay tuned as we take you through the streets of Jerusalem to discover Armenian, Coptic, Lutheran, and many other expressions of the rich Christian art,” invited the museum.
Church Leaders Call For Christians To Protest Trump
Richard Ostling
March 10, 2026
(ANALYSIS) Our polarized era features unique and quasi-religious devotion toward President Donald Trump from his MAGA base, set against profound hostility from foes of his words and deeds.
Church leaders in that second camp, mostly mainline and liberal Protestants, have issued a new plea worth noting for the extent of its supporters and a markedly fierce denunciation of America’s “cruel and oppressive government.”
“A Call to Christians in a Crisis of Faith and Democracy” appears at the conclusion of Trump’s first year this term, in the 250th year of American Independence, and during a closely fought campaign for control of the U.S. House and Senate. The release was timed for Ash Wednesday as believers entered a period of self-reflection and penitence. (As it happened, it was issued just before the momentous American-Israeli attack on Iran, but the text has little interest in foreign policy).
(ANALYSIS) Our polarized era features unique and quasi-religious devotion toward President Donald Trump from his MAGA base, set against profound hostility from foes of his words and deeds.
Church leaders in that second camp, mostly mainline and liberal Protestants, have issued a new plea worth noting for the extent of its supporters and a markedly fierce denunciation of America’s “cruel and oppressive government.”
“A Call to Christians in a Crisis of Faith and Democracy” appears at the conclusion of Trump’s first year this term, in the 250th year of American Independence, and during a closely fought campaign for control of the U.S. House and Senate. The release was timed for Ash Wednesday as believers entered a period of self-reflection and penitence. (As it happened, it was issued just before the momentous American-Israeli attack on Iran, but the text has little interest in foreign policy).
Friday, March 20, 2026
National Catholic Prayer Breakfast highlights: Letter from Pope Leo, talks by Michael Knowles, Jonathan Roumie
Jonathan Roumie speaks at 2026 National Catholic Prayer Breakfast. YouTube screengrab
By McKenna Snow
More than 1,000 people came together in Washington, D.C., March 19 for the annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast to pray for the country, which was an effort commended by Pope Leo XIV in a letter to attendees.
Archbishop Joseph Naumann, archbishop emeritus of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, read the Pope’s message at the event. According to EWTN News, which livestreamed the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, the annual event began in 2004 in response to Pope Saint John Paul II’s “call for a new evangelization.”
The tradition of praying for one’s nation goes back to biblical times, Pope Leo noted, recalling that Saint Paul invited Christians to pray specifically for people in authoritative positions, “confident that their prayer, united to that of Christ, would be both powerful and effective.”
The Pontiff also recalled the history of the annual event and how Pope John Paul II asked the faithful “to re-evangelize cultures that were previously Christianized long ago, with methods that are appropriate to our own time.” This mission, Pope Leo said, cannot be separated from cultivating “a deep friendship with God in prayer,” emphasizing that spending time with Jesus daily with an open heart enables one to know Him and be transformed by His grace.
“It is in this light that I would like to reiterate the ongoing need for evangelization, and at the same time, invite you to persevere in a truly authentic and fruitful life of prayer,” Pope Leo continued.
U.S. says Cuba is prohibited from taking Russian oil as two tankers head to island
Key Points
- The U.S. Treasury Department has made clear that Cuba is not allowed to take delivery of Russian crude.
- The warning comes at a time when two tankers carrying Russian oil and gas are thought to be on their way to Havana.
- The fuel-starved Caribbean island is facing its biggest test since the collapse of the Soviet Union under a U.S. oil blockade.
An old Soviet-era Lada car drives past a truck belonging to a private Cuban company (mipyme) parked in front of a gas station with an IsoTank of imported fuel in Havana on March 19, 2026.
Adalberto Roque | Afp | Getty Images
Published Fri, Mar 20 202
64:54 AM EDT
The U.S. Treasury Department has said Cuba won’t be allowed to take delivery of Russian crude, even as the fuel-starved island appears poised to receive two tankers carrying oil and gas.
In a general license published Thursday, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added Cuba to a list of countries that would be blocked from transactions involving the sale, delivery or offloading of crude or petroleum products that originate from Russia.
The U.S. had temporarily authorized the purchase of Russian oil stranded at sea last week, as part of an effort to stabilize energy markets during the U.S. and Israeli-led war on Iran. The short-term measure suspended sanctions that were first imposed on Moscow following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The update comes as maritime intelligence providers have been tracking two tankers carrying Russian oil and gas heading toward Cuba.
Beset by blackouts and a worsening economic crisis under a U.S. oil blockade, the communist-run Caribbean island is currently facing its biggest test since the collapse of the Soviet Union. U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier in the week that he thinks he’ll have the “honor” of taking Havana in some form.
Russia, which has been allied to Cuba for decades, has sharply criticized the Trump administration’s fuel blockade and pledged to provide the country with “necessary support, including financial aid.”
WCC leadership meets Pope Leo XIV
Image: Catholic Church England and Wales from flickr.com
Pastor Hal MayerSpeaker / Director
WCC leadership meets Pope Leo XIV
Pastor Hal MayerSpeaker / Director
WCC leadership meets Pope Leo XIV
Wednesday March 18th, 2026
World Council of Churches: Bedford-Strohm said the meeting clearly strengthened his hope for increasing unity amongst the churches. “We wholeheartedly agreed upon the necessity to put Christ in the center to move us to visible unity,” he said. “We also agreed that a strong prophetic voice against the unscrupulous instrumentalisation of Christian faith for political purposes is needed.”
Bedford-Strohm added: “Whether it is about aggressive invasion, chasing migrants, or putting down whole groups of people, the churches must lift up the voice of the preacher of the sermon on the mount who encouraged us to practice, love, even of the enemy and advocacy for the most vulnerable in society. It was encouraging that we are united in giving this witness of love and empathy to the world in a time where division and violence seem to triumph.”
Pillay expressed gratitude for “a heart-to-heart talk with Pope Leo on very important global issues. Our conversation evolved around the need for visible Christian unity especially in this time of numerous global challenges.”
The WCC delegation outlined the WCC’s work in the area of Christian unity and discussed the importance of working with fellow Christians in giving visible expression to the prayer of Jesus that all may be one.
“We commended the Pope for his commitment to Christian unity and the collaboration and spirit in which the Vatican and WCC have been working together for many decades and reflected on what more we can do together, especially after the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council last year,” said Pillay. “We mentioned the numerous places in which the WCC is currently engaged in peace initiatives.”
The WCC delegation and Pope Leo also reflected deeply on the wars, conflicts, and violence that continue to pervade our world.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
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