EXPLAINED: 24 | Vintage Vibes

Iran’s latest internet blackout extends to phones and Starlink

The Iranian regime’s internet shutdown, initiated on Jan. 8, 2026, has severely diminished the flow of information out of the country. Without internet access, little news about the national protests that flared between Dec. 30, 2025, and Jan. 13, 2026, and the regime’s violent crackdown has reached the world. Many…

The Conversation · Jan 16

Marco Rubio Points At Need To Deliver 'Tangible Actions' To 'Counter Cartels' In Mexico As Trump Admin Pushes To Send Forces

The State Department detailed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Mexican counterpart Juan Ramon de la Fuente had a phone call where they acknowledged that "significant challenges remain" to address joint security matters.

Latin Times · Jan 16

US to suspend visa services for 75 countries, including Thailand

The Trump administration is preparing to suspend all visa processing ‌for visitors ​from 75 countries — including Thailand — starting on Jan 21, Fox News reported on Wednesday, citing a memo from the US State Department.

Bangkok Post · Jan 15

Inside Trump's $11 billion health plan to replace "neo-colonial" USAID

The new program aims to boost U.S. influence and interests in developing nations without the NGOs delivered services through USAID.

Axios · Jan 14

Multiple Americans detained in Venezuela have been released, Trump administration says

The Trump administration says multiple Americans who were detained in Venezuela have been released

The Independent UK · Jan 14

Trump administration revoked over 100,000 visa last year amid immigration crackdown

‘The Trump administration has no higher priority than protecting American citizens and upholding American sovereignty,’ a State Department spokesperson said

The Independent UK · Jan 12

US urges its citizens to flee Venezuela amid reports of paramilitaries

State department says armed ‘colectivos’ appear to be setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles for Americans

The Guardian - US · Jan 10

Over half of African states subjected to travel bans or visa bonds by US

Of Africa’s 54 countries, 36 are now subject to either travel bans or visa bonds by the United States. African states are the prime target of President Donald Trump's latest round of travel restrictions, which he says are aimed at protecting national security and preventing visitors overstaying.

Radio France Internationale · Jan 9

Why the DOJ Has Stopped Describing Maduro as the Head of a Literal Drug Cartel

That embarrassing mistake highlights the slipperiness of Trump's attempts to justify legally dubious policies by invoking the specter of "foreign terrorist organizations."

Reason · Jan 7

US suspends assistance to Somalia’s federal government, alleging it seized food aid

The State Department says it has suspended all U.S. assistance to Somalia’s federal government over allegations that Somali officials destroyed an American-funded warehouse belonging to the World Food Program and seized 76 metric tons of food aid intended for impoverished civilians

The Independent UK · Jan 7