(RNS) — U.S. Republican administrations have long seen faith groups as a cornerstone for humanitarian aid and community trust as they push for regime change in Cuba.

Cuba’s powerful Communist Party, or PCC, called an unscheduled session Wednesday, a rare occurrence that comes days after President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced an economic reform package aimed at opening up the struggling island’s economy.

This transcript was prepared by a transcription service. This version may not be in its final form and may be updated. Luke Vargas: Hey, What's News listeners, it's Sunday, February 1st. I'm Luke Vargas for the Wall Street Journal, and this is What's News ...

Since the U.S. government captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January, the U.S. has blocked oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba. Venezuela was previously Cuba’s main petroleum supplier, and President Donald Trump has threatened other countries ...

The European Parliament approved a resolution calling for the immediate suspension of political dialogue and cooperation agreements with Cuba.