@cbsmiami: Reports that former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, 95, is gravely ill and hospitalized after an apparent stroke are drawing strong reactions in South Florida. Miami-based Diario Las Américas reported Tuesday that Castro is seriously ill, citing a confidential source close to his inner circle who said he had been intubated. The Cuban government had not publicly confirmed the report as of Tuesday night. Castro was last seen publicly Aug. 13 during events commemorating what would have been his brother Fidel Castro's 100th birthday. For many Cuban exiles in South Florida, the reports raised questions about whether Castro's possible death could bring political change to Cuba. Castro succeeded Fidel as president in 2008 and led the country until 2018, later stepping down as head of the Communist Party in 2021 while remaining influential. His legacy remains deeply controversial among Cuban Americans, many of whom blame the Castro government for decades of suffering and repression.

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Wednesday 02 September 2026 19:57:11 GMT