Cuban revolutionary and long-time leader whose legacy shaped a half-century of Cuban politics
Since January, a U.S. oil blockade has cut most foreign fuel shipments to Cuba and has pushed the island into its worst energy and economic crisis in decades. Repeated nationwide blackouts have occurred, hospitals and transport are strained, tourism has collapsed and Havana has approved limited economic reforms while secret U.S. intelligence and diplomatic contacts continue.
AP, Independent and Al Jazeera report Cuba’s power grid has failed repeatedly, leaving major towns in darkness as the United States’ oil blockade compounds shortages. Outages disrupt transport, water, hospitals and daily life; Havana sees partial restorations while western Cuba remains offline. Authorities warn of continuing instability.
The Chicago White Sox are connected to a newly crowned pope from Chicago, a development that excites fans and aligns the team with a symbolic moment. A Chicago-born pope is now associated with the Sox, raising questions about culture, branding, and city pride.
Cuba marks Fidel Castro’s centenary as the island endures its worst crisis in living memory, with power shortages, water scarcity, and sanctions shaping daily life. Raul Castro remains an influential figure as the regime faces mounting external pressure and internal hardship.
The United States has expanded sanctions, designating nine state-owned Cuban mining, construction, and financial firms, along with leaders at the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP). The moves aim to restrain Havana’s access to international support and fuel, while Cuba argues the measures will worsen a humanitarian crisis amid ongoing energy shortages.
Two Democratic centrists have joined Republicans to pass a procedural rule in the House, a rare bipartisan move that shifts debate parameters. The vote comes as leaders face backlash over the defection, with potential committee punishments discussed. The package includes a lobster-protection measure and a denunciation of socialism.
Cuba has suffered a nationwide power grid collapse that began on 18 September and has forced authorities to activate gradual restoration protocols. Officials say a transmission-line failure and poor weather triggered the outage; Havana has prioritised hospitals and water pumping stations while residents report prolonged outages, fuel shortages and strained services amid an ongoing US energy blockade.