How Cuba is coping with fuel cuts, power outages and makeshift solutions
Cubans contend with frequent blackouts, scarce fuel and soaring prices while engineers and mechanics improvise solutions to keep people moving
News
City increases hotel levy for Choose Chicago campaign to attract the 2028 Democratic National Convention
Chicago’s hotel tax was raised to support Choose Chicago’s marketing drive aimed at major conventions, a move that has drawn criticism for its burden on everyday visitors and for favoring consultant-driven campaigns
Russian tanker voyage to Cuba raises questions about Kremlin support
A Russian vessel reportedly headed for Cuba has emerged as a geopolitical signal, with the Kremlin saying it is weighing options to assist Cuba while the move draws international attention
How rising Philippine diesel prices are reshaping transport, wealth tech and liveaboard travel
A grounded Philippines driver, a research-led wealth marketplace and a renovated liveaboard illustrate how cost pressures and shifting needs are prompting adaptation across sectors
Ukraine deploys drone specialists to bolster Middle East defenses against Shahed attacks
Ukraine is exporting people and tactics: more than 200 specialists and homegrown interceptor drones are being sent to the Middle East to help counter Shahed attacks
Pro-Kremlin blogger publicly denounces Putin and is hospitalized in St. Petersburg
A well-known pro-government blogger published a scathing denunciation of Vladimir Putin on March 17 and was reported admitted to a St. Petersburg psychiatric facility days later, prompting debate over motive and state response
How India’s diesel shipments are reshaping South Asia energy ties
India delivers diesel to Bangladesh and other neighbours, highlighting its role as a regional supplier and the challenges of the Strait of Hormuz
Iran opens selective corridor in Strait of Hormuz with new ship registration
A new IRGC-run clearance process may let ships from countries including India, Pakistan and China cross a carefully managed route in the Strait of Hormuz
Jimmy Gracey found dead after Barcelona spring break disappearance
Family, classmates and Catalan police pursue answers as investigators examine phone data and CCTV from Port Olimpic and Shoko nightclub
Pentagon seeks $200 billion amid Iran strikes on Gulf gas and oil infrastructure
Iranian strikes on Gulf energy infrastructure have disrupted supplies and prompted a Pentagon appeal for roughly $200 billion to sustain operations and defenses
How a possible Telegram ban could reshape Russian news and advertising
A leading Telegram channel explains how it is preparing for a ban, why the state is building a sovereign Internet, and what that means for advertisers and audiences
Reza Pahlavi allies hint at diplomatic reset with China and Russia
Reza Pahlavi’s team rejects Beijing mediation and claims deep contacts inside Iran, arguing for a managed transition and broader diplomatic consequences
Edouard Philippe leads in Le Havre second-round polling ahead of run-off
An exclusive Cluster 17 poll for POLITICO gives Edouard Philippe a narrow lead in Le Havre, underscoring both momentum and fragility ahead of the run-off
Missile strikes near Russia Today reporter in southern Lebanon; Stonemaier Games shares March progress
A frontline incident in southern Lebanon left a journalist and camera operator hurt while a publisher released a detailed production timeline and newsletter status
Brantford to require pigeon banding and registration amid nuisance reports
Brantford council backed a permit system to track pigeon keepers after a string of nuisance reports, while staff point to scientific findings that challenge assumptions about birds pooping midflight
Mini cocktails gain momentum in New York, Nashville and beyond
Bars are shrinking pours into tasting-size cocktails to match health trends, rising prices and a desire for variety