Cuba embargo

Cuba's deepening economic crisis is pushing struggling families into hunger and forcing them to rely on donations and the black market. One Havana mother says she sometimes has no lunch for herself and her daughters, as fuel shortages, daily blackouts and cuts to rationed food impact families across the island.

The U.S. and Cuban governments have been at odds since the conclusion of the Cuban Revolution 67 years ago. From my perspective as an expert on Havana-Washington ties, however, this moment seems different.

Drivers in Cuba are facing the prospects of waiting several months to refuel their cars, as fuel shortages caused by a U.S. oil siege intensify. To avoid chaos outside gas stations, Cuba's government last week made it obligatory for drivers to use an app known as Ticket to get refueling appointments.

If you’re planning on a winter break to Cuba, get ready for an adventure rather than a vacation. If you’re wondering if United States President Donald Trump’s oil embargo will shatter Cuba’s Communist government, dig in for a drawn-out slog. And if you’re Cuban, brace for a nightmare.

On Thursday, the ships carry large loads of food, hygiene supplies, and powdered milk. Mexico says one ship brings about 536 tons of items like rice, beans, canned fish, and oil. Mexico says the second ship carries over 277 tons of powdered milk. President Claudia Sheinbaum says Mexico ships aid while talks continue on oil supplies.

A vote Wednesday softened Washington's isolation on a longstanding issue in the Caribbean while new friction grows around the U.S. military buildup there. The vote was 165-7, with 12 abstentions. Last year, it was 187-2, with "no" votes from the U.S. and Israel and one abstention. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez told AP that the U.S. mounted a campaign to influence the vote.

Western Union says it has resumed remittance services between the U.S. and Cuba in a limited capacity after two years of the essential economic lifeline being severed.

COMMENTARY Cuba blames the U.S. embargo for immigration surges but gives no reason to lift it. The U.S. faults Cuba but gives it the embargo to scapegoat.

COMMENTARY: The positive effects of U.S. travel to Cuba — especially strengthening private entrepreneurs — helped bring Cubans out to protest last summer.

Local officials don't have any say in changing gun laws in Florida. Why? A U.S. vet shares his poetry and reflects on the situation in Afghanistan. Plus, Sundial's book club pick for August tells stories of Cubans on the island.

What role should the U.S. play as protesters continue to defy the Cuban government? A new investigation of the Surfside tower tragedy and the design flaws in buildings that are decades old. Plus, a PSA campaign to save Biscayne Bay.

COMMENTARY Cuban-Americans want countries to join an anti-apartheid-style front against Cuba. Do they recall how they dissed the anti-apartheid movement?