Eastern Cuba experienced a massive blackout affecting all eastern provinces after the country's fuel supplies were exhausted. Cuba's electricity generation relies on eight aging thermal power plants, some of which have been operating for more than 40 years. The widespread power outage highlights the deteriorating state of Cuba's energy infrastructure and the ongoing fuel shortages plaguing the Caribbean island nation.
The United States announced it will provide an additional $1.8 billion to the United Nations for humanitarian assistance. The funding comes following extensive cuts to foreign aid implemented by the administration of US President Donald Trump. The decision represents a significant financial commitment to international humanitarian efforts through UN programs.
A man deliberately drove his car into a group of anti-government protesters in Belgrade, seriously injuring an elderly participant during a memorial gathering for victims of a recent tragedy. Police arrested the driver on suspicion of attempted murder. The incident occurred during a 16-minute silent vigil commemorating 16 victims of a tragedy in Novi Sad, similar memorials that take place daily across multiple Serbian cities. The attack represents another in a series of vehicular assaults targeting demonstrators as student movements intensify pressure on President Aleksandar Vučić, demanding early elections. The European Union has warned Serbia it could suspend 1.5 billion euros in financial assistance due to what it describes as a sharp decline in democratic standards in the country.
Five Italian tourists died during a diving expedition in the Maldives. The fatalities occurred in the Vaavu Atoll, a popular diving destination known for its underwater cave systems at depths of around 50 meters. Such deep cave diving requires advanced training and strict adherence to safety protocols, highlighting the risks associated with exploring these challenging underwater environments in one of the world's premier diving locations.
China will purchase 200 aircraft from Boeing, US President Donald Trump announced during his visit to the country. The major order for Boeing jets had been anticipated by the US Treasury Secretary ahead of Trump's trip. The deal represents a significant commercial agreement between the two economic powers during high-level diplomatic engagement.
The US Senate unanimously approved a resolution Thursday that would suspend senators' salaries during future government shutdowns. The measure, proposed by Republican Senator John Kennedy, aims to create direct financial pressure on lawmakers to prevent lengthy funding lapses. The initiative comes after the federal government experienced a 43-day shutdown last year, highlighting the need for mechanisms to incentivize Congress to maintain government operations and avoid extended budget impasses.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar have ordered a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times over an article by journalist Nicholas Kristof detailing alleged sexual violence against Palestinian detainees. The Israeli officials denounced the piece as "distorted lies" and an attempt to defame the state of Israel. While Kristof's article relied on testimonies from detained individuals, Israeli diplomats claim the information is unverified and connected to Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza and is designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union.
A multi-story building was destroyed in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in what officials are calling another war crime committed by Russian forces. The attack adds to the mounting evidence of deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure during Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. European observers noted that while the international community needs compelling narratives about the war's impact, the focus should remain on documenting the actual suffering and destruction experienced by Ukrainian civilians rather than seeking dramatic stories for political purposes.
Import prices in the United States increased in April at their sharpest rate in four years, significantly exceeding economists' forecasts. The acceleration in import costs represents a notable development in US economic indicators, suggesting potential inflationary pressures from overseas goods and commodities entering the American market.
The United States and China have opened discussions on establishing safety protocols for artificial intelligence during an ongoing summit in Beijing. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent outlined the goal of creating frameworks to prevent terrorist groups and criminal organizations from exploiting the most powerful AI models. Bessent emphasized the importance of maintaining America's technological advantage over China as these discussions proceed.
Eight people have died in Kyiv following a Russian missile strike that destroyed part of a residential building in the Darnytskyi district, with rescue workers continuing to search for missing persons trapped under the debris. Dozens more were injured in Ukraine's capital during the latest wave of Russian attacks. Moscow launched a record 1,567 drones and dozens of missiles, including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, in its recent assault on Ukraine. The strike represents part of an intensified Russian bombing campaign targeting Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure.
Drought conditions and rising food prices are intensifying famine across Somalia, with nearly one-third of the country's population now suffering from malnutrition. The crisis represents a severe humanitarian emergency in the Horn of Africa nation, which has faced recurring droughts and food insecurity in recent years. Somalia's vulnerability to climate-related disasters and economic instability continues to create life-threatening conditions for millions of its residents.
Lacey Beaty, mayor of Beaverton, Oregon, stated she never anticipated her city would need to file lawsuits against the federal government. Beaverton is a city in Oregon located in the northwestern United States, part of the Portland metropolitan area. The mayor's comments suggest ongoing legal disputes between the municipality and federal authorities, though the specific nature of these conflicts and what prompted the legal action remains unclear from the available information.
Cuba's energy minister announced the country has absolutely no fuel available, highlighting the severity of the island nation's ongoing energy crisis. The United States renewed its offer of $100 million in humanitarian aid to Havana on Wednesday, continuing diplomatic pressure for Cuba to cooperate with Washington during the economic crisis. The fuel shortage represents a critical challenge for Cuba's power grid and transportation systems, as the communist-led Caribbean nation struggles with widespread blackouts and economic hardship that have sparked rare public protests in recent years.
Israel launched new strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon hours before another round of negotiations was scheduled to take place. The military action comes as Hezbollah conducted a drone attack on Israeli territory that seriously injured civilians. The escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group and political party, threatens to derail diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict. Hezbollah has been launching attacks from its stronghold in southern Lebanon, while Israel has responded with airstrikes aimed at degrading the group's military capabilities along the border region.
Widespread electricity blackouts have triggered new demonstrations in Havana and other Cuban cities, highlighting the country's ongoing energy crisis. The protests reflect growing public frustration with Cuba's deteriorating infrastructure and persistent power shortages that have plagued the island nation. Cuba has faced severe economic challenges in recent years, with frequent power outages becoming a major source of discontent among residents who struggle with basic services and daily life disruptions caused by the unreliable electrical grid.
The United States is modifying its plans for early warning aircraft systems, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He stated that gaps exist on modern battlefields that need to be filled, indicating a shift in American military aviation strategy. The changes reflect evolving requirements for airborne surveillance and command capabilities in contemporary warfare environments.
The United States has successfully transported the remaining enriched uranium from a research reactor in Venezuela. The operation aims to secure fuel classified as HALEU (High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium), which represents a category of nuclear material with enrichment levels between those used in typical power reactors and weapons-grade uranium. The removal appears to be part of broader international efforts to secure nuclear materials and prevent their potential misuse, particularly given Venezuela's current political instability and strained relations with Western nations.
Friedrich Merz has become the most unpopular German chancellor in the country's history after just one year in office, according to polling data. While Merz projects an image as a decisive European leader on the international stage, his approval ratings have plummeted domestically as his policy agenda has alienated both ordinary Germans and younger voters. The sharp decline in support represents a dramatic fall from grace for the leader who was expected to provide strong leadership for Europe's largest economy.
Cuba's president has accused the United States of intentionally creating an energy crisis on the island nation. The situation deteriorated significantly in January after the US imposed an oil embargo against Cuba. The latest allegations reflect the ongoing tensions between Washington and Havana, which have persisted since Cuba's 1959 revolution despite brief periods of diplomatic warming, including during the Obama administration before relations again soured under subsequent US administrations.