News Wrap: Cuba slowly restoring power as Rubio calls for new leadership

PBS NewsHour
March 17, 2026
3 min read

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Cuba's power grid is being restored after nationwide blackout; Trump officials push for political change.

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Cuba's power grid is being gradually restored following a nationwide blackout, as Trump administration officials—including Secretary of State Marco Rubio—push for political change on the island. The blackout represents another major infrastructure failure for Cuba's struggling electrical system, which has been plagued by fuel shortages and aging equipment. The timing of the restoration effort coincides with renewed U.S. calls for regime change, adding pressure on Cuba's government amid ongoing economic crisis. In other developments, Afghan officials reported at least 400 deaths from an overnight Pakistani airstrike, Ohio residents witnessed a meteor strike, and longtime "Showtime at the Apollo" co-host Kiki Shepard died.

What's Being Done

Cuba is gradually restoring its power grid; Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other Trump administration officials are calling for political change in Cuba.

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