09:24
AnewZ Morning Brief - April 2nd, 2025
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 2nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Cuban blackout as hurricane Rafael Strikes
Reuters
Cuba's electrical grid collapsed Wednesday as Hurricane Rafael struck, leaving millions without power and causing widespread damage across the island.
As Hurricane Rafael made landfall, the authorities evacuated at least 70,000 people whilst the powerful category-three storm wreaked havoc across the island.
With winds reaching 185 kilometres per hour, the storm is causing widespread disruption, knocking out power lines and crippling essential services like water and communications.
Cuba’s state-run grid operator cited high winds as the cause of a nationwide power outage affecting all 10 million residents, the second major blackout in less than a month.
The capital of 2 million people is especially vulnerable, with its densely packed homes and poor infrastructure.
Schools, public transport, and flights were suspended until further notice.
Farm provinces producing Cuba's prized tobacco for hand-rolled cigars are expected to take a near-direct hit from the hurricane.
The country's oil-fired power plants are obsolete, and struggle to keep the lights on.
The energy output has also suffered due to a decline in oil imports from Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico.
Forecasters predict Hurricane Rafael will likely move toward the western Gulf of Mexico later this week, although its exact trajectory remains unclear.
08:11
JFK investigation
'JFK' director Oliver Stone calls for Kennedy assassination to be reinvestigated
Oliver Stone and James DiEugenio testified before the U.S. House on April 1, 2025, urging a reopening of the investigation into John F. Kennedy's 1963 assassination, citing new documents and inconsistencies in the official account.
05:52
Trump set to unveil sweeping tariffs amid global backlash
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
04:58
Albanese and Dutton promise to protect Australia as US tariffs loom over beef exports
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
04:03
Russia’s top economic envoy to visit Washington as Trump-Putin diplomacy accelerates
A senior Russian official is expected to arrive in Washington this week for direct talks with the Trump administration, a source familiar with the plan confirmed.
