Welcome to the daily briefing. Start your day with a story like this:
nicole farato here. Take USA TODAY’s News Quiz. Then take a look at Tuesday’s news, from U.S.-Cuba relations to Illinois’ key Senate primary. Additionally, Team USA will compete in the World Baseball Classic Finals tonight.
Cuba’s economic crisis worsens during talks with US
President Donald Trump said Monday that he looks forward to the “honor” of “incorporating” Cuba in some way and that he can “do whatever we want” with the neighboring country. His words came as President Trump suggested the United States could soon reach a deal or take other action to restore relations with Cuba.
Also on Monday, Cuba’s national power grid collapsed, leaving about 10 million people without power as the U.S.-imposed oil blockade crippled Cuba’s already outdated power generation system, the country’s electricity grid operator said.
Meanwhile, Cubans living abroad, including in Miami, will be allowed to invest in Cuba’s private sector and own businesses in their home country, the country’s top economic official said in an interview with NBC News on Monday.
More news you need to know right now
weather whiplash
fresh flowers blooming in the snow
Forecasters said the wild swings in weather endured in the eastern United States in recent weeks, including snowstorms, bitter cold, severe thunderstorms and near-record warmth, are typical of March as the season transitions from winter to spring. But why have weather dramas?
sports
World Baseball Classic Final, USA vs. Venezuela
Venezuela, which defeated Italy 4-2 on Monday night, will face the United States in the World Baseball Classic Championship on Tuesday night at 8pm ET. This is perhaps the long-awaited first shot at the WBC title for a country that prides itself on baseball. USA TODAY Sports’ MLB writers and editors have thoughts on how Team USA will approach the championship game.
before you go
Have feedback about the daily briefing? Email Nicole at NFallert@usatoday.com.
