Welcome to the Daily Briefing. Start the day with these stories:
Nicole Fallert here. Catch up with USA TODAY’s News Quiz. Then get to Tuesday’s news, from U.S.-Cuba relations to a major Senate primary in Illinois. Plus: Team USA is in the World Baseball Classic final tonight.
Cuba’s economic crisis worsens amid US talks
President Donald Trump on Monday said he expected to have the “honor” of “taking Cuba in some form” and that “I can do anything I want” with the neighboring country. His words come as Trump signaled the U.S. could soon reach a deal with Cuba to reinstate relations — or take other action.
Also on Monday: Cuba’s national electric grid collapsed, the country’s grid operator said, leaving around 10 million people without power amid a U.S.-imposed oil blockade that has crippled the island’s already obsolete generation system.
Meanwhile, Cubans living overseas, including in places like Miami, will be allowed to invest in Cuba’s private sector and own businesses in their home country, the nation’s top economic official said in a Monday interview with NBC News.
More news to know now
Weather whiplash
Fresh blooms in the snow
Wild swings of weather the central and eastern United States has endured in recent weeks — from blizzards and bitter cold to severe thunderstorms and near-record warmth — are typical for March as the seasons transition from winter to spring, forecasters said. But why are we having weather drama?
Sports
USA v. Venezuela in World Baseball Classic final
After beating Italy 4-2 Monday night, Venezuela will play for the World Baseball Classic championship Tuesday night against the USA at 8 p.m. ET. It’s a shot at the baseball-proud country’s first and perhaps long overdue WBC title. Here’s how USA TODAY Sports’ MLB writers and editors think Team USA will approach the championship game.
Before you go
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