Another Frustrating Blackout In Cuba | March 18, 2025

Summary

This CNN 10 segment covers a wide range of global stories. A massive blackout in Cuba, impacting over 10 million people, is linked to aging infrastructure and US sanctions. Meanwhile, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams have endured an extended stay aboard the ISS due to technical delays. In Beijing, bagels are becoming a hot new food trend, with locals willing to pay up to 20 times more for them than traditional Chinese buns. The segment also highlights a Michael Jordan-shaped Cheeto up for auction, raising curiosity among collectors and sports fans alike.

Takeaways

• 😀 A power grid collapse in Cuba triggered a nationwide blackout, affecting over 10 million people for several days.
• 😀 The blackout was caused by failures at a substation in Havana, marking the fourth major power loss in Cuba in the last six months.
• 😀 Cuba's aging infrastructure, natural disasters, and economic challenges are contributing factors to these frequent power outages.
• 😀 The US trade embargo on Cuba, in place since 1962, has had a significant impact on the island's energy sector, according to Cuban officials.
• 😀 Critics argue that the Cuban government has not invested enough in infrastructure to prevent power grid failures.
• 😀 The blackout left most of Havana without power, causing severe disruptions and concerns about the potential for more frequent outages as summer approaches.
• 😀 Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) experience 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours due to the station’s high-speed orbit.
• 😀 American astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams have spent more than nine months in space after a delayed return due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner capsule.
• 😀 Despite the extended stay, Wilmore and Williams have completed hundreds of hours of scientific research and experiments on the ISS, including a spacewalk together.
• 😀 In Beijing, bagels have become a trendy food craze, with locals paying 10 to 20 times more for them than traditional Chinese buns.
• 😀 The bagel's popularity in Beijing is attributed to the growing interest in healthy lifestyles and social media trends among young people in China.
• 😀 A Michael Jordan-inspired Cheeto shaped like the iconic Jumpman logo is being auctioned, following the record-breaking sale of a Pokémon-shaped Cheeto earlier this month.

Q & A

What caused the nationwide blackout in Cuba?

The blackout was triggered by failures at a substation in Havana on Friday evening, which led to a chain reaction that completely shut down power generation across the island. The incident was not caused by a natural disaster, but rather by a fluctuation in power that brought down the entire grid.

How long were people in Cuba without power?

Over 10 million people were without power for several days, with power being gradually restored starting in Havana on Sunday night.

How many major power outages has Cuba experienced in the past six months?

Cuba has experienced four major power outages in the past six months, with the most recent one being the fourth in this short period of time.

What factors have contributed to Cuba's power grid issues?

Cuba's power grid issues are attributed to a combination of aging infrastructure, natural disasters, and economic uncertainty. Additionally, the U.S. economic sanctions, which have been in place since 1962, have further crippled the country's energy sector.

What steps are being taken to restore power in Cuba?

Cuban officials are working to bring back power by restoring smaller, localized micro-systems first, then gradually working to bring larger power plants online. However, as of the report, Havana remains without power.

How many sunrises and sunsets do astronauts aboard the ISS experience in a 24-hour period?

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) experience 16 sunrises and sunsets in a 24-hour period. This is due to the ISS orbiting at a speed of 17,500 mph, completing an orbit every 90 minutes.

Why did astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams remain aboard the ISS for an extended period?

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams were supposed to stay on the ISS for just eight days, but due to multiple technical problems with the Boeing Starliner capsule, their stay was extended to nearly nine months. NASA decided the return trip was too risky until the issues were resolved.

What did the astronauts Wilmore and Williams do during their extended stay in space?

During their extended stay, they completed hundreds of hours of research and science experiments, including a spacewalk together. They also became Expedition crew members on the ISS.

Why are bagels becoming popular in Beijing?

Bagels have become a food craze in Beijing, primarily among young people who are interested in healthy eating. The bagel is seen as a trendy, healthy food option and has been promoted through social media and cafes offering them.

Why do people in Beijing pay significantly more for bagels compared to traditional Chinese buns?

Bagels in Beijing cost 10 to 20 times more than traditional Chinese buns, and people are willing to pay this premium due to the perceived health benefits and the status associated with consuming a trendy, foreign food.