Oil woes: Cuba's energy woes deepen as fuel supplies dwindle
The US-imposed oil blockade on Cuba is upending the lives of everyday workers, who are switching jobs and ditching their cars to make due amid rolling blackouts and fuel shortages. Yixander Diaz jettisoned both his ride and his work when the father of two, a taxi driver, turned to bricklaying. "Tim»»»
Ukrainian envoy says US raised concerns about strikes aimed at Russia that impacted US oil interests
WASHINGTON: The US State Department has expressed its displeasure about Ukraine’s recent attacks on the Russian port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea that have impacted US oil interests in Kazakhstan, Kyiv's chief envoy to Washington said on Tuesday. Ambassador Olga Stefanishyna noted the US con»»»
What to know about US President Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address
US President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday (February 24, 2026) (6am Wednesday, February 26 in the UAE) is likely to be a familiar exercise: highlighting their achievements and berating political foes. That’s true of most presidents, but especially so now, as Trump faces mount»»»
FACT FOCUS: A look at Trump's false and misleading claims ahead of the State of the Union
President Donald Trump will deliver the first State of the Union address of his second term at 9PM PST Tuesday (6AM UAE Time, on Wednesday). Priorities for the Republican's administration have centred largely on the economy, immigration, crime, energy and national security. Trump has spent the last»»»
Discord delays age verification plans after user outcry
Discord is pushing back plans to start verifying the age of all users in March after weeks of user ire. Stanislav Vishnevskiy, Discord's co-founder and chief technology officer, said a planned global rollout of a verification process to determine users under the age of 16 would be delayed until the»»»
Western avalanche death toll rises to 16 in 2026 after Idaho, Utah slides - UPI.com
Two people were killed over the weekend in separate avalanches in Idaho and Utah as dangerous backcountry conditions continue across the West. A snowmobiler died Sunday in Idaho after triggering an avalanche north of the Keg Springs Trailhead in the Centennial Mountains near Island Park, according »»»
UAE fuel prices for March: Why petrol, diesel may rise after February cuts
Dubai: UAE petrol and diesel prices for March will be announced at the end of this month. Fuel became cheaper again in February, but oil prices have jumped in the past week as Iran-US tensions returned to the spotlight. That shift raises the chances of a change at the pump next month. Sign up for o»»»
Inside e& CEO Hatem Dowidar's transition after record-breaking year for tech-telco giant
Dubai: Hatem Dowidar will leave his role as Group Chief Executive Officer of e& at the end of March 2026, following what he described as a milestone year for the group. The decision comes after more than a decade with the company, including six years at its helm. Sign up for our daily business news»»»
US threatens Anthropic with deadline in dispute on AI safeguards
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth vowed to remove Anthropic from his agency's supply chain if the company declined to allow its artificial intelligence (AI) technology to be used across military applications. The threat was issued on Tuesday at a Pentagon meeting that Hegseth had demanded with A»»»
Every fifth Pole taking loans to pay off other debts
Easy online access to loans makes borrowing simple, but repayment can be difficult. According to a 2025 survey, 20% of Poles took out a non bank loan solely to repay earlier debts, a warning sign of a growing debt spiral. Many consumers frequently use short term loans, while the average cash loan a»»»
Louvre Director Laurence des Cars resigns in wake of jewel heist - UPI.com
The president and director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars (R), looks on prior to being questioned by senators October 22 following a burglary at the Louvre, at the French Senate in Paris. She resigned her position Tuesday. File Photo by Yoan Valat/EPA Feb. 24 (UPI) -- The director of the Louvre i»»»
How Mexico traced 'El Mencho' through one of the drug kingpin’s girlfriends
Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho", died Sunday following an operation by the Mexican army that followed one of his romantic partners to a village where they were meeting. He was one of the most wanted drug lords in Mexico and the US, with a bounty of up to $15 million on his head. A girlf»»»
From prison to Paris: Ambassador Charles Kushner at the centre of a Franco-American rift
US Ambassador to France Charles Kushner – a former felon and real-estate magnate aligned with US President Donald Trump – is at the centre of a diplomatic spat after failing to obey a foreign ministry summons, prompting France to restrict his access to government officials. Pardoned by Donald Trump»»»
Minister of Interior meets with UK Ambassador
Doha, Qatar: Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, met with Ambassador of the friendly United Kingdom to the State of Qatar, HE Neerav Patel. The meeting went over the bilateral cooperation between the two fri»»»
Dispute over hotel in Kazimierz escalates
A dispute over historic tenements at Józefa 9 and 11 and Bożego Ciała 24 in Kraków’s Kazimierz district has divided residents and investors. The buildings, currently home to tenants and local businesses including the iconic Eszeweria café, are set to be converted into a five star hotel with confere»»»
Three french funds buying logistics facilities in Polish cities
Three French investment funds, Alderan, Epsicap REIM, and CRISTAL Life managed by Inter Gestion REIM, have entered Poland’s commercial property market by acquiring logistics assets totaling over 36,000 sqm. It marks their first investments in the country. Alderan purchased three fully leased last m»»»
Rate cut in March likely
Inflation is expected to remain below Poland’s 2.5% ±1 pp target in the near term and stay within the target range despite temporary statistical fluctuations, said Monetary Policy Council member Przemysław Litwiniuk. January inflation of 2.2% confirmed effective disinflation, while weaker wage grow»»»
Al Misnad calls for full adherence to ceasefire agreement provisions
Al Misnad called for full adherence to the ceasefire agreement and the implementation of all its provisions, including ensuring the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid and the sustainable opening of all crossings. Al Misnad reiterated Qatar’s welcome of the ceasefire agreement and the full integrati»»»
HBKU’s QBRI opens applications for annual Summer Research Programme
Tribune News Network Doha Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) has opened applications for its 10th Summer Research Programme (SRP), offering undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge, faculty-led research. Scheduled to take place f»»»
Stable Lebanon fundamental to region’s stability: Dr. Al Khulaifi
QNA Cairo Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi has reiterated that Lebanon’s stability constitutes a fundamental pillar for the stability of the entire region. Al Khulaifi made the remarks in Cairo on Tuesday during a high-level pr»»»
Louvre director resigns after a series of high-profile setbacks for the museum
Louvre museum director Laurence des Cars resigned on Tuesday after a series of setbacks for the world-renowned museum. A high-profile jewel heist in October raised questions about security lapses while labour strikes and reports that the building is falling into disrepair have led to calls for an o»»»
'A winter's worth of rain': France's record 40-day streak comes to an end
France's record-breaking streak of 40 days of consecutive rain officially ended on Monday, the Météo-France weather service announced Tuesday. Areas affected by the severe weather of recent weeks are still dealing with heavy flooding, notably in southwestern France. The rainfall streak lasted »»»
NASA to roll back Artemis II for troubleshooting; will miss March launch window - UPI.com
NASA Artemis II rests on Launch Complex 39B at sunset at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on February 10. The spacecraft is being rolled back to the vehicle assembly building Wednesday to troubleshoot an issue with helium flow. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo Feb. 24 (UPI) -- NASA has delayed»»»
Mbappe to miss Real Madrid Champions League clash against Benfica
Madrid: Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe will miss the Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica on Wednesday because of a knee injury, AFP learned on Tuesday from a source close to the team. The French superstar, Madrid's top scorer this season, has been playing through knee pain over »»»
EU’s Kallas returns to idea of stealing Russian assets
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has suggested resurrecting the previously rejected plan to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, after Hungary vetoed a €90 billion ($106 billion) loan for Kiev on Monday. Kiev’s Western backers froze $300 billion in Russian central bank assets after the escalat»»»
Judges block Utah Republicans' bid to change districting map - UPI.com
A tourist takes pictures of North Windows Arch at Arches National Park near Moab, Utah, in July. A panel of judges denied Utah Republicans' bid to redistrict the state for November's election. File Photo by Bob Strong/UPI | License Photo Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Utah Republicans were delivered another blow»»»
GUS: housing market slowed in January
Poland’s housing market has clearly slowed, with fewer starts, completions, and building permits. In January 2026, only 14,700 units were completed, including 8,600 by developers, down 47.5% month on month and over 11% year on year. New permits fell 37% from December and 12% annually, while housing»»»
Texas lawmaker urged to resign over alleged affair with staffer
A Texas lawmaker is facing growing calls from within his own party to resign and end his re-election bid after details emerged about his alleged affair with an aide. Republican Representative Tony Gonzales, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, is facing a challenge from gun rights activ»»»
71 migrants found on Lesvos, Farmakonissi
More than 70 migrants reached Greece’s eastern Aegean Sea islands on small boats from Turkey over the past 48 hours in two separate incidents, authorities said Tuesday. A coast guard statement said a 39-year-old Azeri man was arrested on the island of Lesvos on suspicion of having ferried 15 men, f»»»
Former UK ambassador Mandelson released on bail after arrest over Epstein revelations
Former British ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson was released from police custody on Tuesday (February 24) after being arrested in London on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following revelations over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. FRANCE 24's Philip Turle tells us more.»»»
US Ambassador Kushner pledges not to 'interfere' in French affairs, diplomatic source says
US ambassador to France Charles Kushner pledged not to "interfere" in France's affairs in an "amicable" call with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. Kushner failed to respond on Monday to a summons related to comments concerning the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque. The US ambassador to»»»
SAMI CEO to Asharq Al-Awsat: Advancing Toward Integrated, Sovereign Saudi Defense Industry
The Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) is accelerating its push to deliver its 2030 strategy, aiming to anchor a sustainable national defense base built on deeper localization, advanced technology transfer and development, and an integrated industrial ecosystem spanning Saudi Arabia’s defense»»»
Security crisis persists in Jalisco, Mexico, despite 10,000 troops - UPI.com
Burned out vehicles are seen on the boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Monday. The resort city reported visible disruptions after violence linked to the killing of drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, in a military operation. Photo by Arturo Montero/EPA Feb. 24 (»»»
Russell Brand pleads not guilty to latest sexual assault charges - UPI.com
1 of 5 | British Actor Russell Brand arrives at Southwark Crown Court facing five charges of rape and sexual assault in London in May. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all charges. On Tuesday, Brand pleaded not guilty to two more charges. File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo Feb. 24 (UPI)»»»
Saudi Arabia bans poultry and egg imports from 40 countries
Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority has imposed a ban on the import of poultry and table eggs from 40 countries, alongside partial restrictions on specific regions in 16 other countries, as part of precautionary measures aimed at protecting public health and ensuring food safety in the do»»»
Tribute Event Honouring Heroism of Ukrainian People Held in Sofia
A tribute event honouring the heroism of the Ukrainian people was held at St Alexander Nevsky Square in Sofia on Tuesday to mark four years since the start of the war in Ukraine. Among those attending were caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev and Ukraine’s Ambassador to»»»
G7 leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine in its war with Russia
Paris: Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) reaffirmed Tuesday their enduring support for Ukraine in its war with Russia. Their move marks the fourth anniversary of the military operation Moscow launched in the territory of its neighbor. In a statement, the leaders expressed their unwavering support »»»
UAE schools issue fog safety guidance
School administrations in the UAE have issued safety advisories to parents regarding school transport operations during periods of dense fog, following weather forecasts by the National Centre of Meteorology warning of reduced visibility across parts of the country. According to Emarat Al Youm, sch»»»
Ukraine remembers its dead as war enters a fifth year
Events have been held in Ukraine to remember those killed in the four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. As the conflict enters a fifth year, the Ukrainian military continues to resist being overrun by Russian forces, but military losses are mounting on both sides»»»
EU pledges Kyiv aid despite Orbán threats on war anniversary
Hungary’s pro-Russian veto is being seen by diplomats as a temporary glitch, while other states passed a law anyway to loan money to Ukraine. Ukraine would get a €90bn EU loan and Russia would face more sanctions despite Hungary’s opposition, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen pledged in »»»
Customs officials seize cash, cigarettes, drugs — and five undeclared puppies
Customs authorities confiscated nearly €1 million in cash travelers tried to smuggle into the country in the second half of 2025, authorities said Tuesday, together with millions of cigarettes, drugs and fake designer goods — as well as five puppies. The independent tax authority, AADE, said in a s»»»
State of the Union: Men's hockey team, Epstein survivors to attend - UPI.com
1 of 4 | Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson applaud as President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., on March 4. Trump is expected to give his first official State of the Union address of his second term Tuesday. File Photo »»»
Mexico leader offers 'full guarantees' for safety of World Cup games in Guadalajara
Mexico City: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday offered "full guarantees" for the safety of football fans at World Cup games in the violence-plagued city of Guadalajara. Sheinbaum insisted there was "no risk" to fans visiting the city in June for four matches, in remarks coming after a »»»
UAE denounces violence in Nigeria
The UAE has condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack that targeted Zamfara state, northwestern Nigeria, which resulted in dozens of deaths and the abduction of a number of women and children. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stressed that the UAE expresses its str»»»
Internet (un)chained: Why cyber-censorship is here to stay
A few years after the beginning of the French Revolution, France underwent the ‘thermidorian reaction’. Policies became more moderate, the bourgeoisie came back to power. But nowadays, most historians use the expression to describe the moment when a radical revolutionary regime is replaced by a mor»»»
NATO state set to relaunch EU membership talks – Politico
Iceland is considering holding a referendum on resuming EU membership talks as early as August, Politico has reported, citing two people familiar with the country’s accession preparations. The Nordic nation’s governing coalition previously pledged to hold a vote on restarting negotiations by 2027, »»»
Canada wants answers from OpenAI after school massacre
Canadian officials have summoned senior OpenAI representatives to Ottawa to answer questions about the tech company’s safety protocols after it confirmed it did not alert police about an account linked to mass shooter Jesse Van Rutselaar.Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon said on Monday »»»
Trump threatens ‘very bad day’ for Iran if no deal
US President Donald Trump has renewed his threats of military action against Iran, claiming that the Islamic Republic will face a “very bad day” unless it agrees to a nuclear deal. Trump issued the threat in a Truth Social post on Monday, responding to reports that US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman»»»
Torrential rains leave 23 dead in Brazil, dozens missing
Juiz de Fora, Brazil: Torrential rains in southeastern Brazil have left at least 23 people dead and 47 missing in flooding and landslides, officials said Tuesday. Streets turned into raging rivers, with one resident seen clinging to an electricity pole while another waved for help from a window, ac»»»
Uganda wildlife authority seizes 154 kg of ivory
Kampala: The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a state-run conservation agency, has seized 10 pieces of raw elephant ivory weighing 154 kg after arresting a suspected trafficker in the northern district of Nwoya. In a statement issued late Monday, the UWA said the suspect, identified as Francis Opir»»»