La Habana, Cuba News

Activists from 32 little-known organizations opposed to Cuba's communist government issued a call for an end to social repression on the island at a Thursday gathering in the home of a prominent human rights activist.

A group of prominent African Americans, traditionally sympathetic to the Cuban revolution, have for the first time condemned Cuba, demanding Havana stop its ``callous disregard'' for black Cubans and declaring that ``racism in Cuba .

The ailing son of one of Cuba's revolutionary heroes has been detained by security officials after protesting that authorities won't let him leave the country for treatment, a human rights leader on the island said Monday.

Chance meeting in Cuba led Chilean pianist to Celtic Colours Flavia Chamorro, who came from Chile to Cape Breton to attend the Celtic Colours International Festival, was from the small city of Coyhaique in Southern Chile.

The persistent rain in the night of Havana did not stop the Cubas jazz lovers of assisting to the Opening Gala of the International Competition of Young Jazz musicians, 'Jojazz 2009" at the Mella Theatre of this city.

The steamy world of New York gamblers, gangsters and their ladies had Lady Luck on their side as Georgetown Globe Musical Productions opened Guys & Dolls at John Elliott Theatre Friday night.

Summary: A weekly 30 minute review of news and opinion, recorded from a shortwave radio.

Cubans are scrambling to turn off lights and appliances and children are going door to door reminding them to do just that under a government threat of dreaded blackouts if energy consumption is not reduced through the end of the year.

A metaphorical timeout has been in place between the United States and Cuba for nearly 50 years.

The husband of an acclaimed dissident Cuban blogger was punched and shouted down by a pro-government mob Friday after he challenged the presumed state agents who earlier roughed up his wife to a street corner debate.

A bust of Protestant reformer John Calvin has recently been unveiled in a park in Havana, Cuba, as a way to cap a year-long celebration of his 500th birthday.

An elderly US couple charged with spying for Cuba for almost 30 years have pleaded guilty, with the husband agreeing to serve a life sentence, the US Justice Department said.

The husband of an acclaimed dissident Cuban blogger was punched and shouted down by a pro-government mob today after he challenged the presumed state agents who earlier roughed up his wife at a street corner debate.

A weekly 30 minute review of news and opinion, recorded from a shortwave radio. With times and freqs for listening at home.

Cuban blogger Yoani SA nchez was astounded this week by President Barack Obama's decision to respond a written questionnaire SA nchez submitted to the White House.

Women in Cuba cite a variety of reasons to explain their decision to have only one child, ranging from the housing shortage to the rising cost of living and the many work responsibilities they have to shoulder.

Supporters of the U.S. embargo against Cuba have contributed nearly $11 million to members of Congress since 2004 in a largely successful effort to block efforts to weaken sanctions against the island, a new report shows.

Alexis Puentes has been in the family business since he was 4. That's when he joined his dad and a group of 24 guitarists in a performance aired on Cuban national TV.

Some diplomacy data points I have picked up during my trip to Havana in the last couple of days: ~ There are 65% more non-immigrant visas processed by the US State Department for Cubans wanting to travel into the United States this year than last year.

Cuba's state-run economy has been in crisis mode for years, but it's facing some especially sobering arithmetic now.