News

Gross’s hope for an early release was dealt a severe blow in August when his 15-year sentence was upheld by Cuba’s highest court. He has been in jail since his arrest in December 2009.

The weather will be marked by typical summer heat with rain more likely in the afternoons of the first half of the period. The maximum temperatures will fluctuate around 32°C (90°F), while the minimum temperatures will range between 24°C (75°F) and 25°C (77°F).

Tropical Storm Maria is currently moving west two-three days from the northeastern Caribbean islands, reported the Cuban Weather Institute (INSMET) on Wednesday.

Here is the cultural calendar for September 2011 put out by the Cuba Absolutely website. It includes happenings in music, dance, and theater and the visual arts, etc. in the Cuban capital. Another good source for cultural events is Kewelta.

Flags will fly at half mast in Cuba from Monday morning through Wednesday night in the national mourning declared by the government following the death of Defense Minister Julio Casas Reguieiro on Saturday.

The Cuban Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday the withdrawal of its diplomatic personnel from the island’s embassy in Libya. Cuba has strongly opposed the foreign military intervention in the North African nation.

Julio Casas Regueiro, the general who replaced Raul Castro as Cuba’s Defense Minister in 2008, died of heart failure on Saturday at 75, reported the Cuban TV afternoon news program.

Hurricane Katia is still a long way from any possible landing but the newly formed Tropical Storm Lee is already approaching a Sunday touchdown in Louisiana. Local authorities are scrambling to prepare for the predicted prolonged heavy rains and possible flooding in cities including New Orleans.