Hundreds of people line up each night outside a charity-run food pantry in Havana, hoping for their only meal of the day. Doors open at 7 a.m., and volunteers distribute food according to a carefully organized routine. Many Cubans, including retirees and former professionals, struggle to feed themselves amid a deepening economic crisis worsened by U.S. energy restrictions and inflation. Charity kitchens, supported by religious groups and international aid, have become essential. The economic crisis has left the government unable to provide subsidized food, forcing many to rely on private markets and community support.
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Fernando Fernández, a 71-year-old retiree, arrives home carrying bags of free food he received from the charity-run community kitchen Quisicuaba Association, where he spent the night waiting in line in Havana, Cuba, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
Fernando Fernández, a 71-year-old retiree, rests beside his wife, Josefa Sánchez, after arriving home with bags of free food he received from the charity-run Quisicuaba Association community kitchen, where he spent the night waiting in line. in Havana, Cuba, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
The Maryland Department of Budget and Management is reminding Medicare-eligible Maryland State retirees and their Medicare-eligible dependents to enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan before Dec. 31
Delaware Governor John Carney signed a series of bills on Monday aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of health care benefits for state retirees.