US-Cuba Tensions: Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers Cuba is a “failed state” and a growing national security threat, alleging Havana hosts Chinese and Russian intelligence operations and undermines pro-U.S. governments across Latin America. GAESA Crackdown: Cuba defended military-run conglomerate GAESA as sanctions tighten, while foreign hotel groups reportedly cut ties and tourism takes another hit. Havana Protests Over Blackouts: As Raúl Castro turns 95, residents in multiple Havana neighborhoods staged pot-banging demonstrations against power outages lasting up to 22 hours, with police presence and reports of people pushing back. Energy Crisis Worsens: Cuba’s grid strain deepened after a substation failure and the Cuban National TV blackout during a broadcast, while meteorologists warned Saharan dust will add heat and reduce rainfall. International Pressure: Spain’s universities and research figures signed a manifest opposing military aggression against Cuba as the USS Nimitz presence in the Caribbean fuels speculation. Human Rights Pressure: Activists confronted Rubio in Washington demanding an end to the blockade, while separate reporting highlighted alleged medical neglect in U.S. immigration detention.