Tourism Collapse: Cuba’s Prime Minister Manuel Marrero says nearly 3/4 of hotels are shut, with tourism in “almost total paralysis” as US sanctions, fuel shortages, and a 58% drop in international arrivals (Jan–Jun 2026) crush the sector; he adds that seven major foreign hotel chains have left, leaving about 25,000 workers vulnerable. Energy Crisis in Santiago de Cuba: A fire at the Santiago Este substation forced an emergency shutdown across four circuits, hitting residents as the city already faces prolonged outages and mounting reports. Private-Sector Loosening: Cuba is easing rules for private businesses and imports, removing 46 of 125 restricted activities and opening new space for micro, small and medium firms—while officials insist it’s not privatization. Humanitarian Pressure: Cuba says US sanctions have blocked or delayed over 7,000 legally purchased cargo containers carrying food, energy-grid supplies, water production inputs, and medicines. Healthcare Pay Backlash: A Cuban doctor denounced new salary increases as a “global embarrassment,” saying the raise amounts to about $10/month at current informal exchange rates. Sports Update: Cuba remains in a tight fight for third place in the Santo Domingo 2026 medal table after adding multiple silver medals in rowing and more events scheduled for today.