Cuba Tourism Shock: Cuba’s tourism sector is in “almost complete paralysis,” with 73% of hotels closed and major international operators exiting, as visitor recovery stalls and infrastructure woes bite. Foreign Investment Pivot: Havana is signaling openness to a “Trump Island” luxury resort on Cayo Santa María, a major shift as sanctions and operator withdrawals squeeze the economy. Power & Travel Disruption: Cuba’s grid failures keep hitting hard, with nationwide blackouts and communication outages affecting daily life and travel conditions. US-Cuba Tensions, Up Close: The U.S. has raised Cuba to “Priority 1” in intelligence planning, and a CIA task force is reportedly aimed at reshaping Cuba’s political elite—raising the stakes for anyone planning travel or business. Healthcare Aid: Brazil’s Landless Workers’ Movement delivered 7.6 tons of high-demand medicines to Cuban hospitals, including critical antibiotics, as shortages worsen. Visa Pressure for the Region: The U.S. is making visa “bond” rules permanent for Cuba and other Caribbean nations, adding extra friction for travelers. Human Rights & Detention: Cuban lawyer Ahymed Socorro Rodríguez is reported in ICE custody in Florida, drawing attention to family ties to a diplomat expelled from the U.S. Culture & Storytelling: Filmmaker Gloria Rolando is seeking support for a project on Black U.S. soldiers’ role in Cuba’s 1898 war—an arts angle for travelers who want more than beaches.