US Sanctions vs Cuba’s Economic Opening: Cuba’s UN ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán says Washington keeps adding sanctions even as Havana pushes reforms to attract private investment, arguing the latest penalties target state industries and “escape valves” while worsening blackouts, transport cuts, infrastructure damage, and shortages. Power Theft and Grid Sabotage: In Matanzas, a technician at the Electric Company in Jovellanos was arrested after allegedly selling illegal electricity connections that overloaded and blew a transformer supplying 50+ homes; authorities frame it as sabotage under a “zero tolerance” drive. Transport Disruption—Rail Freight Accident: A derailment on the Havana–Santiago line near Piedrecita in Camagüey interrupted service; reports say the freight included containers tied to CMA CGM, a firm that suspended Cuba shipments amid US sanctions threats. Local Business Export Push: Villa Clara is urging SMEs to apply for an export “Booster Program” to reach Europe and North America, with training on standards, tariffs, incoterms, traceability, and financing for agri-food and other sectors. Energy Crisis Workarounds Hit by Theft: Solar streetlights installed in Santiago de Cuba were stolen within weeks, plunging busy avenues back into darkness and deepening strain during ongoing outages. Higher Education Adjusts to Fuel Limits: Universities in Santiago de Cuba will start the 2026-27 year Sept. 1 with decentralized hybrid and distance learning, using municipal teaching centers and more frequent local in-person sessions where possible.