Power Crisis & Public Backlash: In Santiago de Cuba, officials staged a light-and-music “summer start” on Enramadas while residents reported 22+ hours without electricity and long water cuts, sparking pot-banging protests by foreign medical students and renewed anger over priorities. Grid Reliability: Havana and the wider system face severe generation shortfalls, with multiple thermoelectric units out of service and Guiteras again shut for “cooling,” while the UNE projects deep evening deficits. Energy Workarounds: ETECSA is installing photovoltaic systems in Pinar del Río telephone centers to keep communications running during the blackout emergency. Infrastructure & Maintenance: Residents at Havana’s Focsa Building accuse Cimex of neglect and unsafe repairs despite high rental income. Local Business & Consumer Risk: A scam case in Artemisa highlights how buyers are being sold “electric batteries” with fake warranty claims amid shortages. Finance & Payments: BANDEC reiterates that low-denomination Cuban peso notes and coins remain legal tender, warning businesses against refusing them. Energy/Industry Policy: Cuba’s government is pitching its June 19 economic reforms to Chinese investors, including reduced procedures, municipal decentralization, private-sector participation, and long surface rights for foreign projects. Environment & Mining Pressure: A major wildfire in Alejandro de Humboldt National Park is under control, with investigations pointing to conditions where illegal mining is common.