Electricity & basic services: Cuba’s energy minister said some communities have been without power for up to 105 days, with the system facing an “extremely tense” outlook and no short-term fix in sight. Power outages & public order: Footage from El Fanguito shows State Security threatening residents after protests over blackouts, underscoring how the crisis is spilling into daily life and local tensions. Economic overhaul (private sector openings): Cuba’s National Assembly approved a package of reforms, with Díaz-Canel framing them as a way to “uphold socialism” while expanding market rules; lawmakers also moved to open more sectors to private enterprise, including tourism-related changes. Fuel, food, and medicine logistics: MINCEX warned that efforts to block more than 7,000 legally acquired containers in Caribbean ports could worsen shortages for food, water supplies, and medicines. Tourism finance modernization: MINTUR promoted a digital corporate bank for tourism, including virtual-asset services for cross-border investment and payments—prompting skeptical public reaction. Trade & blockade pressure: The U.S. increased food exports to Cuba in May, but separate reporting says Washington also blocked shipments of food and medicine to the island. Business supply chains: A Holguín business exchange focused on strengthening local supply chains and import substitution, linking MSMEs, cooperatives, and investors. Regional diplomacy: China’s foreign ministry urged the U.S. to stop threatening Cuba with force and unilateral sanctions, citing worsening fuel shortages and knock-on effects for electricity, transport, food, and healthcare. Legal/asset disputes: Cuba-linked entities were sued over trafficking in seized assets, adding another layer of uncertainty for investors and state firms. Cuba tourism crisis: Reports describe tourism as near-paralyzed amid the broader energy and fuel squeeze. Culture & industry calendar: The Havana International Book Fair is set for Aug. 10–16 with Russia as guest of honor after a delay tied to the U.S. oil blockade.